The 10-year NHBC (National House Building Council) guarantee, also known as Buildmark cover, is a warranty and insurance policy provided for newly built homes in the UK. This guarantee offers homeowners protection against certain defects and issues that may arise in their property. Here’s a detailed explanation of what the NHBC guarantee covers and how it works:
Overview
The NHBC guarantee is designed to protect homeowners from the financial costs associated with fixing defects that may arise due to faulty construction, materials, or workmanship in new homes. It is divided into distinct periods, each covering different aspects of the property.
Coverage Periods
- Pre-Completion (Exchange to Completion)
- Before Completion: The NHBC provides protection against the builder becoming insolvent between exchange of contracts and legal completion, ensuring the home can be completed or deposits refunded if necessary.
- The First 2 Years (Builder Warranty Period)
- Duration: From the date of legal completion to the end of the second year.
- Coverage: The builder is responsible for fixing any defects or problems that arise due to poor workmanship or materials. This includes issues like faulty plumbing, heating, wiring, and structural defects.
- Claim Process: Homeowners need to contact the builder directly to address any issues. If the builder fails to resolve the problems, the NHBC may intervene.
- Years 3 to 10 (NHBC Insurance Period)
- Duration: From the start of the third year to the end of the tenth year after legal completion.
- Coverage: The NHBC covers major structural defects that could affect the stability or integrity of the home. This includes issues with foundations, walls, roofs, and other load-bearing elements.
- Claim Process: Homeowners need to contact NHBC directly to make a claim. An NHBC inspector will assess the defect to determine if it is covered under the policy.
Additional Features
- NHBC Resolution Service: During the first two years, if disputes arise between the homeowner and the builder regarding defects, the NHBC offers a resolution service to mediate and help resolve these issues.
- Insurance Protection: For the duration of the guarantee, the NHBC insurance also covers certain costs incurred if the builder fails to meet their obligations or if the homeowner has to move out temporarily due to repairs.
Exclusions
While the NHBC guarantee covers a wide range of defects and issues, there are some exclusions, including:
- General wear and tear.
- Damage resulting from lack of maintenance.
- Cosmetic damage that does not affect the structure.
- Issues caused by alterations or modifications made by the homeowner after completion.
Making a Claim
To make a claim, homeowners should:
- Identify the Issue: Determine if the defect is covered under the NHBC guarantee.
- Contact the Builder: For issues within the first two years, contact the builder directly.
- Contact NHBC: For major structural defects between years 3 and 10, or if the builder does not resolve the issue, contact NHBC directly.
- Provide Documentation: Submit any necessary documentation, including proof of purchase, details of the defect, and any communication with the builder.
The NHBC guarantee provides significant peace of mind for homeowners, ensuring that their investment is protected against major defects and issues that could arise in a newly built home.