Last edited 24 Sep 2015

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.