NHBC Standards

Your essential guide to house building from foundations to roofs and finishing

What are NHBC Standards?

The NHBC Standards define the technical requirements and performance standards for the design and construction of new homes registered with us and provide guidance on how these can be achieved. 

Our dedicated Standards team is committed to continuous improvement. They work with stakeholders across the industry to ensure that the NHBC Standards keep pace with regulatory change, reflect the latest consumer expectations and the industry’s needs. This means that the Standards are always relevant, providing additional support and guidance to help builders and developers to raise standards in house building by championing high-quality homes and protecting homeowners.

NHBC Standards 2024

NHBC Standards 2024

NHBC Standards 2024 is the current version and available to view online. It applies to every NHBC registered home whose foundations were begun on or after 1 January 2024, applying throughout the UK, unless otherwise stated.

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Need a printed copy?

Pre-order your copy of the NHBC Standards 2025 through our shop for delivery in January 2025.

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Your video guides to the NHBC Standards 2025

2025 changes

Watch our video guide which explores the upcoming NHBC Standards 2025. This video guide will provide you with essential updates directly from our technical team, ensuring you are well-prepared for the changes ahead.

Part 11 – Modern Methods of Construction

This video guide explores the newly introduced Part 11 in the NHBC Standards 2025 on Modern Methods of Construction, equipping you with the knowledge to achieve the performance standards.

What's changed in the NHBC Standards 2025?

We have a new Part 11 for NHBC Standards 2025, plus new or updated technical information affecting around 5% of the total clauses. In addition, we’ve made improvements to clause and sub-clause numbering which will make recording of Reportable Items and claims information more accurate. There are no changes to Technical Requirements R1 to R5.

Here are the most significant technical changes:

  • Part 11 – new section on Modern Methods of Construction incorporating three new chapters: general requirements, closed panel systems and volumetric systems
  • Chapter 3.3 – updates to durability and the requirements for free draining post bases and service life expectations for non-structural timber components for porches and canopies
  • Chapter 4.4 - enhanced guidance on compressible materials
  • Chapter 5.3 - introduction of clause on drainage under buildings
  • Chapter 5.4 - general update and introduction of commentary concerning free lime/mineral salt leaching and use of anti-lime solutions
  • Chapter 6.1 - improved guidance on check reveals, full fill insulation and further clarification on complex junctions
  • Chapter 7.2 - additional guidance on underlay, sarking board and sheets
  • Chapter 8.1 – clarification on the position of cable securing for access and egress routes, update to the provision of UVHWSS discharge pipe terminations
  • Chapter 8.6 - updated guidance in relation to pipe insulation requirements for heating and hot water systems
  • Chapter 9.2 - updated requirements for moisture resistant plasterboard to ceilings.

You can see a full list of all changes, including minor ones, in chapter order here.

Conversions and renovations 2023

The Standards for Conversions and Renovations provide guidance on the type of project that will be acceptable to NHBC, the scope of the survey(s) and work that will be required.

Conversions and renovations are projects that involve work to existing buildings or parts of existing buildings.

Examples include:

  • the conversion of an existing residential building into flats
  • the renovation of an existing residential building(s)
  • the subdivision or merging of existing dwelling(s) or flat(s)
  • the addition of a new storey to an existing building
  • façade retention schemes.

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Previous versions of NHBC Standards

The NHBC Standards online archive contains issues going back to 2010. You can view them all below.

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Technical disclaimer

Any technical information contained on this website is produced by NHBC as guidance solely for all our builder customers as to how to interpret the technical requirements in relation to the warranty cover provided by NHBC under its Buildmark, Buildmark Choice, Buildmark Link, Buildmark Solo, Buildmark Connect or any similar product from time to time. It has not been created or intended for distribution or use outside of that purpose. The technical information contained on this web page does not constitute advice and is not to be relied upon by any third party. Nothing on this web page is intended to, nor should it be taken to, create any legal or contractual relationship. Any third party who chooses to rely upon the information contained on this web page shall do so entirely at their own risk and NHBC accepts no duty of care or liability, however caused, in connection with its use or reliance by any third party.