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Warranty Providers OVERVIEW Developers and contractors are liable for any issues with their work through the defects-liability period, but a Building Warranty is also required. This is a comprehensive insurance policy which offers peace of mind that the building has been constructed to a standard set by the Warranty provider. Property owners look for the reassurance of a Warranty, particularly in new build dwellings. It is normally a condition of most mortgage providers that a Structural Warranty is in place and it can be difficult to sell the building without a Warranty, if the build is less than ten years old. Each provider’s policy varies dependent on the Warranty and building type but generally a Warranty will cover structural damage, defects to walls, roofs and foundations, as standard in line with the details outlined in the policy. Whilst a residential Warranty will last for circa ten years there may be different levels of protection in the earlier years of the policy. Policies can be extended to 12 years or beyond although this may come at a premium. Some policies commence immediately upon completion whereas other policies may start at the end of the builder’s own Warranty period.
Warranty Providers There are a number of Warranty providers operating in the residential sector which include:
Note: Some Warranty providers have a minimum contract value which is a pre-requisite of the Warranty being provided, so this should be checked prior to selecting the provider.
Warranty providers have standards that need to be complied with which are published to outline their requirements. These documents include the NHBC Standards, Premier Guarantee Technical Manual etc., so gaining an understanding of these standards assists in the validation process. Seeking the advice and input of a consultant experienced in certifications can simplify the process and ensure that the validation meets the required standards.
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