New Homeowner Warranty & Quality Guarantee
Confidence you can only get with a new build
There’s a lot of conversation about new builds. Some people love the idea of being the first to turn the key; others wonder if a new home can really offer more than an older one.
But the truth is simple: when you buy a new build with Redmile Homes, you know exactly what you’re getting. Everything is new, built to current standards, independently checked, and protected for years to come by a new homeowner warranty.
That combination of quality, compliance, and long-term cover is something no resale property can match. Here’s why:
- Move-in ready: You’re the first owner, so there are no hidden surprises or wear-and-tear from previous residents. Every fixture, surface, and system is brand new.
- Built to modern standards: New homes meet the latest building regulations for safety, energy efficiency, and structure – making them reliable, warmer, and cheaper to run.
- Independently inspected: Each stage of construction is checked and approved by qualified inspectors, so you know your home is compliant with strict standards.
- Low maintenance: With new materials and modern building methods, you’ll spend less time and money on repairs and upkeep compared to an older property.
- Warranty-backed protection: Most UK new builds come with a 10-year NHBC warranty, giving you a safety net if anything unexpected happens.
- Easy to personalise: Pre-completion internal customisation, plus a neutral canvas once you move in, so your home meets the quality and finish needs of your family.
- Safe and secure: New builds must meet set fire safety and security requirements, often with hardwired smoke alarms, modern locks, and improved electrical systems built in.
- Thoughtfully designed: New homes are ready for modern living, with energy-efficient lighting, better broadband infrastructure, and space-saving layouts that make everyday life easier.
In short, when you buy a new home, confidence comes as standard. The following guide outlines how homeowner warranties and inspection processes work – and how Redmile Homes upholds these standards with technical excellence and personal care at every stage.
Building Control: Ensuring every Redmile Homes house meets legal standards
Building Control is the statutory process that ensures all of our new homes comply with current UK Building Regulations, covering areas such as safety, structure, insulation, drainage, accessibility, and energy efficiency. Building Control officers review and inspect building plans and construction work at key stages to make sure everything meets the required standards.
There are two main routes to compliance:
- Local Authority Building Control (LABC) – your local council’s public, statutory body
- Approved Inspectors – private firms authorised to carry out building Control checks
Building Control is separate from planning permission. It is also distinct from NHBC inspections, which focus on build quality and compliance with NHBC’s technical standards for warranty cover. The two processes work together – one ensures legal compliance, while the other provides quality assurance and warranty protection.
The NHBC: Quality and protection built in
All Redmile Homes properties are covered by the National House Building Council (NHBC). This is the UK’s leading provider of new home warranties and insurance, trusted by lenders, developers, and buyers alike. The NHBC warranty is known as Buildmark Cover.
As a registered NHBC builder, we commit to meeting its strict technical standards and requirements. For the warranty to remain valid, the NHBC must inspect and approve the build quality at every key stage of construction.
NHBC’s comprehensive building standards and independent inspection process give buyers confidence that their new Redmile Homes house has been built to a high standard. It’s also why NHBC remains the preferred warranty provider for most UK mortgage lenders.
How the NHBC warranty works
The NHBC’s Buildmark Cover gives you 10 years of protection from the date of legal completion:
- Exchange of contracts: You’re covered even before you move in, with insurance against the builder becoming insolvent.
- Years 1-2: The builder (and NHBC, if needed) covers the repair of minor and major defects, including cosmetic issues.
- Years 3-10: NHBC insurance covers the repair of major structural issues, such as problems with the roof, walls, or foundations.
You’ll receive an NHBC certificate from your solicitor. Keep this safe, as you’ll need it if you ever make a claim or sell your home.
Making a claim: Years 1-2
If you notice a defect within the first two years, contact your site manager or developer. They’ll assess the issue and arrange any necessary repairs.
Making a claim: Years 3-10
If a problem arises between years 3 and 10, the process is straightforward. First, contact your site manager or developer, who will confirm whether the issue qualifies as a structural defect under your NHBC warranty. If it does, they will rectify the issue or may request an assessment from the NHBC claims department on your behalf.
You’ll need to provide:
- Your Buildmark policy number (found on your NHBC certificate)
- A clear description of the issue, including when it started and any relevant details
- Photos or supporting documents, if available
NHBC Minimum Claims Value (MCV)
NHBC operates a Minimum Claims Value (MCV), meaning there’s a minimum repair cost required for a claim to be valid. If the repair cost is above the MCV, NHBC will cover it in full. If it’s below, it won’t be covered under your warranty.
The MCV amount is listed on your Buildmark certificate and increases each year.
Example: If a roof problem appears in year 3, report it to your developer. They’ll confirm whether it’s structural and whether the cost exceeds the MCV. If it does, they’ll liaise with NHBC to arrange the repair, and NHBC will recover costs from the builder where appropriate.
New homeowner warranty: Special circumstances
Issues with shared spaces
If you live in an apartment block and the issue affects a shared space (such as a shared wall or staircase), the NHBC may need to deal with the managing agent, so you or the developer will need to provide their contact details too.
If you’re a shared owner
For shared ownership homes, you’ll need to raise the issue with your Housing Association (or Local Authority, if the home is shared with the council). They will contact the developer or NHBC on your behalf.
Even as a shared owner, you should have received a copy of the Buildmark certificate – if not, request it or the policy number from your Housing Association or Local Authority.
If you contact the NHBC directly, they may need to contact the Housing Association or Local Authority to confirm they are permitted to discuss the policy with you, so you’ll need to provide their contact information too.
If you rent your home
If you rent your property, your landlord must raise warranty claims on your behalf.
Other warranties and guarantees you’ll receive
Your NHBC Buildmark warranty covers the structure of your Redmile Homes property for 10 years – but that’s not the only protection you’ll enjoy. Many items and fittings within the property come with their own manufacturer's warranties or guarantees that need registering, giving you extra peace of mind.
- Boiler: 1-12 year manufacturer warranty, depending on the brand and model. You’ll need to register the boiler and have it serviced annually to keep the warranty valid.
- Oven, hob, and extractor: Typically covered by a 1-year manufacturer warranty, and sometimes a 10-year parts guarantee (with labour costs payable after year one).
- Fridge/freezer and washing machine: Often covered by manufacturer warranties ranging from 1-5 years, with options to extend directly with the supplier.
- Other household items: Freestanding products like TVs, vacuum cleaners, and countertop appliances normally include a manufacturer's guarantee for a set period.
Tip: Keep all manuals, warranty cards, and receipts, and register appliances with the manufacturer right away to ensure you can make a claim if needed.
Depending on your home’s specification, some of these products may come integrated and ready to use – one of the many advantages of buying a new home with Redmile Homes. You can find out more about what’s included in our plot types here.
Redmile Homes: Quality, personally assured
At Redmile Homes, quality and care are built in from day one. We’re registered with the NHBC, which means every home we build is covered by a 10-year Buildmark warranty for long-term protection and peace of mind.
We also work with Local Authority Building Control (LABC) to make sure each home meets all statutory regulations and safety standards. NHBC also carries out stage-by-stage inspections throughout construction to verify that our builds adhere to their strict technical requirements.
Before you move in, our site manager and contracts manager personally inspect your home to ensure it meets our own high standards. You'll then be invited to a final inspection to check that all your chosen fittings and fixtures are correct, to explain the workings of your new home, and to ensure you are happy with the quality.
After completion, you’ll enter a 2-year defect period, during which we’ll resolve any issues quickly and directly – so you can feel fully assured from the moment you step inside.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a new homeowner warranty?
A new homeowner warranty is an insurance-backed guarantee that protects you if something goes wrong with your new build home – for example, structural defects or building faults that appear after completion.
What is NHBC?
The NHBC (National House Building Council) is the UK’s leading provider of warranties and insurance for new homes. It carries out inspections during construction to ensure quality and provides a 10-year Buildmark warranty once your home is complete.
How long does NHBC warranty last?
The NHBC Buildmark warranty lasts 10 years from your legal completion date.
What does the NHBC 10-year guarantee cover?
The NHBC Buildmark warranty provides protection for 10 years after your home is built. In the first two years, it covers both minor and major defects. For the remaining 8 years, it covers major structural issues that could affect your home’s stability or safety.
What warranty providers are available for housing developers?
Common warranty providers include NHBC, LABC Warranty, and Premier Guarantee. NHBC is the most well-known provider and is often preferred by UK mortgage lenders due to its long-standing reputation and wide recognition.
Should I get a snagging survey on a new build home?
You can if you’d like extra reassurance. We recommend choosing a professional registered with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Redmile Homes already carries out detailed quality checks before you move in, but you’re welcome to arrange your own snagging survey if you prefer.
How do I find my NHBC certificate?
Your solicitor will provide your NHBC certificate before or on completion. Keep it somewhere safe – it’s your proof of warranty and will be needed if you ever make a claim or decide to sell your home.
Value for money and a home to be proud of.