Common issues

Tips and repair advice

We've listed some common potential issues, along with repair advice. Please avoid making repairs until 18 months after construction was completed, at which point your home should have finished dying out. 

Moisture from construction

The materials used to build your home contained moisture that will work its way out over a period of 6-18 months, depending on the weather conditions when construction took place. As the evaporation of this moisture can cause cracking and movement of finishes, it's important that you allow your home to dry out as naturally as possible.

Redecorating your home before the drying out process is complete can cause damage to finishes and fittings, for which Space Homes cannot be held responsible.

Effective Ventilation

By using the heating only sparingly at first, then keeping your home at an even as possible temperture at all times during the drying out period, the underlying building structure will warm up slowly and moisture will evaporate gradually, minimising shrinkage cracking. 

Evaporating moisture should be ventilated away to minimise problems caused by condensation. Whenever it's secure to do so, you should keep your windows open, and keep doors, fitted wardrobes and cupboards ajar, to encourage air flow around your home.

Similarly, extractor fans have been installed in your kitchen and bathroom(s), and should be used during and after cooking and washing, as these activities cause excess steam.

While modern standards of insulation should minimise harmful condensation after building materials have fully dried out, you should continue to encourage effective ventilation in your home via the above measures, as some daily activities still produce signifcant water vapour, which can lead to mould forming.

Movement and Shrinkage

As the drying out process can cause materials to shrink, you may notice some of the following by products. Please note that minor shrinkage issues aren't classed as structural defects under your home warranty, so Space Homes isn't responsible for repairing them.

You should fill, sand and repaint any areas where small cracks are beginning to appear in internal walls.
 

Visible fixings

If screws are starting to show in plastered surfaces, you should screw them tight to the surface and then fill, sand and repaint the area.

 

Dropped bath or shower tray

If you notice a bath or shower tray has dropped slightly, you should reseal the edges with a good quality sealant.


Efflorescence 

You may notice a white, chalky substance on the outside of the building. This is sodium salts escaping from construction materials and is a process known as efflorescence. It's harmless and will wash away naturally in the rain, or you can remove it using a dry brush.

Excess Moisture

Any mould or mildew showing on internal walls should be treated as soon as possible, using a suitable cleaner. You should ensure that the affected area is ventilated well in the future.

If you notice condensation appearing on your windows, this can be wiped away using a clean, dry cloth. Keeping the trickle vents fitted to windows open can help avoid the condensation reappearing.

What can I report as a defect?
The following list details everything that you can report as a defect to us:
  • Leaking plumbing
  • Doors or windows not opening or closing properly
  • Roofing and tiling faults
  • Structural problems
  • Incorrectly fitted fixtures and fittings
  • Electrical sockets or switches not working
  • Leaking guttering

The below list gives an over view of issues we would not cover:
  • Vandalism, accidental damage or wear and tear
  • Plasterwork shrinkage, cracks less than 3mm wide and nail pops
  • Lack of ventilation
  • Servicing of appliances eg. the boiler
  • Blocked guttering, plumbing or draining issues from misuse
  • Registering warranties for in-built appliances, eg. hob, oven or cooker hood
  • Storm or wind damage
When can I decorate my new home?
The materials used to build your home contained moisture that will work its way out over a period of 6-18 months, depending on the weather conditions when construction took place. Redecorating your home before the drying out process is complete can cause damage to finishes and fittings, for which Space Homes cannot be held responsible. 
I have noticed cracks appearing in my wall, what should I do?
The materials used to build your home contained moisture that will work its way out over a period of 6-18 months, depending on the weather conditions when construction took place. The evaporation of this moisture can cause cracking and movement of finishes, it's important that you allow your home to dry out as naturally as possible.

To repair the cracks, you should fill, sand and repaint any areas where small cracks are beginning to appear in internal walls.
What is the white chalky substance on my home?
You may notice a white, chalky substance on the outside of the building. This is sodium salts escaping from construction materials and is a process known as efflorescence. It's harmless and will wash away naturally in the rain, or you can remove it using a dry brush.
How can I prevent condensation on my windows?

If you notice condensation appearing on your windows, this can be wiped away using a clean, dry cloth. Keeping the trickle vents fitted to windows open can help avoid the condensation reappearing.