New Build Property

[OneThingAndThenTheNext]

We've put in an offer last week and had it accepted this week on a new build property. My cousin advised me to ask about the building warranty, as it's a field that he works in. When asked, the agent has said that

"The warranty is provided by Premier, another large provider equal to the NHBC"

I've never bought a house before, and have no idea what this means! Does anyone know if it's anything to worry about, as I've only ever remotely heard of NHBC and wondering if it's bad? I'll ask for a copy of the policy or what not, but thought I'd ask the collective wisdom of MN first!

Thanks for any advice, gratefully received.

Never heard of them but I hope to God they're better than the bastard that is NHBC.

We had a newbuild with over 300 issues upon completion (kitchen NOT fitted, fireplace leaning against wall instead of being fitted, a 2 ft hole in the bedrm ceiling so we could see down into the lounge etc etc)

Structural issues came up in a survey that we instigated and we ended up suing NHBC just to get them to do their job.

Can you search anywhere online for references or even ask anyone that has already completed on their purchase to see if they have had to deal with Premier?

We built our house last year and we took out a policy with a company called BuildStore that insures you while the build is being done and then a 10 year warranty on completion. They're totally equal to NHBC.

NHBC only offer warranties on properties where the builder is a signed up member of NHBC, so that tends to preclude most small/single builds. It's the well-known name but is by no means the only or best warrantee provider.

Make sure you see the completion certificate (might be a printout), which confirms that the build meets all Building Regs, as well as the warrantee. Plus I would also insist on the gas-safe cert, windows warrantee (Femsa), and warranties for anything extra like solar panels, ventilation, water softener, etc.

Over that sounds horrendous, did you get it all sorted in the end? How stressful! The house is one of a pair, the other was sold last year but apparently to someone who is involved in the Project Management company - not sure if that's a good thing or not?!

Picky thanks for that, wouldn't have occurred to me to ask for those things. I think because as you say, NHBC is the most recognised name to not have it made me panic a bit.

Thanks both, much appreciated.