Buying new house. How long has builder to guarantee structure

Hi there,

I'm purchasing a dormer bungalow down the country. The vendor purchased the site and then contracted the work out to a blocklayer, roofer etc. My solicitor has received contracts and tells me the vendor only wants to give an 18 month guarantee for major structural problems. She tells me 6 years is the norm and tells me that most mortgage providers insist on 6. Has anyone any experience on this one?
niall

Is the property not covered by Homebond which covers builds for serious structural defects in the first 10 years. This is an alternative to Homebond but I don't know if it's relevant to your situation (e.g. if there is any way to take out such insurance yourself or in cooperation with the developer). Check the terms & conditions of normal home insurance policies (the buildings part) to see if serious structural defects that come to light in the first few years are covered.

Regardless of what in in your building agreement, you have common law rights against the builder for 6 years. The agreement will not negate those rights. Talk to your solicitor!

Thanks guys for responses. Clubman..I guess that crowd sell insurance against major structural problems occuring. I just feel that this should be provided to me by the builder free of charge as I'm paying enough.

Thanks Vanilla, I'm not aware of this but will ask my solicitor. In people's experience is 6 years the normal period of protection afforded. is 2 years too short?
nbc

If you are going to only get a two year guarantee and/or have to depend on the six year rule mentioned above then make sure to get a good, detailed structural survey done even though it's a new house and many people might normally make do with a snag list in such a situation.

Thanks clubman. Will consider that. Who's the ideal person to do such a survey?

nbc