Choose an NHBC Standards topic
Use these guides to understand common areas where NHBC Standards may be relevant to visible new build issues.
What are NHBC Standards?
NHBC Standards provide technical guidance used for new homes covered by NHBC warranty. They help explain workmanship expectations, technical guidance and warranty related standards, but they are not the same as Building Regulations.
What homeowners should know
Homeowners do not need to know every technical detail. The important point is to understand where visible issues may relate to workmanship, warranty expectations or installation quality, and to keep clear evidence when raising concerns with a developer.
NHBC Standards are not the same as Building Regulations
Building Regulations, NHBC Standards and homeowner codes are separate things. A professional snagging inspection can help record visible issues clearly, but it does not replace Building Control approval, NHBC decisions or warranty provider decisions.
Not sure where to start?
Buying or reserving
Start with the general homeowner guidance if you are trying to understand where NHBC Standards fit into the new build process.
Choose the topic that best matches the issue you are trying to understand.
Visible defects
Use the topic guides if you have noticed visible issues such as brickwork concerns, internal finishes, drainage, windows, doors or external works.
Need an inspection?
If you want visible issues recorded clearly, you can request an independent snagging inspection.
Need your new home inspected?
South Wales Snagging Co provides independent snagging inspections across South Wales, helping homeowners record visible issues clearly before or after completion.