NHBC 10 Year Warranty

An NHBC warranty, specifically the Buildmark policy from the National House-Building Council (NHBC), provides 10 years of protection for new-build homes in the UK, combining a 2-year builder warranty with an 8-year structural defects insurance. The first two years involve the builder addressing defects, with NHBC guaranteeing the builder's obligations, while the subsequent eight years cover damage from structural defects and contaminated land. The warranty is paid for by the builder, not the homeowner, and includes features like deposit protection and cover for the homeowner if they cannot live in their home due to repairs.  

Buildmark Policy Overview

• Duration: 10 years from the completion of the new-build home.
• Provider: NHBC (National House-Building Council).
• What it Covers:
  • Pre-Completion: Deposit protection in case the builder becomes insolvent before the home is completed.
  • Years 1-2 (Builder Warranty): The builder is responsible for defects that breach NHBC standards, with the NHBC guaranteeing the builder's obligations.
  • Years 3-10 (Insurance): Covers damage caused by defects in specific structural components, such as foundations, and for issues with contaminated land.

Key Features & Benefits

• Homeowner Cost: The premium is paid by the builder, meaning there is no cost to the homeowner.
• Insolvency Protection: Provides cover if the builder goes bankrupt and cannot finish construction.
• Alternative Accommodation: Can cover reasonable costs for alternative housing and storage if needed due to repairs.
• Transferable: The warranty stays with the property, not the owner, so it can be transferred to a new buyer.
• Dispute Resolution: The NHBC offers a resolution service to help resolve disputes with the builder.

How it Works

• The policy documents, including the Buildmark policy booklet, provide full details on the cover and exclusions.
• Homeowners should contact their builder to report defects within the first two years of the warranty period.
• For claims during the insurance period, homeowners should refer to their policy documents and contact NHBC.