Everything you need to know about New Build Warranties

March 1, 2024 | Dan Todd

One of the main benefits of buying a new build home is that it comes with a 10-year building warranty.

All Onward Living new build homes are independently assessed during construction and are covered by one of these warranties, such as the NHBC Buildmark Choice Warranty, or an equivalent from another warranty provider.

The 10-year warranty gives you added peace of mind as a buyer. Should there be any problems with the structure of your new home, or any other defects, you can rest assured that you won’t have to pay to get them fixed.

In this article, we explore everything you need to know about 10-year warranties on new build homes.

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What is a New Build Warranty?

A New Build Warranty is a type of insurance policy, taken out by the developer or builder, which covers the homeowner against any structural issues or defects in their newly-built home.

New Build Warranties typically provide cover for a 10-year period, and are there to give new homeowners added peace of mind when they are buying their home.

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What do New Build Warranties cover?

New build warranty policies may differ slightly, but most offer comprehensive cover that protects you against the cost of any major structural defects, including elements such as foundations, roofs, ceilings, load bearing walls and stairs, plus glazing in outside walls.

New build warranties can usually be broken down into two parts:

1. Two-year builder warranty period (0-2 years) – during this phase, the builder or developer is responsible for putting right any problems caused by any physical damage or defect to your home as a result of faulty workmanship or materials.

2. Eight-year structural insurance (3-10 years) – during this phase, specific parts of the property are covered against structural defects. Examples of what’s covered include:

• Water ingress through the roof or walls (due to a defect in specific parts of the home)
• Damage resulting from a defect in the foundations, load-bearing walls & floors, roofs
• Damage resulting from a defect in the drainage below ground that serves the home for which the policyholder is legally responsible
• Damage resulting from a defect in staircases inside of the home

What’s more, some warranties may also include contaminated land cover and deposit protection should your builder or developer become insolvent.

As with any insurance policy, make sure you read the policy document carefully to find out exactly what you’re covered for.

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What isn’t covered by a New Build Warranty?

While the New Build Warranty offers comprehensive cover, there are some things that, understandably, aren’t included. Things that aren’t covered by the New Build Warranty can include:

• General wear and tear over time
• Damage cause by bad weather
• Defects that occur after the initial two-year builder warranty period
• Problems resulting from alterations, extensions or conversions carried out after the completion date
• Problems caused by inadequate home maintenance
• Any minor faults or cosmetic issues that don’t affect the property’s structure or habitability
• Problems with damp and mould (unless this has happened as a result of the builder or developer failing to meet the warranty provider’s standards)

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Do I still need home insurance?

While the New Build Home Warranty is a reassuring thing to have, it doesn’t cover you for every eventuality – such as a flood or a fire, for instance.

Therefore, it’s still important to make sure you take out buildings insurance to fully protect your investment.

In fact, if you’re buying your home with the help of a mortgage provider, your lender will expect you to have buildings insurance in place.

And don’t forget, you’ll also need to get contents insurance to cover all your prized possessions inside your home.

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So, if you’re thinking about becoming a homeowner, there’s one more reason why it makes sense to buy a new build home.

With so many things to consider when purchasing a home, making sure your property is protected against any defects or structural issues will be one less thing to worry about.