What to look for when buying a new home
A homebuyer's checklist
- Check that your builder is NHBC registered. You can do this by contacting us or visiting the Register on this site. If your builder is not registered with NHBC check that you will be offered cover from another reputable company.
- Check that the builder has a good national or local reputation.
- Ask to look around homes the builder has built before and chat to previous customers if possible.
- Visit the site - is it tidy and well managed? This will give another clue about the attitude of the builder and his commitment to quality.
- If you need a mortgage ask your lender at an early stage. Employ a solicitor (or licensed conveyancer) and seek professional advice if you are in doubt.
- Take time to understand the Buildmark cover provided. To download a specimen copy of Buildmark, click here. Please refer to the booklet issued on your home for exact details of the cover provided.
- Once you have exchanged contracts get the Buildmark documents from your solicitor and read them carefully.
- Before taking possession of your home make sure you inspect it carefully.
- Always wait until the home is fully completed before you move in. Once you have moved in check your new home again thoroughly.
- Report any defect in writing to your builder and make sure you keep a copy.
- If in dispute with your builder, contact NHBC.
You should always consider getting a structural survey done, especially if your home is more than a couple of years old and outside of the initial 2-year period of the Buildmark cover.
