The difference between a self-build and new home warranty is that a self-build warranty does not have the limitation of a 2 year defect period. A defect period makes the ‘builder’ responsible for defects occurring during the first two years. Clearly if you’re the self builder then you are unlikely to have the resources to rebuild it as the ‘builder’ if there is a major defect in the first two years. This is why a self-build structural warranty policy starts from the date of completion and does not have a defects period. It gives you as the policyholder cover from day one.

This differs massively from a ‘New Home Warranty’ which is designed to be purchased by the builder who is developing homes to sell to a prospective purchaser. A New Home Warranty carries an initial 2 year defect period where the builder is responsible for anything that goes wrong during that initial period. 

Self Builders need to avoid structural warranties that have a defect period

Clearly Self Builders need to avoid this type of new home policy, because they will be classed as the builder. This means that if a defect does manifest itself during the first two years, the self-builder would be have to fix it, because the new home warranty policy would not respond.

On the basis most Structural Warranty claims occur in this initial 2 year period, it’s likely that the self-builder wouldn’t have the financial resources to cover the loss. Self-builders need to be wary of this when choosing a structural warranty provider.

One other important difference between a self-build and new home warranty is that a self-build policy is also one of the key elements required to prove exemption under the Community infrastructure Levy (CIL).

UK Authorised Insurer, Financial Services Compensation Scheme

It’s important to choose a warranty backed by an insurer who is authorised to write business in the UK. They also must be backed by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) as this is critical to ensuring you do not fall victim to a failed insurer. 

Warranty provider approved by lenders

Protek is approved by lenders. This means your customers will be in a good position to obtain a mortgage on the home you are selling. Unlike Professional Consultants Certificates (PCC’s) the structural warranty cover Protek provides lasts for the full 10 or 12 years. Importantly, it does not need to be topped up should the PCC become unacceptable for lending purposes or expires.

 

New legislation in the form of The Self Build and Custom Housebuilding Register Regulations 2016 has been enacted today which means that local authorities must establish and maintain a register of would be self builders and custom builders seeking (either alone or with others) to acquire a serviced plot of land in the relevant authority’s area to build and occupy a house as that individual’s sole or main residence.

The new legislation has designed to help councils assess demand for self build and custom build housebuilding which forms an important element of each authorities assessment of housing need as detailed in the Governments Planning Practice Guidance Methodology: Assessing Housing Need.