In this blog, we give an overview of the NHBC and how to contact them with your housing complaints. We also include an update to the NHBC standards for 2022.
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What is the NHBC?
The NHBC is the UK’s leading new homes warranty and insurance provider. They exist independent of the government and the construction industry and actively carry out research and development into construction quality and the ever-changing housing industry. The NHBC have now released the 2022 edition of their technical standards.
The NHBC standards are a great source of information for new home buyers who want to know what is and is not a defect or snag, the standards have 10 sections starting with a welcome and finishing with External works.
Changes to the NHBC Standards for 2022
The new standards will come into effect for every new home foundation started and covered by an NHBC warranty from the 1st of January 2022
There are several updates to the 2022 standards that reflect building industry changes. This ensures that they remain relevant and accurate. These include changes to the industry guidance on concrete mix proportions (chapter 3.1), a new site and design guide for concrete elements in the ground (chapter 3.1), and updates to external masonry, timber frame, and internal walls (chapter 6.1 – 6.3).
With new standards being released every year, it is important to ensure you are correctly referring back to the one that corresponds with the year your house was built.
Complying with the NHBC Standards
Under the NHBC warranty and insurance cover, your builder is required to build in accordance with the NHBC Technical Requirements which are contained within the NHBC Standards. These provide acceptable levels of design, material specification, and workmanship.
If you feel that you have defects that do not comply with the standards, then you can reference the NHBC guide to see how your builder should have complied with them. You then may think about putting in a claim via the NHBC.
There are separate standards for house conversions and renovations which you can contact the NHBC about if you require further information about this.
Complaints to the NHBC
If you find that your house does not comply with these standards, you are able to make claims through the NHBC. These claims, or complaints, can be about any aspect of your home that you have found to be non-compliant with the standards. Depending on the area of concern, the NHBC will then offer you a resolution report, with details of the builder’s responsibility or a resolution service.
If you have a housing concern but are not sure whether it is a snagging issue or one for the NHBC, talk to us.
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