The builder warranty period is usually two years from the start date of the policy shown on the policy certificate.
The builder warranty period is usually two years from the start date of the policy shown on the policy certificate.
During this period, the builder, not NHBC, is responsible for rectifying problems arising from the builder's failure to meet NHBC requirements.
Contact the builder as soon as you reasonably can (but always within the builder warranty period) and keep a record of what you said, who you wrote to or spoke to, and when.
If the builder fails to fulfil their obligations, we may be able to assist under our resolution service.
The resolution service is designed to help settle disputes about a defect and what work the builder needs to do to meet their responsibilities under the builder warranty to meet the NHBC requirements. Before we can consider offering our resolution service, you must have:
notified the builder of the items you want rectifying within the builder warranty period
allowed them a reasonable period of time and access to complete the necessary work, and
have gone through the entire builder's complaint process and received a final written response from the builder.
There may be circumstances where our resolution service isn't suitable. If that is the case, we will explain why. If you believe your builder is insolvent, please contact us for further advice.
We may offer our resolution service to help resolve problems that arise between you and the builder during the builder warranty period. To request this service, you must have gone through the builder’s entire complaints procedure and have a final written response from them.
Watch the video to learn about:
What to do if your builder fails to respond.
When to contact NHBC.
What we can assess under the resolution service.
We guarantee the builder’s obligations under the builder warranty. This means we will cover you if the builder fails to comply with their obligations under the builder warranty. Please refer to your policy documents for full details.
If you are not sure what your policy covers or need help making a claim, our frequently asked questions may be useful.
Buildmark is our 10-year warranty and insurance cover for new build homes. The cover is split into different sections. Insolvency cover after exchange of contracts, a builder warranty and NHBC Guarantee for two years after completion and then eight years of insurance cover against defects to certain parts of the home.
After the builder warranty ends, we provide insurance cover (usually for a period of eight years) until the expiry of the policy.
Find out moreYour conveyancer should have provided you with an NHBC Buildmark policy booklet and insurance certificate which explains your cover.
Download your Buildmark policy documents or request an insurance certificate.
Find out what you should do if you need to make a claim on your Buildmark policy.
Check out our list of FAQs for homeowners or people looking to buy a new-build or newly-converted home.
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Industry-led schemes which give protection and rights to the buyers of new homes, ensuring they are treated fairly and are fully informed about their purchase.
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