When the NHBC step in, apparently.
In the build up to buying and moving into our new home we witnessed some pretty impressive thinking on their feet by the people on site. The reason for this was apparently the NHBC would not insure homes with timber frame balconies. We were told this was a new policy, and despite the fact the rest of the house is constructed in pretty much the same way as the balconies, the NHBC insisted the design be changed to incorporate a steel frame.
Anyway, during the construction it seems that someone involved in the design forgot that you might want to cover up the steelwork to make the house look “pretty”, and this was really worrying us as exchange date approached. But, credit where credit is due, after a fair amount head scratching, and trying out alternative methods, we’re really pleased with how it turned out. The “older” houses have simply brown painted timber visible under the balconies, but they cut trespa panels to fit, so all looks smooth and inline. Great job by Wimpey and Wood Newton on this one, we had our doubts, but they pulled it off…
