Is your new-build built to last?
Dear Homeowners and Developers recent discussions have highlighted a critical issue in the construction industry: many new-build homes in the UK are designed with an anticipated lifespan of only 60 years. This means rather than your home outliving you, you may outlive your home!
This has come about because mortgage providers and organisations require homes to align with two typical mortgage terms and that has been taken on as a standard by the National House Building Council (NHBC) - the organisation that provides insurance and warranties for house building. The competition regulator the CMA has reported concerns that housebuilders are not incentivised to compete on quality and when issues arise people do not have clear avenues for redress.
Why Should You Be Concerned?
The 60-year benchmark raises questions about the long-term resilience of modern housing, especially as construction materials and methods evolve to meet net-zero targets. Experts argue this leaves homeowners vulnerable to increased maintenance costs and structural issues in the future, which of course it does. Reports are increasing of a ‘substantial minority’ of residents of new builds reporting serious problems with their new homes, including structural issues.
With all the advances in technology and engineering, our homes should be guaranteed to be solid and sturdy for longer, not less time. The situation would make it tempting for the construction industry and organisations looking to ‘flip’ properties quickly, to cut corners in a climate of increasing costs and margin pressure. This makes it all the more important to work with people of great experience and integrity in the trade.
Legal Implications and the Importance of Compliance
While the NHBC provides technical guidance to ensure homes meet certain standards, these are not legally binding. The absence of stringent legal requirements means that the onus is on developers and homeowners to ensure that properties are built to last. Being well advised is key. Staying informed about legal developments is crucial, as evolving regulations can impact property standards and values. For instance, recent delays in new home deliveries have been linked to bottlenecks in safety checks introduced after the Grenfell Tower disaster, underscoring the importance of compliance with evolving regulations.
How ClearBuild Can Assist
Navigating the complexities of construction regulations and ensuring compliance can be challenging. ClearBuild is designed to simplify this process by helping users:
Establish Robust Contracts: Ensure the responsibilities of all parties are clear and standards of delivery set are appropriate, which also makes for plain sailing if disputes arise.
Oversee Project Changes: Effectively handle modifications during the construction process, maintaining project integrity and compliance.
Compliance and record keeping: Stay informed and oversee compliance requirements as well as keeping full records in a single source of truth for later reference and transfer in future sales.
By integrating ClearBuild into your project management strategy, you can get ahead of potential challenges related to the 60-year lifespan standard and other regulatory considerations, ensuring the longevity and quality of your developments.
Staying informed and proactive is essential in today's evolving construction landscape. ClearBuild is here to support you every step of the way.