The TAI platform will be withdrawn from 1 August 2026 as part of NHBC’s move to streamline inspection tools and processes.
No. Builder performance, risk profiling and KPIs will continue to be assessed using established inspection outcomes and compliance with NHBC Standards.
No. Technical oversight continues through core inspection activity and risk‑based engagement. The withdrawal of TAI removes duplication and allows inspectors to focus on proactive technical risk management.
Benchmarking
Not removed entirely but reduced where performance is established and risk is low. Benchmarking remains available and will be used where it adds value.
Oversight is maintained and targeted, not reduced. The change allows inspectors to spend more time on sites and activities where risk is higher, while avoiding unnecessary duplication on consistently performing sites.
A risk‑based approach:
reduces unnecessary inspection activity on low‑risk inspection stages
focuses inspection effort where it adds the most value
supports consistency and fairness across the inspection process.
Risk‑based means that inspection activity, including benchmarking, is applied proportionately based on factors such as:
site and builder performance history
build complexity or construction type
changes in design, method or delivery
identified trends or emerging risks.
Sites assessed as lower risk will typically require less benchmarking, while higher‑risk sites may receive additional focus.
From 1 August 2026, NHBC will no longer require every first key stage to be benchmarked. Benchmarking will instead be applied using a risk‑based approach.
Please contact your usual NHBC inspector or inspection manager.
Yes. Where a site or builder is assessed as medium or high risk, benchmarking may still be required at relevant stages to provide additional assurance.
No. NHBC Standards remain unchanged. Builders are required to meet the same technical requirements at every stage, regardless of risk rating.
Yes, benchmarking will be reduced in frequency as it will no longer be carried out at every first key stage.
Drainage testing
Yes. Drain testing remains the builder’s responsibility and must still be carried out in accordance with Building Regulations.
No. Warranty cover and builder responsibilities remain unchanged. Builders must continue to ensure drainage systems meet NHBC Standards.
No. Drainage remains an important element of the build and builders are fully responsible for ensuring systems are correctly installed, tested and compliant. The change relates only to how inspection time is used.
It is the builder’s responsibility to carry out the drainage test and comply with regulatory requirements. NHBC will not knowingly final for warranty or building control if we have evidence the builder is not fulfilling their obligations.
Analysis shows that witnessing drainage tests delivers limited additional assurance compared with the time required. Above‑ground drainage is not covered by the NHBC warranty and insurance policy and claims relating to below‑ground drainage are rare and typically linked to ground settlement rather than installation defects.
No. From 1 August 2026 there is no requirement for NHBC inspectors to witness or record drainage testing, either above or below ground.
Yes. Inspectors will continue to carry out visual assessments of drainage installations, focusing on layout and workmanship, rather than witnessing formal tests.
STOP printing Risk Guides in site record books
From 1 August 2026 building inspectors will no longer print and issue risk guides within site record books.
NHBC Risk Guides are already available digitally through the NHBC Standards platform and remain freely accessible to registered builders. This removes the need for printed copies while ensuring guidance is current and remains readily available.
STOP inspecting fire door lining inspections (as specific stage inspections)
From 1 August 2026 building inspectors will no longer be required to inspect fire door linings on all plots. Inspections should be completed on the first available plot on a new site and thereafter can be looked at as part of an intermediate inspection.
NHBC regularly reviews inspection activity to ensure it remains proportionate, effective and focused on areas of greatest technical risk. This change removes a non-mandatory inspection allowing builders to effectively build without delay. The changes will allow greater focus on higher-risk construction elements whilst retaining the option to inspect this element as required.
General
No. NHBC Standards and technical requirements remain unchanged.
Please contact your usual NHBC inspector or inspection manager.
NHBC regularly reviews inspection data to ensure inspection activity is proportionate, effective and focused on risk. These changes are evidence based and support continuous improvement.