What's covered in the defects period and by the building warranty
Newly-built homes have a 12-month defects period, starting on the day you move in.
A defect is a building flaw or failure that's the builder’s responsibility to put right. These may include:
- problems with light fittings or switches
- plug sockets with no power
- faulty taps, leaking or no water
- issues with electric shower
- doors not shutting properly.
Please let us know of any defects as soon as you become aware of them; don’t leave it to the final inspection.
All new homes take time to settle in and dry out
It typically takes between nine and 12 months for a new home to completely dry out. During this time, you may notice minor cracks in walls and gaps in joinery. These are normal signs of shrinkage, which happen when timbers and other materials contract as they dry.
Emergency defect repairs
For emergency repairs, where there's immediate danger to your health, public safety or a security issue that may lead to serious damage to your home, please call us on 0300 1234 009. If you call out of office hours, you'll be transferred to the out of hours service.
What happens at the end of the 12-month period
At the end of the 12-month period, we’ll arrange a property inspection to identify any outstanding defects with your home and have them rectified accordingly.
Repairs and maintenance after the defects period
If you have a traditional model lease, you are responsible for all repairs and maintenance on your home.
If you have a new model lease, you are responsible for the repairs and maintenance on your home, but you will benefit from an internal repairs allowance of up to £500 a year for the first ten years of the property’s life.
A building warranty is an insurance policy for newly built homes. The warranty is taken out by the builder or developer to protect you as the buyer.
For most homes this is provided by the National House-Building Council (NHBC) or Local Authority Building Control (LABC) or equivalent.
Certificate and policy booklet
Your solicitor will give you a certificate detailing your new home warranty when you move in. This will include details of how to make a claim.
If your home has an NHBC warranty, you can download your policy booklet on the NHBC website – you’ll need your policy number from your certificate.
If your home has a LABC warranty, you can download a homeowners handbook on the LABC website.
Get in touch with us
If you're planning to claim against your building warranty, please get in touch with us first, as we may be able to offer advice.