Whether you’re building a new home or having work done to your property, it’s always recommended that you check that the builder has obtained a structural warranty before the construction even begins.
Structural warranties exist to protect homeowners in the event that defects become apparent during the first few years after building work has been completed.
In this blog, we’ll discuss whether structural warranties are a legal requirement, and whether you’ll be able to get a mortgage if you don’t have one in place.
Are structural warranties a legal requirement?
It isn’t actually a requirement to have a structural warranty in place for a new build, or for any building work done on your property.
However, if you are building new homes or converting existing properties, it is recommended that you obtain a structural warranty prior to the commencement of any construction work, in addition to ensuring that your plans meet with building regulations approval.
On the other hand, if you plan to build a conservatory or an extension to your home, you may not always need a structural warranty. You will, however, still need to comply with building regulations to ensure that the construction is structurally sound.
Will I be able to get a mortgage without a structural warranty?
Whilst a structural warranty isn’t a legal requirement for any kind of building work, you’ll probably find that it’s extremely difficult to get a mortgage without one. Most mortgage lenders will need to see evidence of a structural warranty before any building work commences.
In the very rare event that a mortgage lender doesn’t require a structural warranty, they will still see you as more of a financial risk. This means that they won’t lend you as much money as they would if you had a structural warranty in place.
Can I sell my property without a structural warranty?
Another benefit of purchasing a structural warranty is that it will be much easier to sell your property, if you plan on doing so, within 10 years of purchasing it. The structural warranty is passed onto the new owners with the sale of the house. Therefore, prospective buyers will see your property as a much more attractive prospect with an insurance policy in place in case any structural defects are noted further down the line.
How long does a structural warranty cover my property for structural damage?
When purchasing a structural warranty, it’s important that it covers a period of 10 years from the date of construction. This is because defects can become evident even several years after building work has been completed.
Importantly, you should note that if any further construction work takes place in the 10 years following completion of the build, you’ll probably need to replace or update the contract.
How do I get a structural warranty?
Architect Certificate provide 10 year structural warranties that will ensure your property is covered against a number of issues that could arise in the future. These include:
- The cost of rebuilding as a result of structural defects
- Defective materials used for construction
- Rectifying damages caused by water egress due to problems with the design or building work
- Developer insolvency (if requested at quotation stage)
- Costs associated with fixing issues caused due to problems with the drainage system
- Defects insurance covering a period of 24 months following practical completion
Get in touch with the friendly and knowledgeable team at Architects Certificate to obtain a 10 year structural warranty for your building work.
