Raising standards to protect homeowners
NHBC Standards
NHBC Standards are the 'bible' for registered house builders and provide the benchmark for acceptable levels of design, material specification and workmanship for newly-built homes registered with NHBC. They are an essential part of NHBC's risk management.
What we deliver
Working with NHBC means:
- Comprehensive guidance - NHBC Standards are published in one volume and have a section dealing with each part of the building process, from foundations all the way through to painting and decorating. They include Technical Requirements, Performance Standards and detailed guidance, including sketches to show key parts of the construction. A CD is also available.
- Effective solutions - NHBC develops and regularly updates its Standards to incorporate feedback from our Inspection and Claims services and the house-building industry. This is to ensure they reflect current methods of construction.
- Advice - copies of NHBC Standards are issued to all registered builders and are regularly updated.
Contact us now
To discuss any general matters please call us on 0844 633 1000 and ask for 'Customer Services' or alternatively for technical advice on the Standards please call us on 0844 633 1000 and ask for 'Standards'.
About NHBC Standards
NHBC has always issued Standards, but they have evolved over the years as methods of construction have changed. For example, the latest Standards for 2011 deal with renewable sources of energy as part of a whole new chapter on low and zero carbon technologies.
For this reason all changes need to be very carefully considered and this is the job of NHBC's Standards Committee, which includes a range of interested groups, including consumers, the Housing Corporation, professional institutions and house builders.
Once the Standards Committee has approved a new Standard or amendment to an existing Standard, the industry is advised of the forthcoming change and the relevant information is mailed to every registered builder. Builders are then given a lead-in period to adjust their working practices, before NHBC's building inspectors begin to check the new requirements on site.
Current Standards
The 2011 Standards come into effect for every NHBC registered home whose foundations are concreted on or after 1 January 2011. They were issued in November 2010.
Technical Extra
Technical Extra is NHBC's technical newsletter. Regular issues are mailed to NHBC registered builders and to professionals who have subscribed to receive copies.
NHBC Standards for conversions and renovations
These Standards are issued in a separate publication from the new-build Standards, but both are included on the CD version. These Standards are aimed at registered builders who carry out conversion and renovation projects to existing buildings.
As a reference guide, the NHBC Standards are excellent - comprehensive, yet easy to use with clear information and diagrams
Order now:
To purchase a copy of the NHBC Standards please call 0844 633 1000 and ask for 'Sales'. Or buy online at NHBC's shop.
Free Downloads:
- Technical Extra - NHBC's technical newsletter