NHBC (NHBC)
The Buildmark warranty for new-builds and major renovations. Last reviewed April 2026 by the TradeMatch editorial team.
NHBC (National House Building Council) is the UK's largest provider of new-home warranties, covering ~70-80% of UK new-build housing. The flagship product is Buildmark — a 10-year structural warranty that covers latent defects, deposit protection (during build) and 2-year defect-fix cover after completion. NHBC also operates as a Building Control inspector, which means new-builds it warranties can be inspected by NHBC inspectors instead of the Local Authority. For homeowners doing major renovations or extensions, NHBC offers the Solo Plus warranty product — relevant for resale, since most mortgage lenders require a structural warranty on new structural work.
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What does NHBC cover?
NHBC covers new-build homes and significant structural renovations / extensions. It does NOT cover small jobs (loft conversions are borderline; major rewires or replumbs do not need it). For most homeowners hiring a builder, NHBC is relevant only for new-build purchase or major extensions / conversions. NHBC inspections are independent of the builder — meaning the warranty protects the buyer/owner against build defects that the builder might not catch or admit.
Verifying a NHBC-registered tradesperson
- NHBC Buildmark warranty cover note before exchange / completion — read the structural-defect terms carefully
- NHBC inspector visits documented during the build — confirms each stage was checked
- Resolution route through NHBC dispute team if defects appear — independent of the builder
NHBC applies to these trades
100%of TradeMatch payments held in escrow
Every job, every payment, every time. Funds held in a segregated client account until you sign off the work.
- Held in escrowFrom the moment the deposit clears until the job is signed off.
- Released on sign-offFunds release within 24 hours of you confirming the work is done to spec.
- Disputed = frozenIf something is wrong, the payment freezes pending review by our resolution team.
TradeMatch escrow operates through FCA-regulated payment providers. Customer funds are segregated from operating accounts and protected under UK consumer law.
NHBC FAQ
Is NHBC warranty included automatically with a new-build?
Almost always — most new-build developers buy NHBC Buildmark cover as standard. Always check the warranty certificate at exchange of contracts; if missing, the developer may have used an alternative provider (LABC, Premier, Checkmate) which offers similar but distinct cover.
Does NHBC cover extensions on existing homes?
Yes via the Solo Plus product. It is not automatic — your builder needs to register the project with NHBC at the start, with stage inspections during construction. For mortgage and resale purposes, having a recognised structural warranty on a major extension is increasingly common.
NHBC vs LABC vs Premier — what's the difference?
NHBC is the largest and best-known by mortgage lenders. LABC is operated by Local Authority Building Control (so often used on bespoke builds where LA Building Control is already involved). Premier and Checkmate are smaller commercial alternatives. All offer similar 10-year cover but mortgage lenders may have a preferred list — check before buying.
How do I claim on an NHBC warranty?
For 0-2 years: contact the builder first; NHBC steps in if the builder fails to fix. For 3-10 years (structural cover): contact NHBC directly. NHBC sends an inspector and resolves the defect or pays out. The 10-year clock starts at completion, not purchase.
Why NHBC verification matters before any deposit
Lapsed accreditations are the most common silent failure on UK trade hires — registrations expire annually and not every trader updates their listing. Always verify the NHBC number on the public register on the day you sign, not at first meeting. On TradeMatch, every NHBC-registered tradesperson is independently re-checked before they can quote on your job, and the registration link is shown on their profile so you can confirm yourself.
Get a NHBC-Verified Quote
Up to 5 quotes from UK tradespeople — every NHBC-relevant member independently verified by TradeMatch. Escrow-protected payments. Reviews tied to completed jobs only.
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