New Consumer Code for Home Builders 2011

[Chuck Sidfrum]

According to this link:- The Code - Consumer Code for Home Builders

"The Consumer Code sets requirements that Home Builders who are registered with the supporting Home Warranty Bodies(NHBC and Premier Guarantee & LABC New Home Warranty) must meet."

"The purpose of the Code is to ensure that Home Buyers: are treated fairly;
know what service levels to expect; are given reliable information upon which to make their decisions; and know how to access speedy, low-cost dispute-resolution arrangements if they are dissatisfied."

The link says a range sanctions might be taken against those that fail to comply.

However the NHBC and builders like Charles Church (part of Persimmon Group plc) have failed with simple ideas (like treating the customer fairly) for many years.

The new code can award monies to a home owner to pay for remedial works, upto £15,000 (plus vat), hilariously this can include a discretionary award for
inconvenience, up to a maximum of £250.

From this I take it the only incentive for the builder/NHBC to treat the customer fairly and not to delay works is a £250 compensation payment. Curiously the early aspects of the code that were intended to protect home owners against delays appears to have been left aside, against the home owners interest.

Does anyone have reason to think the New Consumer Code for Home Builders actually has any teeth? Will it improve anything for the new home owner?

[SteveF]

More smoke and shadows in my opinion.

What is really needed is legislation that provides effective redress for the home purchaser.