Warranties and cover

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 requested it is subject to NHBC approval. If approved, your registered provider would be covered if you are unable to complete the build due to insolvency or fraud.

During the first 2 years

During this period, you are responsible for putting right defects or damage to the home(s) and common parts caused by a failure to build to the NHBC Standards. You must do so within a reasonable time and at your own expense.

Our Resolution Service can help if a dispute arises about defects or damage between yourself and the registered provider or shared owner.

During years 3 to 10 (or 12 if selected)

Registered providers 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.

These parts of the home are covered:

Foundations
Load-bearing walls
Non load-bearing partition walls
Wet-applied wall plaster
External render and 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 also pay the owner the cost of putting right defects to a flue or chimney if it causes a danger to the physical health and safety of the occupants.

The owner is also covered for alternative occupation costs if the tenant needs to move out of the home while repair work is being done.

Building Regulations

If you appoint NHBC Building Control Services Ltd or an Approved Inspector registered with NHBC for your site, your client will also be covered for certain breaches of some Building Regulations if they pose a danger to the physical health and safety of the occupants.

Contaminated land

Buildmark Choice also protects the owners if they 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.

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 a home registered before this date, please call us on 0844 633 1000 and ask for 'Customer Services'.

Contact us

0844 633 1000
Open: Mon - Fri 08:30 – 17:30

For general enquiries or to discuss a guide price: Ask for ‘Customer Services’,
email us or write to us

Downloads

Any questions?

See some frequently asked questions

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