NHBC technical standards 2016
The 2019 NHBC Standards came into force for every new home registered with NHBC where foundations were begun on or after 1 January 2019.
The National House Building Council (NHBC) is an independent regulator for the new homes industry. It is the UK’s leading standard-setting body and provider of insurance and warranties for newly-built homes. It is also the largest single approved inspector for the building regulations.
NHBC standards set technical requirements, performance standards and guidance for the design and construction of houses that are acceptable to the NHBC. They are supported by guidance notes, videos and other supplementary material for each section.
NHBC technical standards 2016, is applicable to every NHBC registered home with foundations that was started on, or after 1 January 2016 (but before 2019). The previous NHBC technical standards 2014 are applicable to every NHBC registered home with foundations that was started on, or after the 1 January 2014, but before 1 January 2016.
NHBC suggest that the 2016 edition introduces the most significant design and content revision in over two decades. It is clearer and more concise, shorter, with less duplication, more useable online and includes 3D models to illustrate details more clearly. There is additional guidance on waterproofing of basements and other below-ground structures, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, along with minor changes to technical guidance.
Standards Plus is a fully interactive digital version that includes supplementary technical information and interactive elements. It is freely available.
The contents of NHBC Standards 2016 are:
- Welcome.
- Introduction.
- General.
- Foundations.
- Substructure, ground floors, drainage and basements.
- Superstructure (excluding roofs).
- Roofs.
- Services.
- Finishes.
- External works.
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