Many buyers realise only too late that while a property is likely to be the most expensive thing they ever buy it is one of the least-protected by consumer law. With most goods, be it a cabbage or a toaster, you have the right to reject them and demand your money back if they fail to live up to expectations. Property, however, is exempt from the Sale and Supply of Goods Act, with the result homebuyers are stuck with faulty properties.
What can you do about problems in a new build home?
If your home is less than 10 years old – even if you are not the first owner – it is almost certainly covered by a warranty. Home-builders would struggle to sell a property without a warranty, as mortgage-lenders usually insist on this. In 80% of cases this will be the Buildmark policy provided by NHBC.
Other policies include BLP, LABC, Premier Guarantee and Checkmate. Most of these policies work on the same principle:
During the first two years, the policy covers most defects, except for matters of wear and tear and minor defects such as plaster drying cracks. During this period you should contact your builder directly in the first instance.
If your builder is no longer in business, however, you should contact NHBC.
In years 3-10, the policy will only cover major defects, such as structural or weatherproofing problems. During this period the minor defects are excluded – anything which would cost less than £1500 to fix, in the case of the NHBC
From year 11 onwards you will have to rely on your own insurance policy
You solicitor should after completion send you your Warranty as soon as its is available, please keep it in a safe place, and ensure it is passed to your solicitor should you choose to sell.
some website for the different schemes are
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