Taylor Wimpey Spencer Fields - Inverkeithing

David P.

Our house is located at the bottom of the development. TW mentioned during the sale process that they would install drainage if required. Unfortunately this was only discussed verbally prior to signing and I wish there was a written record. TW was obviously aware of a potential risk if they brought it up during the conversation.

After a couple of rainy days in July 2023 we realised the garden (and especially the area along the house) was very prone to water logging. Soil is made of clay, which doesn’t help at draining. Our newly planted trees and flowers started to rot and die, and had no option but to re-pot everything temporarily, hoping to save the maximum.

We contacted TW with photographic evidence, showing that the soil was still saturated and not drying 2 weeks after the last rain. TW refused to acknowledge the issue and didn’t bother sending their Site Manager (Mitchell D.) pretending this was normal.

NHBC was contacted, arranged a meeting with all parties but TW did not show up. To be noted that TW is supposed to investigate the issue if water logging is within 3 meters of the property, which was the case here.

Due to relative urgency, with a saturated garden during the summer months, and the house foundations exposed to continuous muddy soil, we had no choice but to contact local drainage companies for quotes. We ended up paying more than £3K for the installation of french drains around the garden and along the house itself.

TW refused to cover this cost, despite being related to a drainage design issue while setting up the site around our house.

As of today (2024) the garden is draining better. We had to pay several thousand pounds to fix TW omission of drainage. But most importantly, they reluctance to fix the issue. This is why I am leaving a negative review here.

I hope my experience will help others. Please be aware of drainage. This is not something always obvious and don’t assume it will be
taken care of by TW.

Iain M.

Has anyone noticed the good reviews don't appear to be from people who have bought houses at Taylor Wimpey Spencerfields. Why would people who haven't bought a property leave such positive reviews?

Anyway, I did buy a property but wish I hadn't. TW have a "no water pooling within 2m of the property guarantee". This is worthless as myself and at least 2 of my neighbours have this issue but TW refuse to acknowledge it. Actually, they did visit my property and agree there was a drainage issue. They sent out an independent contractor to quote on getting it fixed. A few months later, TW visited again (for no reason) and decided there wasn't actually a drainage issue after all. I don't know the other person who left a review about this issue. It therefore appears to be a problem all over the development, which TW are refusing to acknowledge.

I also have holes in my outside walls.

I also have a lawn that more resembles a farmer's field than a newly laid lawn. Covered in thistles, couch grass, and a crop that appears to be wheat or barley. TW claim this is a "maintenance" issue and therefore not their liability. Landscapers have confirmed the only solution is to lift the turf, rotavate the ground properly, and returf. The cost to fix is over double what I initially paid TW. I'll upload some pictures. Please note the dark round patches are my fault as I used the wrong thistle spray on the lawn. However, the general thinness of the grass in many areas of the lawn appear to be the result of water logging.

Their complaints process is pointless. The response I got was that they had to accept what the site manager said. No independent investigation or assessment. What is the point of having a complaints process if they don't bother looking into it. The only reason I now complain is to get their Final Response letter so I can take the complaint further with the NHBC etc.

Also the water pressure for my central heating continues to drop. This suggests a leak in the system, causing god knows what kind of damage.

Don't believe a word they tell you, from sales to site manager. You get what your given and if you don't like it, tough!

Ryan

Generally they build a great house but the aftersales is shocking. They are not great at communicating. We have been trying to get poor landscaping around us sorted for 7 months. We are very slowly getting there. Plants are all dead !!! Plus we were told a few lies when being sold the plot. Don't get me wrong the houses are great but built by contactors but TW as after sales is terrible.

G C.

Very professional and kind staff ( sales executive). Keep up the good work.

Jim M.

Very nice new housing development

Leo C.

Nice development and houses, staff unwelcoming.

Andrew W.

Nice quiet area

Thomas D.

Work related