When we can help
What is a defect?
A defect is a significant issue that affects the quality and function of your home. This may include:
- Broken or missing components – essential parts of your home that should be present but are not.
- Faulty systems or equipment – issues like heating or plumbing malfunctions that prevent proper functionality.
- Structural or material problems – defects that impact the safety or usability of your home.
In essence, a defect is anything that fails to meet the expected standards of a newly built home.
What is not considered a defect?
Not every issue in a new home qualifies as a defect. Some responsibilities fall under homeowner maintenance, such as:
- Repressurising a boiler
- Maintaining the area within your boundary
Additionally, defects do not include:
- Cosmetic flaws not reported at the handover
- Damage from weather, negligence, or improper maintenance
- General wear and tear
- Minor decorative concerns, settlement, and shrinkage cracks
Common defects
Here is a list of some common defects that you might find in your home, with some useful guidance on responsibilities.
You are responsible for ensuring you register each appliance with its manufacturer. Issues relating to the operation of the appliance need to be directed to them. Damage to any appliance is not covered.
It is your responsibility to arrange and maintain up to date service records for your heating system. Failure to maintain it regularly will invalidate your warranty. You are also expected to bleed radiators and re-pressurise the system if required. In the event of your heating system malfunctioning, please contact your aftercare team. If you are unsure how to operate timer controls or similar, please refer to the manufacturer’s manual and/or your home user guide in the first instance.
If you find any damage in the first two days let us know, after this period this is your responsibility. Some variation in colour and finish is normal.
We will replace doorknobs, handles, etc. unless damage is caused by poor maintenance, conscious damage or wear and tear. If you find any other issues with doors or windows in the first two days let us know, after this period this is your responsibility.
You’ll need to have a reasonable attempt to clear all blockages, however if you can't get them clear, let us know. Please don’t throw nappies and wet wipes down the toilet or pour chip fat or oil down your kitchen sink.
These are only covered if the problem is reported in the first two days.
If you have an electrical fault in your home please get in contact.
We will cover landscaping installed by us including turf but not when damage is caused by a lack of maintenance, weather or seasonal changes, when there are issues with standing water more than 3 metres from your home. We do not cover fences, gates or sheds.
We will repair leaking gutters if the issue arose from installation, they will not be covered if the leak is due to a lack of care and maintenance, storm damage, seasonal changes, and leaves.
We will cover insulation as long as it has not been removed or tampered with, including having boarding installed.
Unless damage is noted on your home familiarisation form, this is your responsibility.
We will carry out repairs to outside taps unless damage is caused by poor maintenance, weather conditions or seasonal changes (this includes if you haven’t insulated your outside tap during winter).
The defect liability period will cover smoke alarms as long as they are maintained and/or serviced.
We will carry out repairs on solar panels if they were already installed by the developer when you purchased the property. However, they will not be covered when damage is caused by a lack of maintenance, weather conditions or seasonal changes or when they haven’t been serviced and maintained in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
If you find any cosmetic damage in the first two days let us know, after this period this is your responsibility.
Reporting a defect
What happens next?
Once reported, our aftercare team may ask for additional details on how the issue occurred. To assess urgency and determine the appropriate response, we may request videos or photos.
We're committed to ensuring your home meets the highest standards, and our team is ready to assist with any significant defects efficiently.