New Build Warranty Periods: What Defects Are Covered and When
A clear breakdown of new build warranty periods in the UK, what developers are obliged to fix and how to document defects effectively.
How new build warranties work
Most new-build properties in the UK come with a 10-year structural warranty, typically provided by organisations like NHBC (Buildmark), Premier Guarantee or LABC Warranty. These warranties are structured in distinct phases, each covering different types of defects.
Understanding these phases is critical because the type of defect you're reporting determines whether the developer or warranty provider is responsible — and how quickly you can expect a resolution.
The typical warranty phases
Developer Defects Period
The developer is directly responsible for fixing defects caused by not meeting warranty standards. This covers cosmetic, finishing and functional defects — the core snagging period.
Structural Warranty Period
The warranty provider covers structural defects only. Cosmetic and finishing defects reported after Year 2 are generally not covered.
Critical Snagging Window
The first year is the most important period for reporting defects. Developers have the strongest legal obligation to respond and repair during this time.
Why snagging documentation matters for warranty claims
A warranty claim is significantly easier to pursue when you have a dated, detailed snagging report showing that you identified and reported a defect within the warranty period. Developers occasionally dispute whether an issue existed at handover — a timestamped digital report with photographs removes that ambiguity.
Snagr automatically records the date of each inspection and generates a formatted PDF with all your photos included, giving you exactly the evidence you need.
What's typically covered
- Cosmetic and finishing defects (Year 1–2, developer responsibility)
- Functional defects such as faulty heating or plumbing (Year 1–2)
- Structural defects including subsidence and roof failures (Year 3–10)
- Drainage defects causing structural damage (Year 3–10)
Frequently asked questions
Document defects before your warranty expires.
Use Snagr to create a dated, professional snagging report that protects your warranty claim.