When you step into your new build home for the first time, the wall and ceiling finishes are often what you notice most. Smooth plastered walls, neatly finished plasterboard joints, and carefully installed tiles all contribute to that pristine new home feeling. But what standards should these finishes actually meet, and how can you tell if something isn’t quite right?
The NHBC Standards 2026, Chapter 9.2, sets out the technical requirements that builders must follow when completing internal wall and ceiling finishes. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide explaining these standards in plain English, so you know exactly what to expect from your new build property.
Why Wall and Ceiling Finishes Matter
It’s easy to dismiss issues with plastering or dry lining as purely cosmetic, but the quality of these finishes can tell you a lot about the overall workmanship in your home. Cracks appearing at junctions between different materials, for example, might indicate that proper precautions weren’t taken during construction. Poorly finished plasterboard joints can become more visible over time as the building settles. And in wet areas like bathrooms and en-suites, inadequate preparation behind tiles could lead to moisture problems down the line.
Understanding what the standards require helps you distinguish between minor cosmetic imperfections and genuine defects that your builder should address.
What the Standards Cover
The NHBC Standards for wall and ceiling finishes are surprisingly detailed. They specify everything from the minimum thickness of plaster on different surfaces to the correct spacing of fixings for plasterboard. There are specific requirements for how dry lining should be installed, including the moisture content of timber before work begins and how joints between boards should be finished.
The standards also cover ceramic wall tiling in considerable detail, with different requirements depending on the location. A tiled splashback behind a kitchen sink has different backing surface requirements compared to tiles in a shower enclosure or wet room. The guidance addresses how tiles should be laid, where movement joints are needed, and what type of grouting should be used in different situations.
Common Issues We Find
During our snagging inspections, we regularly identify defects relating to wall and ceiling finishes. These might include uneven plastering, visible joints or nail pops in plasterboard, cracking at corners or where different background materials meet, and problems with tiling such as uneven courses, poor cutting around fixtures, or inadequate sealing where tiles meet sanitary fittings.
While a snagging inspection assesses visible finishes rather than concealed elements, identifying these issues early gives you the opportunity to have them rectified by your builder, ideally before you move in or within the warranty period.
Learn More
We’ve published a detailed knowledgebase article that breaks down each section of NHBC Standards Chapter 9.2, explaining what the requirements mean for you as a new build homeowner. Whether you’re trying to understand the difference between plastering and dry lining, want to know what backing surfaces are appropriate for bathroom tiling, or simply want to be better informed before your snagging inspection, our guide covers it all.
Read our full guide to NHBC Standards Chapter 9.2 – Wall and Ceiling Finishes
Book a Snagging Inspection
If you’re purchasing a new build home and want an expert eye to check the quality of your wall and ceiling finishes, along with hundreds of other potential defects, our professional snagging inspectors are here to help. We inspect new build homes throughout the UK and provide detailed reports within two working days.
Contact us today to book your snagging inspection or find out more about how we can help ensure your new home meets the standards you deserve.