When you’re buying a new build home, it’s easy to focus on the visible features – the kitchen design, bathroom fittings, or garden layout. But some of the most important elements of your home are hidden behind the scenes. Today, we’re looking at one crucial aspect that often goes unnoticed: upper floors.
Upper floors play a vital role in your home’s structure. They’re not just the surface you walk on – they’re complex systems that must support weight, prevent fire spread, reduce noise transmission, and accommodate various services like plumbing and electrical wiring. The NHBC Standards Chapter 6.4 provides detailed requirements for how these floors should be built, whether they’re made from timber or concrete.
We’ve created a comprehensive guide explaining these standards in plain English. You’ll learn about:
- How upper floors are constructed and what makes them stable
- The different types of floor joists and how they’re supported
- Fire safety and sound insulation requirements
- How services are accommodated within floor structures
- What to expect from your floor finishes
Whether you’re in the process of buying a new build home or just want to understand more about how your home is built, our detailed knowledgebase article will give you valuable insights into this important aspect of construction.
Read our complete guide to NHBC Standards Chapter 6.4 – Timber and concrete upper floors
If you have specific concerns about the upper floors in your new build home, we offer specialised invasive building inspections. These detailed assessments go beyond standard snagging checks, allowing us to thoroughly examine floor construction, support systems, and other critical elements that might not be visible during a typical inspection.
While invasive inspections aren’t always necessary, they can provide valuable peace of mind when you have particular concerns about your floor construction. Find out more about our tailored invasive building inspections and how they could help ensure your home meets all required standards.
Bespoke Invasive Building Inspections
Want to learn more about new build construction standards? Browse our knowledgebase for more detailed guides, or contact us to discuss how we can help ensure your new home meets all the required standards.