Understanding your new home.

Your home at Rydon Village has been newly constructed using modern materials and construction methods. Unlike older properties, new homes go through a natural period of drying out and settling during the first months of occupation.

This is a normal part of the construction process and does not indicate a fault.

What to expect in the first year

During the early life of your home, you may notice:

·Minor cracking to walls, ceilings, or external finishes
·Small gaps or movement around skirting boards, architraves, and joinery
·Changes in sealants around kitchens, bathrooms, and windows
·Doors or windows needing slight adjustment

These occur as materials dry out and the structure settles. They are common in all new homes and are not usually defects.

Heating & internal conditions

Your home is heated using an air source heat pump system, which operates differently from a traditional boiler. For best performance:

·maintain steady heating levels rather than repeatedly switching the system on and off
·allow time for the home to warm up gradually
·avoid large temperature fluctuations

Keeping a consistent internal environment helps improve comfort and can also help reduce movement in materials as the home settles.

Further guidance in our Heating & Hot Water section →

Condensation & ventilation

Condensation is caused by moisture in the air coming into contact with cooler surfaces. In new homes, moisture levels can be higher initially due to the drying-out process. To reduce condensation:

·use extractor fans when cooking or bathing
·keep background ventilation open where provided
·leave window trickle vents open and unblocked
·avoid drying clothes indoors without adequate ventilation
·maintain consistent heating

Where window vents are provided, these should generally be left open to allow background ventilation, particularly when cooking, bathing, or drying clothes. Condensation is typically linked to internal moisture, ventilation, and heating patterns and is not usually a defect.

External environment & weathering

Rydon Village is located in a rural Devon setting, which naturally affects how external materials behave. You may notice:

·Changes in appearance of render or external finishes
·Organic growth such as algae or moss
·Weathering due to seasonal conditions

These are normal environmental effects, particularly in areas with higher moisture levels or shaded elevations.

External finishes (including render)

External finishes such as render are designed to be breathable and exposed to the elements. Over time, they may:

·change slightly in colour
·develop organic growth
·require cleaning

This is a normal part of their performance and forms part of routine home maintenance. Suitable cleaning products are widely available, and guidance is provided in this Homeowner Hub.

Ongoing & seasonal home maintenance

Your home has been designed for comfortable, low-maintenance living. However, all homes require regular upkeep. Typical maintenance includes:

·cleaning external surfaces such as render and paving
·clearing gutters and drainage routes, especially in autumn and after heavy rain
·checking external areas after periods of severe weather
·maintaining sealants where required
·using ventilation systems correctly
·keeping the external heat pump unit clear of leaves, debris, and obstructions

Regular seasonal maintenance helps preserve the condition, appearance, and performance of your home.

Defects vs normal behaviour

It is important to understand the difference between a defect, normal new-home behaviour, and routine homeowner maintenance.

Typically considered defects

·issues affecting structural integrity
·failures in installed systems
·significant water ingress
·workmanship issues beyond reasonable tolerance

Typically normal behaviour or maintenance

·minor cracking or shrinkage
·material movement during the drying-out period
·environmental effects such as algae, weathering, or colour variation
·condensation caused by internal moisture, heating, or ventilation patterns
·routine upkeep such as cleaning external surfaces, gutters, sealants, and drainage

Further general guidance is available from public resources and recognised industry guidance providers. Where there is any uncertainty, please contact us in writing and we will review the matter.

Minor cracking, shrinkage & settlement

During the early life of your home, you may notice minor cracking, small gaps, or slight movement around walls, ceilings, skirting boards, architraves, sealants, doors, and windows.

This is common in new homes as materials dry out and settle.

Minor cracking and shrinkage may continue during the first year. Where appropriate, these items are often best reviewed once the initial drying-out period has completed, so that any necessary minor making-good works can be considered together rather than repeatedly.

If you are concerned about cracking or movement, please report it in writing with photographs so that it can be reviewed.

When to report an issue

If you believe something is not performing as expected:

·report it in writing
·include photographs where possible
·provide a clear description and location

We will assess and confirm whether the issue requires action or falls within normal behaviour, environmental exposure, or homeowner maintenance.

Our approach

We aim to:

·respond promptly
·assess issues fairly
·distinguish between defects and normal behaviour
·provide guidance where maintenance is required

Need advice?

If you have any questions about your home, please contact us using the details provided in your handover documentation.

Further guidance

For general public guidance on ventilation, condensation, damp and mould, see ICW's homeowner guide:

Getting to Know Your HomeICW · PDF · opens in a new tab ↗