NHBC launch new Standards for UK housebuilders

NHBC has launched the 2020 edition of its technical Standards

The new Standards will be effective for every new home covered by an NHBC warranty, where foundations are begun on or after 1 January 2020.

NHBC’s dedicated standards team have spent the last year developing fresh technical content and updates to form the new Standards, working with stakeholders from across the industry.

The main areas of focus that have seen some updates include Chapter 6.6 ‘Staircases’ which covers issues such as handrails and fixing and Chapter 9.1 ‘A consistent approach for finishes’ which will feature new guidance to help clarify the guidance and improve tolerances where appropriate.

Paul Cribbens, NHBC’s Standards and Technical Manager, said: “We continue to live through a challenging time within the house building sector, where the need to increase housing output is tempered by the on-going skills shortage.

“However, our focus remains firmly on improving quality for those people living in brand new homes across the UK, reducing construction defects, improving homeowner satisfaction and avoiding the need for costly and invasive remedial work, something which is in all our interests.”