Buildmark for homes
The National House Building Council (NHBC) is a standard-setting body and provider of warranties and insurance for new homes. It works with the house-building industry to raise standards and provides consumer protection for homebuyers.
Mandatory technical requirements must be met by contractors building properties registered with NHBC, and NHBC inspectors visit registered developments at key stages during construction.
NHBC warranty and insurance policies protect approximately 80% of all new homes built in the UK. Buildmark is a 10 year warranty and insurance policy offered by the NHBC for newly-built or newly-converted private homes.
If the contractor does not start or complete construction, because of insolvency or fraud, the policy reimburses the purchasers deposit or arranges for the home to be completed.
During the first 2 years the builder is responsible for putting right any damage caused by their failure to build to the NHBC Standards.
During years 3 to 10 insurance covers the cost of putting right physical damage in specified parts of the home above a minimum claim value.
If NHBC Building Control Services inspected the works for compliance with building regulations, the policy will provide cover against certain breaches of some building regulations if they pose a danger to the physical health and safety of the occupants.
There may be additional cover where a statutory notice about contamination land has been issued.
Buildmark does not cover general wear and tear, condensation, normal shrinkage, cosmetic damage or damage arising from failure to maintain the property.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
70+ experts appointed to public sector fire safety framework
The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework from LHC Procurement.
Project and programme management codes of practice
CIOB publications for built environment professionals.
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.
Quick summary by size, shape, test, material, use or bonding.
Types of rapidly renewable content
From forestry to agricultural crops and their by-products.
Terraced houses and the public realm
The discernible difference between the public realm of detached housing and of terraced housing.
Looking back at the influence of climate events
From a designer and writer: 'There are limits to growth but no limits to development'.
Terms, histories, theories and practice.
Biophilic design and natural light
Letting in the light and natural elements into spaces.