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Impartial, expert review with tailored support to enhance your quality assurance and achieve a rating

Our Quality Assurance Reviews (QARs) complement our on-site Construction Quality Reviews, focusing on quality related processes, procedures, competencies and policies - offering a 360-degree view of quality across both field and back-office operations, suitable for builders (registered or not registered with NHBC), trades and manufacturers.

Unlike standard quality assurance audits, we use the NHBC new homes sector specific QA framework for a practical, tailored approach. Designed for continuous improvement, our QARs support businesses at every stage. Wherever you are on your quality assurance journey, our expert consultants are here to guide and support you.

How the rating scheme works

There are four stages to gain your first rating or to re-register under the programme.

Quality Assurance Review (QAR)

We’ll carry out an initial review of your current quality assurance processes, procedures, competencies and policies. You’ll receive a detailed RAG rated report, including observed strengths and areas for improvements with recommendations.

Support phase

This phase will vary depending on the results of your initial QAR. If you need support to improve things, we have several tools we can use to help you. If your quality assurance system is already strong then your rating may be accelerated.

Full Quality Assurance Review

When you’re ready to go for your rating, we’ll conduct another full QAR which will determine the level of rating you’ll be awarded.

Initial rating

Once you have gained NHBC Quality Assurance rating, you'll enter the maintenance phase to ensure its retention.

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How can it help you?

  • Demonstrate to your investors, supply chain and customers that your organisation is committed to the highest standards of quality.
  • Improved construction quality leads to fewer defects reducing rework costs and increased customer satisfaction.
  • Spot and deal with potential risks before they become serious problems, avoiding costly mistakes, workplace accidents and reputational damage.
  • A dedicated new homes QA framework, with reviews incorporating recommendations for improvements, will support you in proactively meeting evolving competency requirements in future legislation.

Key features of our Quality Assurance Reviews and Rating Scheme

Unlock the full benefits of your rating, earning recognition for excellence in construction quality and quality management.

  • Detailed review of quality-related processes, procedures, competencies and policies, scored (1-6) against 21 requirements.
  • Comprehensive report with strengths, weaknesses and recommendations, including individual scores, overall average score, and percentage of competent and above ratings (4-6).
  • Rating Scheme with an online published register.
  • Benchmarking against industry peers, with insights on regional and national trends.
  • Continuous improvement framework with long-term support for maintaining your rating.

Maintaining your rating

Leading organisations see quality as a journey, not a destination. It’s about a mindset of continuous improvement, reflecting on and, if necessary, refining your system to maintain the highest standards for your customers.

Your NHBC Quality Assurance rating works on a three year cycle with a QAR every year leading to rating renewal at the end of three years.