A new build warranty is a type of insurance taken out by the house builder and
is aimed at protecting them for ten years against defects in the homes they build.
The home builder pays for putting rights any defects including snagging defects in the first two years. Whereas in years 3 -10 the insurance company will cover the more serious structural defects.
Therefore home buyers only have 2 years to reports and have fixed any snagging defects in their new build home.
Who provides warranties?
National House Building Council (NHBC)
The NHBC is the UK's leading warranty provider and was formed by the government back in 1965, with a non-profit making and an aim of becoming the standards setting body for the industry and the new build leading warranty provider in the UK. The NHBC has around 85% of new homes in the UK under their scheme. The NHBC gives new build buyers a 10 year 'Buildmark' warranty. The NHBC inspections teams visit new build homes at key stages during the construction and in some areas of the country they additionally provide building control .
Zurich Municipal
Zurich is one of the world's leading insurance companies and they are one of the few alternatives to the NHBC. They are the second biggest player in the market. Their service is similar to that of the NHBC and they provide a 10 year warranty and publish a set of standards which registered houebuilders have to follow.
The problem with new build warranties
These policies are not impartial as the builder pays for them and most home buyers do not know about the process that must be followed to make a claim. Most don't know that there is a minimum claim amount and many home buyers do not know they have a problem with their property as there is no published standards available to the public.
It is therefore important to get yourself a snagging checklist or a professional snagger to inspect your new home.