New Build Warranties – What Can You Claim For?

If you have a newly-built property that’s younger than 10 years, it’ll likely have a new build structural warranty. If you’re the very first occupants of the property, it should have a new home guarantee – though it’s not legally mandatory for contractors to put one in place so it’s best to check.

To know exactly what you can claim for when there’s an issue with your new build home, you must first understand what the warranty is and how long it lasts.

Continue reading to figure out exactly what you can claim for and what to do when you spot a defect on your new build

What is a new build structural warranty?

A new build structural warranty is an insurance policy designed to cover newly-built homes. It’s a warranty that protects homeowners against any latent structural defects in the workmanship of the building.

This 10-year coverage is split into two parts: the first two years where the contractor is liable, and the final eight years where any defects go through the warranty provider.

As building regulations continue to change, it’s now common practice for contractors and property sellers to include a new build structural warranty. While it’s not mandatory, it’s good practice to ensure the property is covered.

The warranty provider will ensure that highly qualified surveyors inspect the property during key stages of the construction process to minimise risks of problems being overlooked that can lead to greater issues further down the line.

What’s included in a new build structural warranty?

In the first two years of a new build structural warranty, any issues discovered are the contractor’s liability. They must complete any repairs for free during this period of coverage.

Issues such as faulty pipes, damaged door frames, poor brickwork and broken or misaligned windows must be corrected by the contractor/builder responsible for the construction.

From years three to 10, the liability then moves away from the contractor as any smaller issues can be put down to general wear and tear.

What to do when you spot a defect

If you are the first occupant of the newly-built property and you’ve found defects within the first couple of years, these issues are the contractor’s responsibility to fix.

Make sure to contact the contractor as soon as possible and keep a note of all communication, including dates and times of emails and telephone calls. If there are any problems, these pieces of evidence are vital.

Make a note and take pictures of all the defects you’ve found. Whether they’re cracked door frames, loose window frames, or broken roof tiles, make a note immediately and record everything with date and timestamps. Also, do not sit on these defects; make it clear to the liable builders that they exist to get the process moving quickly.

If, for any reason, the contractor refuses to repair the issues – or ignores your contact – speak to your warranty provider immediately.

If you’ve found structural defects after the first two years, you must let your warranty provider know. Again, make detailed notes and take photographs and videos of the problem so the issue is clear from the off.

If you need to claim your new build warranty, check the policy details and double-check exactly what you’re covered for. Your provider can also tell you whether your warranty covers your particular issue or not; simply get in touch with them to discuss.

If your structural issue is covered by your warranty provider, they will contact the relevant bodies to inspect the issue and then proceed with the repair if everything is approved.

What if I’m not happy with my warranty provider’s response?

If you’re unhappy with how your warranty provider has handled your case – whether that’s in the first two years or the last eight – you must first make a formal complaint with them.

From there, you can reach out to the Financial Ombudsman Service who can follow up on your case and investigate the issues.

What happens when you move house?

When you move home, you do not take the structural warranty with you – it transfers to the new homeowners. It doesn’t matter how long is left on the warranty; it simply changes hands, just like the house itself.

However, you should be aware that any renovation work done on the house while you live there will not be covered by the existing policy. So, if you build an extension, convert the loft or knock internal walls through, any issues on the back of this work will not be covered by the existing warranty.

Get covered with ABC+

Quickly and easily request a quote today to cover your newly built property from structural issues.

ABC+ have years of experience in dealing with new build properties, ensuring they’re built to the best possible standards and that you’re covered should any issues arise in the future.