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New builds and warranties

What does NHBC say Buildmark is?

NHBC describes Buildmark as a 10-year warranty and insurance product for homeowners. It is not a RICS home survey, and it is not a promise that every defect a surveyor might mention is covered. The policy wording says what is covered, in which years, and what you must do to claim.

Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Written for buyers in England and Wales unless this answer says otherwise. No named surveyor has signed this page. It is general guidance, not a report on your house, and not legal advice.

What is the fuller explanation?

Ask the seller or the developer for the warranty documents and the plot number. Check the provider. Not every new home is NHBC. Some use a different warranty. The survey should not guess. Your solicitor should confirm which policy you will have the benefit of, and whether the developer is still in the early years when they, rather than the insurer, are the first call.

A survey rating does not automatically become a warranty claim. Report defects in the way the policy requires, and keep the survey as evidence of what was seen. Deadlines matter. The solicitor and the warranty documents are the place to read them. We are not summarising a claims manual we have not quoted line by line.

What should you ask your surveyor?

  • Which defects look like incomplete new-build work rather than wear?
  • Are you saying the warranty will pay? You should not.
  • What should I photograph now, while the evidence is easy to see?

What are the typical next steps?

  1. Get the policy and read the cover.
  2. Tell the developer about defects in the way your contract and the warranty require.
  3. Use the survey to see whether you also want your own inspector. The warranty does not ban that.

Costs vary with the building and with who you instruct. Where this page does not cite a published figure, ask the surveyor, a relevant specialist, or your solicitor for a written quote. Do not treat a forum average as the price.

Also asked about this

Is every new home covered for ten years?

NHBC describes Buildmark that way. Other schemes have their own lengths. A house with no warranty is possible, especially a conversion. Ask. Do not assume.

Does the warranty cover a retaining wall in the garden?

Read the policy. Many items people assume are covered are excluded or limited. The survey can still comment on the wall.

Sources