We're just over 6 months into living in our Kellen New build. This is their first development and when we reserved our plot, there unfortunately were no reviews and limited information online about Kellen. We did what research we could, met with the builder multiple times and raised multiple questions regarding the timber frame build vs traditional (our previous home was a traditional build). We reserved off plan but were able to view another property once it was completed, same type as ours. The sales process was a little pushy, using the age old "fear of loss" to motivate us to commit and push our sales through our end. Kellen also played the "These properties are in demand" card, which was absolute nonsense as they've been desperate to sell other properties on the estate, throwing in all sorts of crazy deals.Handover was ok, only a week delay. Many of the selling points of the home were not available on completion, despite promises made by sales throughout the process. Some of these were: Internet, Electric car charger, Ring doorbell, Alarm system. Internet took a further 3 weeks to resolve, car charger resolved within a week, ring doorbell within 3 month and the alarm wasn't even wired! The panel wasn't finished properly either. To save cost, Kellen clearly made the poor decision to use electricians rather than alarm fitters to install the alarm. We were without an alarm for 6 months! We also made sales aware that we work remotely and drive an EV, so it was crucial these were working at the time of completion. We were using a mobile hotspot for 2 weeks - no compensation or temp solution was offered, I had to chase hyperoptic myself to get a resolution. Most of the plots on the estate have had issues with their gardens. Poor drainage, boggy grass, uneven/lumpy turf. Kellen have decided to resolve some but not others. We are waiting on a resolution from Kellen for ours. - If you are going to offer a landscaped garden (and charge a premium), do it properly! Or not at all!The timber frame build - I was hesitant given the information available online r.e the quality of the home. There is distinct difference in quality vs traditional build. If you are looking for a new build, go with traditional. The sound proofing is terrible on these, you may as well have a window open all the time, most of the tradesmen refer to them as sheds with brick - I'm inclined to agree! We have a neighbouring gate attached to our property, despite being detached, you can hear a thud throughout the house whenever it is closed (nightmare when builders were in & out). Kellen reviewed and agreed the issue was there, yet NOTHING was done. Thankfully, we have great neighbours who have let us resolve ourselves (one plus of the estate is that everyone we've met so far are lovely! <3 )Communication between site management and customer is non existent. I've come home to find a tradesman digging a hole in our front garden! After questioning, he was as confused as me, thinking we'd been told in advance. Not his fault, Kellen told us nothing. He was exposing some service to the house and was told by Kellen to place a flag in the middle of our front lawn! It would of looked horrendous. Water issues - for a number of weeks, the entire estate had inconsistent water. Usually at the times we needed it most, no water available and no communication from Kellen to advise in advance. Kellen do not communicate any works in advance, only when drains get blocked (i.e when there's a cost to their business). Tradesmen would turn up at 8am in the morning thinking Kellen have made us aware and we’ve had to turn them away on occasion.We've been in dispute with Kellen over missing items our plot does not have compared to the identical house type we viewed during the sales process. For example, a switch to turn the external power sockets on/off from the kitchen. In a meeting, Kellen claimed the electricians didn't follow their plans and installed by "accident". We also found inconsistencies with switches and lightning which have not been installed correctly, particularly in the kitchen were our spot lights don't line up correctly. The chrome sockets ARE NOT chrome sockets, they're cheap plastic plates which sit on top of the sockets and are flimsy/fall off. Kitchen - By KAM kitchens, laminated, oversell by sales, won't last 3/4 years.In summary - the house is disgustingly over priced for what it is! We thought we were paying a premium for a top quality build. But after 6 months in, its safe to say Kellen have used cheap materials, labour and chose cost saving over quality. Save your money. If you go with timber frame, choose one of the cheaper house builders. Otherwise, buy traditional build where possible and avoid Kellen. *Be aware, they are removing shrinkage protection for new developments!
Claim your business profile now and gain access to all features and respond to customer reviews.
Kellen Homes work across the North West to deliver new homes to suit a range of lifestyles and budgets. Each property is carefully designed to maximise space and light and is built to the highest quality. We create communities that people are proud to call home.
