Questions to ask before moving into a new‑build home

Build quality, standards and inspections

All new-build homes in England and Wales are required to meet building regulations. These regulations cover areas such as structural integrity, fire safety, ventilation, drainage and energy efficiency. Questions to ask a homebuilder about build quality might include:

• Which organisation was responsible for building control approval on this home?
• At what stages of construction were inspections carried out?
• Were any issues identified during inspections and how were they resolved?

Getting clarity on these points can help you understand how the home was assessed before completion and the level of care taken by the homebuilder to ensure compliance. Further information about the building regulations approval process is available on GOV.UK.

What certificates and approvals should be provided?

When moving into a new build, buyers will receive a set of documents relating to the property. These confirm that different aspects of the home have been assessed or installed in line with relevant standards. The exact documents provided after completion can vary depending on the property, systems installed and warranty provider.

Certificates and approvals that are typically provided include:

• Building regulations completion certificate
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
• Electrical safety certification
• Gas safety or boiler installation certificates, where applicable
• Structural warranty and insurance documentation, such as NHBC Buildmark or an equivalent

You may want to ask questions such as:

• Will I receive a building regulations completion certificate?
• Is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) available for this home?
• What electrical safety certification is provided?
• Are gas safety or boiler installation certificates included?
• Which structural warranty and insurance policy applies to this home?

Warranties, guarantees and long‑term protection

New-build homes are sold with a structural warranty, which is separate from building regulations approval. This warranty is designed to provide protection if certain defects arise after completion. Individual appliances or fittings may come with their own manufacturer’s guarantees.

Questions to ask a homebuilder about warranties and guarantees could include:

• Which company provides the structural warranty for this home?
• When does the warranty start and how long does it last?
• Which issues are usually covered in the early years after completion?
• Are there any exclusions I should be aware of, such as wear and tear?
• How do I make a warranty claim and who assesses it?

Understanding your structural warranty

New build warranties usually last 10 years, though terms and coverage can differ by provider. Typically, they include an initial period, often the first 2 years, where certain issues are addressed by the homebuilder, followed by a later period covering specific structural defects, handled by the warranty provider.

To clarify how the warranty works, homeowners may ask:

• What issues is the homebuilder responsible for during the first part of the warranty period?
• When does responsibility transfer to the warranty provider?
• What types of structural defects are typically included?
• What evidence is needed if a claim is made?
• Are maintenance-related issues excluded from cover?

Property layout, fixtures and finishes

It can be important to clarify exactly what your purchase will include, as well as the expected final layouts and materials. This information helps you understand what is included at completion. You might want to ask questions such as:

• Can you confirm the final room sizes and layout for this plot?
• What materials are used for walls, windows and insulation?
• What type of ventilation system is installed?
• What level of water pressure should be expected?
• Which appliances are included and are brands specified?

Clarifying what is included as standard

Standard specifications can vary between developments and even between different house types on the same site. Differentiate between standard features and optional extras by asking questions such as:

• Is flooring included in all rooms, and if so, what type?
• Which kitchen appliances or white goods are provided as standard?
• Is external landscaping or fencing included?
• Are wardrobes or other storage solutions fitted?

Energy efficiency and sustainability features

New-build homes are constructed to meet current energy efficiency requirements. These standards are designed to improve insulation, reduce heat loss and support more efficient heating systems.

Some common questions about energy efficiency and sustainability in new-build homes include:

• What is the EPC rating for this home?
• What insulation and glazing types are used?
• What heating system is installed and how is it controlled?
• Are heat pumps or solar panels included?
• Is the home designed to accommodate smart technology?

Development, local area and amenities

Buyers may find it useful to ask questions about the local area and long‑term plans for the site of their new home, such as:

• What public transport links and road access are available nearby?
• What schools, shops, and healthcare facilities are close to the development?
• Are communal areas or green spaces planned, and when will they be completed?
• Are there service charges, and what do they cover?
• Who is responsible for the long‑term maintenance of shared areas?

Handover and snagging process

At the handover stage, buyers usually receive keys, documentation and guidance on how systems in their new home operate. The snagging process is the identification of any minor defects or issues after moving in. Both processes can differ between housebuilders, so it’s important to receive clarification.

You may want to ask:

• What happens during the handover appointment?
• Will I receive guidance on heating, ventilation and other systems?
• How do I report snagging items after completion?
• Is there a timeframe for reporting issues?
• How are repairs scheduled and tracked?

What to do if issues arise after completion

If issues are identified after completion, buyers will usually be asked to report them. Where concerns cannot be resolved, escalation routes may be available. These can include:

• The homebuilder’s formal complaints process
• Contacting your structural warranty and insurance provider
• Dispute resolution through the Consumer Code

The availability and suitability of escalation routes can depend on the nature of the issue and the terms of any applicable warranty. More information about consumer protections is available on the Consumer Code site.

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Disclaimer:

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Please speak with a mortgage, financial or legal adviser for more information regarding your specific circumstances.