NHBC Warranty Explained
The National House Building Council (NHBC) is the UK's largest provider of new home warranties. Their Buildmark warranty covers the majority of new build homes in the UK.
What is NHBC Buildmark?
Buildmark is a 10-year warranty and insurance product that provides protection for new build buyers against defects and structural problems. It is not the same as a consumer guarantee - it is primarily an insurance product with specific coverage terms.
The Three Periods
Your builder must fix defects reported. NHBC acts as a backstop if the builder fails to do so.
NHBC provides insurance cover for major structural defects. Cosmetic issues are not covered.
Buildmark warranty expires. You may have rights under your mortgage lender policies.
NHBC Resolution Service
If your builder fails to address defects reported during the first 2 years, you can raise a formal dispute with NHBC. They offer a Resolution Service that adjudicates disputes between builders and buyers.
Alternative Warranties
Not all new builds use NHBC. Alternatives include Premier Guarantee, LABC Warranty, and Build-Zone. The protections are broadly similar but the claim processes differ.
Protect Your Warranty - Book a SurveyFrequently Asked Questions
What does the NHBC Buildmark warranty cover?
NHBC Buildmark covers two periods: years 1-2 (defects period) where your builder must fix workmanship defects, with NHBC acting as a backstop if the builder fails; and years 3-10 (insurance period) where NHBC provides insurance cover for major structural defects only. Cosmetic issues are not covered from year 3 onwards.
How do I make an NHBC claim?
In years 1-2, report defects to your builder first in writing. If the builder fails to respond, you can raise a dispute with the NHBC Resolution Service which is free to use. From year 3, contact NHBC directly to make a structural insurance claim. Keep records of all communications with your builder.
Is the NHBC warranty the same as a builder guarantee?
No. The NHBC Buildmark is primarily an insurance product, not a simple guarantee. It has specific coverage terms, exclusions, and claim processes. Your builder guarantee (defects liability period) is separate and covers workmanship defects in the first 2 years regardless of whether you have NHBC.
What is the NHBC Resolution Service?
The NHBC Resolution Service is a free dispute resolution service for buyers whose builders are not addressing warranty defects. NHBC will review both parties' positions and can require the builder to carry out repairs. It must be used before NHBC will consider paying out on an insurance claim during years 1-2.
Are there alternatives to NHBC warranty?
Yes. Not all new builds use NHBC. Alternatives include Premier Guarantee, LABC Warranty, Build-Zone, and Checkmate. The protections are broadly similar — a 2-year defects period followed by a structural insurance period — but the claims processes and coverage limits differ.
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