The New Homes Quality Code is a code of practice created by the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB). It is designed to provide stronger protection for buyers of newly built homes, from the first sales enquiry through to aftercare once the property has been handed over.
It applies to developers registered with the New Homes Quality Board and sets clear expectations around fair selling, accurate information, build quality, handover standards and complaint handling. The Code is intended to ensure buyers are treated fairly and have access to support when things do not go as they should.
For homeowners, The New Homes Quality Code provides a clearer framework for understanding what they can reasonably expect from their developer.
The New Homes Ombudsman is an independent service for buyers who have been unable to resolve an issue directly with their developer. The Ombudsman can consider complaints about registered developers where there may have been a failure to meet the required standards, including concerns about service, communication, sales practices, delays or the quality of the completed home.
Before escalating a matter, homeowners will normally need to follow the developer's formal complaints process and allow a reasonable opportunity for the issue to be put right. Keeping photographs, emails, reports and records of conversations can support your position if a complaint becomes necessary.
An independent snagging report gives you clear, professional evidence of defects and incomplete work identified at your property.
The New Homes Ombudsman and the New Homes Quality Code work alongside one another to raise standards across the housebuilding industry. The Code explains what registered developers are expected to do, while the Ombudsman provides an independent route for considering unresolved complaints.
This arrangement is intended to give buyers greater confidence that their concerns will be taken seriously. It also encourages developers to improve their customer care, communication and quality-control processes.
Although the Code is an important layer of protection, it does not remove the need to inspect your home carefully. A professional survey can help identify workmanship issues, unfinished items and potential new build defects before they are overlooked or become more difficult to resolve.
In many cases, complaints can be referred to the New Homes Ombudsman within the first two years after the property's completion, provided the home and developer are covered by the scheme and the developer's own complaints procedure has been followed first.
It is best not to delay if you notice defects, poor workmanship or problems with the developer's conduct. Report concerns in writing, retain copies of all correspondence and keep a clear record of when issues were first identified.
The New Homes Quality Code gives buyers a stronger basis for expecting prompt, fair and professional treatment. However, eligibility and timescales can vary, so homeowners should check the latest scheme requirements and their developer's complaint process.
New homes can experience a range of issues during the early period after completion, from cosmetic finishing faults to problems involving doors, windows, heating, drainage, ventilation or external works. While developers are generally responsible for addressing defects during the relevant liability period, homeowners can sometimes face delays, unclear communication or disagreement about responsibility.
The Ombudsman was introduced to provide greater reassurance and an independent path for buyers who feel their concerns have not been addressed properly. It aims to close gaps in consumer protection and encourage better new build standards across the industry.
For buyers, the key message is simple: inspect your property carefully, raise concerns promptly and keep evidence of everything reported.
Arrange a new home inspection in Swindon with New Build Snagging Ltd and receive a comprehensive report within 24 hours of the survey. Our free drone survey can help us review otherwise difficult-to-see roof and upper external areas, subject to weather, airspace and safe access conditions.
Pre-completion snagging is often the most effective time to identify visible defects and incomplete work. Where access is available, an inspection can highlight issues before you move in, giving the developer an opportunity to rectify them ahead of handover. Post-completion inspections are also valuable, particularly if you have already moved into the property.
New Build Snagging Ltd provides meticulous new build snagging in Swindon and throughout Wiltshire and surrounding counties. With more than 25 years of construction experience, we inspect internal finishes, roofing, external areas, drainage, plumbing, heating, electrics, windows, doors, ventilation and more.
Our reports are typically issued within 24 hours and include detailed photographic evidence, helping you present concerns clearly to your developer.
The New Homes Quality Code sets standards for registered housebuilders covering fair sales practices, clear information, build quality, handover, aftercare and complaint handling. It gives new-build buyers a clearer basis for challenging poor service or unresolved issues.
The Code can support complaints where a registered developer has failed to meet expected standards, including concerns about quality, communication or aftercare. A professional snagging inspection helps identify defects, incomplete work and workmanship issues that should be reported to the developer.
Report the issues to your housebuilder in writing as soon as possible and keep photographs, emails and notes of conversations. An independent new build snagging report provides organised photographic evidence and clear descriptions of the defects requiring attention.
Yes. The New Homes Quality Code provides consumer protection, but it does not inspect your property for you. A professional snagging inspection can identify visible defects, poor workmanship and unfinished items that may otherwise be missed at handover.
You should first follow the developer’s formal complaints process and give them a reasonable opportunity to rectify the issues. If the developer is registered and the matter remains unresolved, you may be able to refer your complaint to the New Homes Ombudsman, subject to scheme rules and timescales.
Arrange a pre-completion snagging inspection where access is available, as this gives the developer an opportunity to rectify issues before handover. A post-completion snagging survey is also valuable if you have already moved in or notice defects after completion.
Yes. An independent snagging inspection can identify defects and incomplete work affecting finishes, doors, windows, plumbing, heating, ventilation, drainage, roofing and external areas. A detailed report can help you present concerns clearly to your housebuilder or support a formal complaint.
Your new home is a major investment, and you deserve confidence that it has been completed to a good standard. While The New Homes Quality Code offers valuable protection, an independent inspection provides an additional level of reassurance by identifying defects that may otherwise go unnoticed.
We provide professional, impartial advice and follow-up support after your inspection. Our new build snagging in Swindon service includes a free drone survey where appropriate, helping us assess accessible roof-level and external areas thoroughly.
