Completing on a New Build Before Christmas? Why the Year-End Rush Matters
Being urged to complete before Christmas? Here’s how to make sure your new build is properly finished first.
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Is That Snag Acceptable? A Quick Guide to NHBC Chapter 9.1
Been told a defect in your new build is “within tolerance”? That phrase comes from NHBC Standards Chapter 9.1, the rulebook used to judge everything from plaster and brickwork to doors, tiles and paintwork. Here’s a quick look at what it says, what counts as normal, and why it matters when you report snags.
New Build Garage: What Should You Expect?
Your new build garage is built to the same NHBC standards as the rest of your home, but the rules are written for builders, not buyers. Here’s a quick look at what Chapter 10.1 covers, and a link to our plain-language guide that works through it clause by clause.
141 Defects in a Single New Home: What Two Decades of Snagging Data Tells Buyers
When you buy a new build, you expect it to be finished. The evidence says otherwise. Two independent studies, ten years apart, both found an average of 141 defects in a single new home, and the basic faults had barely changed across decades. We look at what these defects are, why they keep happening, and what every buyer should know before they complete.
What the NHBC Standards Say About Your New Build’s Doors and Windows
Doors and windows are the parts of your new build you’ll interact with most, and one of the most common places defects turn up. NHBC Chapter 6.7 sets the standard your builder should be meeting. Here’s a quick summary of what it covers and why it matters at handover.
The Ground Beneath Your New Build: What Your Developer Should Have Checked
The kitchen, the brickwork, the garden, that’s where buyers’ eyes go first in a new build. But arguably the most important part of your home is the part you’ll never see: the ground it sits on. NHBC Chapter 4.1 sets out exactly what your developer should have done to assess and manage that ground before construction began, and why it matters for the long-term integrity of your home.
Solar Thermal Hot Water in New Build Homes: What Buyers Need to Know
Many new build homes in 2026 come with solar thermal hot water systems, but the panels only work as they should if they’ve been designed, installed and handed over properly. NHBC Standards Chapter 8.5 sets out exactly what your developer is expected to do, from coastal-grade fixings to the homeowner pack you should receive on day one. Here’s a quick overview, plus where a snagging inspection can help.
Why the Timber in Your New Build Home Matters More Than You Think
Most new build buyers spend hours thinking about kitchens, finishes, and paint colours. Far fewer give a second thought to the timber holding the whole thing together. Here’s why NHBC Standards Chapter 3.3 on timber preservation matters for your new home, and the visible warning signs that suggest the standards haven’t been followed through.
What the NHBC Standards Say About Painting and Decorating in New Build Homes
Painting and decorating defects are among the most frequently found issues in new build homes, yet many buyers don’t realise that detailed standards exist to govern the quality of finish their developer must deliver. We take a look at what NHBC Standards Chapter 9.5 requires, and what it means for you as a new homeowner.
What the NHBC Standards Say About Floor Finishes in New Build Homes
Floor finishes are among the most common sources of defects in new build homes, yet many homeowners don’t know what standard their builder is supposed to meet. We break down NHBC Standards Chapter 9.3, covering everything from screeds and tiles to timber flooring, vinyl, and staircases, so you know exactly what to look for.