What is the New Homes Ombudsman?
The New Homes Ombudsman is a service that homebuyers can access for the redress of new homes that are not up to scratch. Buyers of new-build properties who are unhappy and frustrated with their developer’s performance can ask the New Homes Ombudsman to review their case and rule whether it is a breach of the New Homes Quality Code.
What is the New Homes Quality Code?
The New Homes Quality Code is a code of practice from the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB) which looks to improve on the existing protections which cover important aspects in construction, inspection and sales. The new code will look to fill the gaps in current protections so that at every possible point, the customer is protected. This means the prohibition of high-pressure selling and ensures that any deposit that has been paid to a builder is protected.
In addition to this, the New Homes Quality Code will also set out the requirements for a fair reservation agreement as well as sales contracts, making sure there is a “cooling off” period after purchasing.
The most exciting bit for us is that customers will now be able to allow professional snaggers to carry out a pre-completion inspection of the new home on their behalf, preventing paying clients from moving into an incomplete home. New Build Inspections are professional snaggers who can help with your pre-completion inspection. Get in touch with our team now to see what we can do for you. Call now on 0808 16 95 472
How Do They Work Together?
The new Homes Ombudsman service will be working alongside the New Homes Quality Code to help empower customers to feel more confident in their new build home, with high quality standards, service and customer satisfaction being delivered.
What Happens If The New Homes Ombudsman Rules A Breach Of The New Homes Quality Code?
The legislation sets out that a relevant owner of a new build home can complain to the ombudsman about the scheme’s members. If the New Homes Ombudsman rules in favour of the complainant, then they may be ordered to redress, such as paying compensation to the customer or being expelled from the scheme.
When Can Complaints To The New Homes Ombudsman Be Made?
Complaints can be made about members of the scheme within the first two years of buying your new build home. Not only does this cover actual issues with the property, but also the conduct and quality of the work done by the developer. There will be a robust complaints process that responds to customers concerns in a timely manner and to their satisfaction, keeping them informed continuously throughout.
Why Has The Need For The New Homes Ombudsman Occurred?
Usually, during the first two years of your property’s completion, it is the responsibility of the person who has carried out the work of your development to put right any damage or defects during the Defect Liability Period. However, warranty providers often carry out this work on the builder’s behalf.
The issues usually occur from three to ten years after the completion of the building work, where the warranty provides insurance cover against the cost of repairing only specific defects.
Developers will be required to become and remain a member of the New Homes Ombudsman scheme.
When Will The New Homes Ombudsman Be Launched?
The New Homes Ombudsman service will hopefully be launched in early 2022 with further announcements being made over the coming months so that the industry has time to prepare itself. Once the New Homes Ombudsman is up and running, there will be a “transition period” during which developers will be able to register with the NHQB with the majority expected to be registered before the deadline on 31 December 2022.
Snagging Before Completion – What Are My Next Steps?
If you’re looking for snagging before completion, then New Build Inspections can help. We understand snagging, and we are incredibly professional from start to finish. If you’re wanting a professional snagger to go into your new build home for a pre-completion inspection, we can help. If you’re wondering what we check, find out more and call our team now.