Caveat emptor - use an independent solicitor and snagging company (Barratt Homes)

Member Name: Simon

Product:	Barratt Homes
Date:	10/08/08 (473 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Comparatively painless ... nothing major wrong

Disadvantages: Management company employed by Barratts

I bought a 2 bed flat from Barratts in Woking, Surrey in Sept 2005. I have had very few problems with them I employed Inspector Home who identified 19 snags (problems) with my flat and got them rectified before I moved in, All of these were very minor.
I also employed my own solicitor who asked to see a lot of paperwork (which wasn;t forthcoming).
I believe Barratts are no worse than any other builder and, as the new build housing market is effectively unregulated, work on the naivety of many first time buyers. Therefore use your own solicitors, get everything writing from Barratts (e.g. any free upgrades), negotiate a discount and unless you are a builder yourself use your own snagging company (costs about £300-£500) but well worthwhile.
In summary, I believe the customer service in new build is terrible but Barratts are no better or no worse than other builders.
Overall I had a very positive experience with Barratts, the management company they employed (Peverel OM), however is a different story. A lot of your experience depends on who you deal with and which company Barratts sub contract the actual building to.

Summary: Overall a fairly positive experience, however don't walk into this process with your eyes shut.