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Buildmark Choice policy details

The following is a summary of the Buildmark Choice cover we provide:

Before completion

We offer pre-completion insolvency cover as an option for Buildmark Choice.  If this option is added to the policy, you have cover if your contractor is unable to complete the build due to insolvency or fraud.

During the first 2 years

During this period, the contractor is responsible for putting right defects or damage to the home(s) or common parts caused by their failure to build to the NHBC Standards.  In the event of contractor insolvency in this period, we insure their obligations.

What is the contractor liable for?

• The contractor should put right, within a reasonable time and at their own expense, any defect or damage caused by a failure to build to our Technical Requirements which is notified to them within this period of the cover.  
• If the occupier has to move out of the home so that work can be done, the contractor should meet any reasonable costs incurred, by prior agreement with them, for removal, storage and appropriate alternative accommodation. 
• If the contractor has been notified of a defect or damage during this period of cover, then they remain liable to put it right even after this period has expired.

What is the contractor not liable for?

• Wear and tear or deterioration caused by neglect or failure to carry out maintenance.
• Dampness, condensation or shrinkage not caused by a defect. 
• Anything specifically excluded by an endorsement on the Buildmark Choice insurance certificate.
• Anything caused by alterations or extensions to the home. 
• Anything resulting from compliance with written instructions given by or on behalf of the home's first owner in respect of design, materials or workmanship where the contractor has advised that the design is not in accordance with the NHBC Standards.
• Any cost or expense greater than that necessary to carry out a workmanlike repair of the defect or damage. 
• Any items falling outside the definition of home (as defined in the policy document). 
• For subsequent owners, anything which they knew about when they acquired the home and which resulted in a reduction in the purchase price they paid or which was taken into account in any other arrangement.

During this two year period we offer you the use of our Resolution Service to help settle disputes about defects or damage between you and your contractor.

During years 3 to 10 (or 12 if selected)

You are covered during this period (which can be extended to 12 years) by our home damage cover.

From the end of the first 2 years until the home is 10 or 12 years old (depending on the cover selected) we provide insurance to cover the cost of putting right damage caused by defects in specified parts of the home - usually the structural and weatherproofing parts.

The insurance covers the cost of putting right damage caused by defects to the following parts of the home:

• Foundations
• Load-bearing walls
• Non load-bearing partition walls
• Wet-applied wall plaster
• External render and external vertical tile hanging
• Load-bearing parts of the roof
• Roof coverings
• Ceilings
• Load-bearing parts of the floors
• Staircases and internal floor decking and screeds where these fail to support normal loads
• Retaining walls necessary for the structural stability of the house, bungalow, maisonette, flat, garage or other building on the development
• Double- or triple-glazing panes to external windows and doors
• Below-ground drainage.

We will cover the cost of putting right defects to a flue or chimney if it causes a danger to the physical health and safety of the occuupants.

We will also cover removal, storage, loss of rent and alternative accommodation if the occupier has to move out so that repair work can be done.

Building Regulations

If you and your contractor appoint NHBC Building Control Services Ltd or an Approved Inspector registered with NHBC for your build, your policy will include extra cover for certain breaches of some Building Regulations if they pose a danger to the health and safety of the occupants.

Contaminated land

Buildmark Choice also protects you if you are served, or are likely to be served, a Statutory Notice about contamination of the land that existed at completion.

What's not covered?

Buildmark Choice does not cover general wear and tear, condensation, normal shrinkage, cosmetic damage or damage arising from failure to maintain the property.  You should refer to the full policy document for information on all the exclusions and limitations that apply. 

You choose your policy excess

You have the option to set a larger excess than our standard amount. However, if the home is for sale, or for shared ownership, our standard excess will apply.

Professional fees

You can choose to add additional cover for reasonable professional fees that you incur in connection with a valid claim. 

Full policy document

For full details of the Buildmark Choice policy, please read this policy document:

Current Buildmark Choice policy document

This particular sample document applies to new homes registered from 01 April 2007. If you need a copy of a policy for homes registered before this date please call us on 0844 633 1000 and ask for 'Customer Services'.

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