Guide to your new home
Contents
1. Remember to cancel papers and other regular deliveries before going on holiday A build up of papers in the letterbox is a telltale sign that nobody s home Ask your neighbour to keep an eye on your home Make sure all valuables and car keys are kept out of sight and therefore out of mind for the potential burglar Hide small valuables such as jewellery If you live in a retirement home or sheltered housing consult the warden or estates manager before fitting security devices as they may need to access your property in case of an emergency Fitted furniture Guide to your new home page 24 Care and maintenance tips Renewable energy systems Any renewable technologies installed in your home should be serviced and maintained by a competent person only Unvented hot water storage systems These systems should be serviced at least once a year by a competent installer in accordance with the manufacturer s recommendations The manufacturer should be able to provide details of an approved installer WARNING Never attempt to service or alter an unvented system yourself This could result in an explosion Water from overflows and warning pipes If you notice water dripping or flowing from an overflow or warning pipe you should identify the cause without delay It may indicate that a valve has developed a fault and needs attention Chimneys To prevent chimney fires and reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poison2. it s actually far simpler than it sounds As long as you re ready with the right tools a simple valve key and a cloth it shouldn t take more than a minute for each one Follow these easy steps and your home will soon be warm and cosy again If you haven t been given a radiator valve key by your builder these can be purchased from any DIY store 1 Turn off your central heating system and allow it to cool down 2 Attach a radiator key to the bleed valve usually located at the top and to one end of the radiator and begin to turn anticlockwise 3 Keep turning until you hear a slight hiss of air When water begins to escape instead of air you know it s time to close the valve as all of the trapped air has now escaped 4 Tighten up the valve by turning the key clockwise turn the heating back on and enjoy the results Throughout this process you should place a cloth beneath the valve to catch any water that might leak from it which could discolour floor coverings due to the additives within the heating system Visit www nhbc co uk or call O800 035 6422 page 16 How to eeeees5s 4508s8soeeoeeoeeeesee esecseeeeeseeseeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeweeeeeeeeeeeeeweeeeeeeeeeeeeweeeeeeeeeeweeeeweee ce e a a E OCU e a E E OC HC CORO E E HOC CHS E E E He connect kitchen appliances If you ve just moved in your kitchen appliances may already be connected However it s still a good idea to
3. and are built ina variety of ways Two of the most common forms of construction for new homes are shown here Many other forms of modern construction are available for new homes whilst newly converted homes may be built in a variety of traditional and modern ways as outlined below Masonry cavity construction With an inner leaf of blocks to support the roof and floors and an outer wall of bricks or blocks finished with cladding or render Timber frame construction With an internal load bearing frame of preservative treated timber and an outer leaf of bricks Alternatively the timber frame may be clad externally with boarding or tile hanging The builder should have provided you with information telling you among other things the type of construction used in your home including the methods of insulation Walls External masonry walls Thermal insulation many new homes have insulation in the cavity of the external walls The insulation may fully fill the cavity either as built in slabs or as an injected material partially fill the cavity as boards held against the inner block leaf leaving an air space behind the outer leaf The air space behind the outer leaf should not be filled with additional insulation The walls of homes can be thermally insulated in other ways for example with a layer of insulation provided between the inner leaf and the plasterboard dry lining If your home has an unfilled cavity you s
4. demand trees should be planted no closer to the home than one and a quarter times the mature height High water demand trees include elm eucalyptus oak poplar willow and some common cypress species It is also best to avoid planting shrubs such as cotoneaster ivy virginia creeper and wisteria closer than 3m to your home On all soils allow enough room for trunks and large roots to grow safely and be particularly careful if you are planting near Air brick walls or drains Be careful not to plant trees near your neighbour s home They could cause damage and you could be liable for the cost of repair Before cutting down or pruning a mature tree check with your local authority to make sure that it is not protected by planning conditions conservation area restrictions or a tree preservation order Damp proof courses air bricks and other ventilators The level of soil around your home should be kept below the damp proof course generally 150mm or two brick courses Paths should also generally be kept Permanent ventilator around 150mm or two brick courses below the damp proof course except where these have been designed to provide level access into the home If you are not sure where the damp proof course is ask the builder to show you Where air bricks permanent ventilators or peroend vents are provided they should not be blocked or covered by soil or paving Perpend vent Visit www nhbc co uk or call O800 035
5. money until the house is properly settled and the drying out process is complete which usually takes nine months to a year small shrinkage cracks may continue to appear in the walls which by the way are completely normal in new homes When the time comes make sure you fill in any minor gaps and plaster cracks with a decorator s filler Before painting or wallpapering you should remove any existing wallpaper from the walls Use a steamer and avoid scraping too rigorously otherwise you might damage the plasterboard Ceilings Many ceilings have an Artex or similar plastic compound finish These should never be sanded or washed Instead lightly brush to remove cobwebs and loose particles before painting with one or two coats of emulsion Woodwork New woodwork tends to absorb a lot of paint or stain so the first painting may not give as good a finish as later repainting The surface should be cleaned and prepared properly and be totally dry before you start to coat it Dleed a radiator If things start getting a little chilly in your home and you re wondering why look first to your radiators It may be that even with the central heating turned up high they are failing to deliver the warmth you would expect If your radiators are cool at the top but warm at the bottom it s probably because they have air in them and need bleeding Bleeding radiators may sound like a messy and complicated affair but not to worry
6. 1 2 A consistent approach to finishes please contact NHBC on 0844 633 1000 and ask for Customer Services or you can download this from our website www nhbc co uk Homeowners Publications page 8 Settling into your home eeeeese5sc548s8soeeeceese39 sscsecseseeseeeepeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeweeeeeeeeeeeeeweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeemeeeewmeeeememlcermlCcrmCOC CUM HC e E HCC HC Cee eee em E E e E E E E E E Efflorescence The appearance of a white deposit on the wall known as efflorescence can also be an effect of the drying out process These white deposits are actually natural salts that come out of the wall materials and are quite normal These salts are not harmful and usually disappear over time and where they appear on internal walls they can be brushed or wiped away However if the white deposits continue to appear on internal walls it could indicate something more serious such as a water leak If that s the case you need to contact your builder or a competent tradesperson as soon as possible Condensation Condensation is caused by steam or water vapour coming into contact with cold surfaces such as walls ceilings and windows Condensation can be the result of evaporation of moisture from building materials which is quite common in new homes If allowed to persist condensation can result in the appearance of mould on interior surfaces and even on furnishings Con
7. lining polythene vapour control layer sheathing board outer leaf usually of bricks clear cavity Timber frame external wall construction Fire precautions timber framed homes are designed to the same fire resistance standards as masonry homes Do not use a blowlamp or other high temperature source of heat in or close to any hole in the outer brick leaf or the inner plasterboard lining e Vapour control if you cut a hole in the internal plasterboard lining of the external wall you may puncture the vapour control layer This layer may be a separate sheet of polythene or the backing of the plasterboard It is designed to prevent water vapour from inside the home reaching the timber frame So if you do make a hole in it you should seal it up again with tape or another suitable material Internal walls Internal walls can be built of blocks from timber frames or using proprietary partition panels Blockwork walls can be finished with plaster or plasterboard dry lining Timber framed walls and proprietary partition panels are finished with plasterboard Some internal walls are load bearing so do not remove them or make substantial alterations to them without getting professional advice Separating party walls Walls used to separate semi detached or terraced houses or flats are designed to reduce the passage of sound and provide a fire barrier In masonry construction separating walls
8. rights before and after they move in and are provided with a speedy low cost dispute resolution scheme to deal with complaints More details can be found on the website www consumercodeforhomebuilders com CODE HOME BUILDERS Visit www nhbc co uk page 4 Customer satisfaction surveys Your help to improve standards Once you ve moved in we would like you to tell us about your home buying experience and help us in our role to continually improve house building standards for homeowners like yourself We are interested in the Standard of Finish gt service you have received from your builder as well as the actual quality of your new home israel Very satisfied NHBC carries out two surveys O Fairly satisfied The first is conducted on behalf of the Home Builders Federation HBF Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied You may receive a questionnaire about eight weeks after you have moved Fairly dissatisfied in As well as informing both NHBC and your builder of where they need to direct their efforts to improve this survey is used to monitor the effectiveness of the Consumer Code for Home Builders It asks about your experience of the buying process your moving in day and the early after sales service you received from your builder Very dissatisfied The second survey will come to you about nine months after you move in By this time you should be settled into your new home and have resolved any issues
9. that may have arisen This survey focuses more on the after sales service you received from your builder Please look out for these surveys They have been kept short so that it should take a matter of minutes to complete We very much appreciate your feedback Our experience shows that providing feedback is a proven way of improving levels of customer satisfaction Guide to your new home page 6 Moving in Excited As well as checking your home you should also confirm that all keys have been handed over including those for windows all windows and doors open close and lock properly any extras you ordered have been provided all services gas water and electricity are connected and are in working order you should also agree meter readings The curtains are up your TV is in place and the house warming gifts are flooding in The moving process is complete and you can start to relax Over the coming weeks you can gradually adjust to life in your new home and begin building memories Over the coming days you should carry out several tests and checks to make sure everything s in order Familiarise yourself with the operation of your smoke alarms and check they work by pressing the button Ensure you have been given operating instructions for all systems and appliances Check that the garden boundaries are as you expected If you have purchased a flat or apartment make sure that the common areas have
10. 6422 oage 26 Care and maintenance tips Alterations and extensions So you re thinking of updating your home Perhaps it s a porch a conservatory or a double storey extension Whatever alterations or extensions you re thinking of making you should always seek advice from an appropriately qualified structural engineer building surveyor or architect You should also refer to your title deeds or lease However it s important to remember that any alterations or extensions to your home will not be covered by NHBC s Buildmark policy neither will any damage to your home caused by the work undertaken Other things to think about All electrical work should be carried out by competent electricians The National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting NICEIC and the Electrical Contractors Association ECA keep a register of approved firms All gas system changes modifications should be carried out by a gas engineer listed on the Gas Safe Register All roof timbers are necessary for the support of the roof and should not be cut or removed Lofts are not generally intended to be used as a storage space the structure of the root is not likely to have been designed to take the additional load of stored items and the loft insulation may prevent safe access Ventilation is provided to control condensation If vents have been provided in the eaves they should not be blocked or covered over For guidance on the e
11. Gas Safe registered engineer turn off the gas at the meter call the National Gas Emergency Service England Scotland and Wales 0800 111 999 Isle of Man 0808 1624 444 Northern Ireland 0800 002 001 not operate electrical switches whether on or off they may create a spark that could ignite the gas Airflow safety It s vital that your home is correctly ventilated and that chimneys flues and air bricks are not blocked or obstructed in any way A fresh flow of air is not only healthier but also much safer Flue terminals These should not be covered blocked or modified in any way and they should not be enclosed by extensions such as porches or conservatories Combustion ventilation Gas oil and solid fuel appliances such as fireplaces and wood burners can give off harmful and potentially deadly fumes such as carbon monoxide There will almost always be permanent ventilators fitted in the room where these appliances are installed either in the wall or the floor These provide air to ensure that the appliance works correctly and should NEVER be blocked or redirected as this could cause a build up of dangerous gases To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning all fuel lburning appliances should be serviced in line with manufacturer s recommendations as a general guide at least annually Unvented hot water storage system safety Unvented hot water storage systems operate under high pressures and
12. NABC Congratulations page 3 Congratulations Buying a house is probably the largest investment you ll ever make so choosing a new home built by an NHBC registered builder is a wise decision r X JA y A e l Toes NHBC is the UK s leading independent standard setting body and provider of warranty and insurance for new homes Our role is to work with the house building industry to help maintain and raise the build quality of new homes for homebuyers This also means you will benefit from the protection of our 10 year Buildmark warranty and insurance cover EFASI EDTA on td i ign Be lt lt __6_ amp 4 nm 7 x y a i nh yd N 8 a lt During the buying process Your solicitor or conveyancer will tell you about any planning restrictions restrictive covenants tree preservation orders and the ownership and maintenance of fences shared drives etc They should also explain your rights under Buildmark and provide you with your policy book and certificate If you do not receive your Buildmark documents ask your solicitor for them A fair process for buying your new home The Consumer Code for Home Builders was developed by the house building industry to make the home buying process fairer and more transparent for purchasers It aims to ensure that all buyers are treated fairly know what levels of service to expect are fully informed about their purchase and their consumer
13. a pump and several controls Water heated by the boiler is pumped around the radiators through pipework that is usually concealed within the floors and walls Some central heating systems may include a ground or air Source heat pump a biomass boiler ourner or even solar panels tiles Your builder will have informed you if you have any of these systems in place Operating instructions for your central heating system should have been provided by your builder If not you should ask for them Boilers will usually have a programmer that allows you to turn the heating on and off and to adjust the settings to suit your requirements You can easily program the heating to stay on for longer in the colder winter months A room thermostat and or thermostatic radiator valves are normally provided to regulate individual room temperatures Watch out for hidden cables and pipes WARNING Always take care to establish the exact position of cables and pipes which are embedded in walls or under floorboards You can do this using a cable detector Visit www nhbc co uk or call O800 035 6422 page 12 Essential services cold water cistern hot water cylinder rising main V A main stop valve service pipe Central heating system with hot water cylinder hot water storage vessel deae lt i a lt Q main stop valve service pipe Central heating system with hot water storage vessel combin
14. any advice you should contact either your builder or one of the following organisations Gas Safe Register for gas appliances amp MEORTANT SET cha Oil Firing Technical Association for the Petroleum Industry OFTEC for oil fired appliances THIS PLATE MUST NOT BE REMOVED OR COVERED PROPERTY ADDRESS a O DE Heating Equipment Testing and Approval Scheme HETAS LTD for a solid fuel appliances Fire safety POSTCODE THE HEARTH CHIMNEY LINER LOCATED IN AAEE URARA TOR Appliances pre installed by your builder should be suitable for the chimney or flue CHIMNEY LINER TYPE AND I D yOu have in place SUITABLE FOR CONDENSING APPLIANCES INSTALLED ON INSTALLERS NAME Fixed flueless gas appliances SS aan one Some modern gas heaters fixed flueless gas appliances are not connected to a eee ate a chimney or flue It is important that these are operated in accordance with the OTHER INFORMATION manufacturer s instructions They are not suitable as the principal heat source Guide to your new home page 18 Home safety Home safety page 19 Fire doors Fire doors are significantly heavier than standard internal doors and are sometimes fitted with a self closing mechanism If you have these in your home you should not remove them disable them or leave them open Fire prevention To avoid a fire breaking out keep matches and lighters out of children s reach dispos
15. ation boiler main stop valve service pipe Central heating system using a combination boiler Guide to your new home Types of central heating system There are generally two types of central heating system those with a hot water cylinder and those without one In central heating systems that have a hot water cylinder or storage vessel water that is heated by the boiler is also circulated through a coil to heat the water within the cylinder Water from the cylinder is then distributed to the hot taps around the home The temperature of the water provided from the taps can usually be adjusted using the cylinder thermostat Central heating systems that use a combination boiler do not have a hot water cylinder This is because the boiler takes water directly from the rising main heats it and distributes it directly to the hot taps as and when needed A control found on the boiler allows you to set the temperature of the water that comes out of the hot taps Repairs and maintenance Most repair and maintenance work ought to be carried out by a professional engineer However there are one or two things you may be able to do yourself such as e bleed your radiators repressurise your central heating system Expanding plug Cavity toggle How toO Extreme care needs to be taken when carrying out work around your home Even if you re just hanging a picture or putting up shelves there might be el
16. ay retain elements of former use and as a result their ability to function today will be dependent on past history The structures and materials used in older properties were designed to be more flexible than modern buildings and consequently movement may have taken place over many years resulting in a degree of distortion in alignment level and plumb This will have been taken into account at the conversion design stage and should not affect the performance of the building Whilst the overall integrity and weatherproofing of the property should be robust natural aging of materials which may involve some wear of surfaces is a normal feature of many conversions and renovations Where existing windows doors and surrounds have been retained they may operate less smoothly than new units and you may find blemishes and undulations in surface finishes scratches and marks in glazing Where floors and stairs have been retained you may find e the effects of movement over many years the floors may not be level and can be uneven retained staircases may not follow the guidance of the current Building Regulations some additional shrinkage and possible squeaking of floors may occur as the building dries out to a greater degree than may have been the case during its former use variable ceiling heights retained features may lower the height still further in specific areas Due to the converted building s age and previous
17. been completed by the builder Your solicitor or conveyancer should have told you what these are but they usually include stairways landings and entrance areas If a chimney or flue has been installed in your home check that a notice plate which gives information on types of appliances that can be safely installed and used has been provided If you use your chimney or flue consider buying a fireguard that complies with BS 8423 2010 Each and every house is different that s what makes a house a home Yours has been individually built and handcrafted by human beings not robots That means there will inevitably be some variation in the finished appearance of different elements of the construction This is due to the nature of the materials and the ways in which they are applied Slight variations are normal and to be expected complete uniformity is quite rare However there are certain standards of finish that are to be expected NHBC issues technical guidance to its inspection and claims staff as well as to its registered builders to help explain what is acceptable and what is not You can find this in Chapter 1 2 of the NHBC Standards book This chapter covers brickwork internal plaster render and paintwork as well as the effects of drying out If you feel that an element of your new home is not finished to the required standard please get in touch with your builder To receive a free copy of NHBC Standards Chapter
18. check all of the hoses are in line and well tightened before turning the appliance on You should also recheck connections when the appliances have been up and running after a day or two as dripping connections can give rise to significant damage over time The same applies when you have a new appliance installed at a later date The plumber may have connected everything up but there s no harm in having a quick look to make sure Of course checking everything s in order becomes much more important if you ve connected your kitchen appliances yourself fepressurise a sealed central heating system Some central heating systems have a small header tank usually located in the loft and will not need repressurising Other systems known as sealed systems don t have a header tank but instead have a pressure vessel either inside or close to the boiler along with a pressure gauge If you have this type of system sometimes you might find that the pressure drops The manual for your boiler should tell you what the correct pressure should be It should also give instructions on how to repressurise the system install a new heating appliance If you re thinking of installing a new heating appliance you need to make sure that it is Suitable for use with your chimney or flue if you have one There should be a notice plate in place that tells you which types of appliances can be safely installed and used If you need
19. check with your managing agent landlord first Boarded floors Boarded floors only require ordinary woodscrews However you should make sure they re not particularly long ones since you don t want to penetrate through to the underside of the board this could potentially damage pipes or cables located in the floor Concrete or screeded floors These require a standard wall plug and screw which can be picked up from just about any DIY shop Separating party floors Separating floors are usually found in flats or apartments They are often designed with a floating top layer in order to reduce the passage of sound Always think carefully about the necessity of fixing something to these types of floors If it can t be avoided it s essential that your fixing is short enough so that it does not connect the floating layer to the structural floor as this could reduce the effectiveness of the floor construction in relation to sound transmission Can t tell your boarded floors from your concrete ones Your floor plan may indicate this but if in doubt check with your builder Guide to your new home If you ve just moved in and your house is brand new your walls will probably be decorated with emulsion paint You might be happy with the colour but if not ideally you should wait until the drying out process is complete before repainting or wallpapering Decorating at an early stage would only be a waste of time and
20. densation will gradually reduce as the building dries out but you should avoid contributing to it if you want prevent the appearance of mould on walls and ceilings There are a number of things you can do even after the building itself has finished drying out to protect your home against harmful levels of condensation Open windows or window vents to allow trapped moisture to escape f a mechanical ventilation or heat recovery MVHR system has been installed in your home ensure that you familiarise yourself with the manual and manufacturer s guidance It is important to understand how these systems operate in order to run your home effectively Cover pans when cooking to reduce steam and use the extractor fan where possible Always use the extractor fan when bathing or taking a shower Stop moist air soreading around your home by keeping doors closed when cooking or bathing Electricity Avoid drying clothes indoors especially on radiators f you have one make sure your tumble dryer s venting duct leads outside unless it is a self condensing dryer e Heat your home evenly and consistently Ideally you shouldn t leave your heating off all day as when you return home in the evening and start cooking or washing moist warm air will be created which will settle on the cold surfaces and create condensation Program your cen
21. e of cigarettes and smokers materials properly switch off appliances when not in use do not overload electrical sockets look out for damaged cables or wiring use a deep fat fryer rather than a chip pan make sure candles are kept away from curtains and extinguish them when leaving the room or going to bed Further information is available at www gov uk firekills Electrical safety Electrical alterations maintenance Its quite simple NEVER carry out electrical alterations or maintenance yourself It should ALWAYS be done by a competent electrician who really knows what they are doing You might think you do but it s simply not worth the risk Never interfere with earth bonding cables that are connected to pipework sinks and radiators They are there for your safety Avoid overloading electrical sockets Guide to your new home Switch off electrical equipment when not in use Switch off items such as hair straighteners and put them out of reach of small children Do not use electrical appliances with wet hands or in the bathroom Renewable energy systems Systems that generate electricity including wind turbines solar photovoltaics PV or CHP units will remain live even when the main switch on the consumer unit is turned off so particular care should be taken Circuit breakers Your consumer unit contains the main on off switch for your electricity and has a number of MCBs that protect ind
22. e trapped in the construction areas or cause an accident O on S e C U F y Please observe and follow safety signs and procedures at all times Footpaths and designated walkways must be kept clear of obstructions at all times Please do not park in these areas Here you ll find some useful tios and advice to helo you keep your home secure and the e Please do not remove or alter any signs barriers or safety equipment on site at any time best use of any security features provided by your builder All persons entering the site and construction areas must comply with all of the regulations under the Health amp Safety at Work Act 1974 ee en Where windows have been fitted with locks normally on the ground floor and those easily If you experience any settling in issues during the first few days in your home please avoid approaching members reached by climbing make sure you use them Some windows lock automatically at the of the construction team directly for assistance To ensure that any problem is dealt with in the most efficient manner press of a button and require a key to be opened always ensure that any keys can easily and recorded correctly please follow the instructions provided by your builder in relation to reporting problems or be located in the event of an emergency contact their customer care department for assistance Your front and back doors are fitted with robust locking systems that should always be e
23. ectrical devices gas pipes and or cabling in the way So before you start drilling holes or hammering in nails always take care to establish the exact position of cables which are embedded in walls or under floorboards You can do this using a cable detector As you settle into your new home you will want to start adding the finishing touches such as pictures posters and shelves but before you go drilling holes into the walls you need to know what sort of fixing you ll need The type of wall fixing that you use depends on the weight of the item you want to hang and the construction of the wall that you want it to hang from Here s an overview of what to use where to use it and how to use it Before fixing to walls always remember to check for hidden pipes and cables using a detector these can be purchased from any DIY store In masonry blockwork walls These are the strongest walls in your home and can therefore support heavier items Here you ll need screws with wall plugs and you will need to ensure that both the screw and plug penetrate right through the plasterboard and deep into the blockwork In timber frame walls Timber frame walls can also support heavier items so long as the fixings are attached to the timbers within the wall and not just the plasterboard Vertical timber studs are typically found at 600mm spacing across the width of the wall but you should use a detector to determine their exact position the detect
24. ernment Endorsed Standards Tel 0333 555 1234 Email info trustmark org ukK www trustmark org uk Visit www nhbc co uk or call O800 035 6422 Notes iN AVIANI EATEN a vatatae mst Seettattiy 4 u ann y Me l iytvavi Wanye datas Wey BE Shae EVs Guide to your new home Visit www nhbc co uk or call O800 035 6422 NHBC NHBC House Davy Avenue Knowlhill Milton Keynes Bucks MK5 8FP Tel 0844 6331000 Fax 0844 633 0022 www nhbc co uk NHBC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority NHBC is registered in England and Wales under company number 00320784 NHBC s registered address is NHBC House Davy Avenue Knowlhill Milton Keynes Bucks MK5 8FP www recyclenow com This leaflet has been printed on material which is produced from well managed forests and is fully recyclable and biodegradable ECF elemental chlorine free and is made to ISO 14001 Environmental Certification 3 C recycle Copyright NHBC 2015 HB932 03 15
25. ffect that alterations and extensions may have on your NHBC policy please call NHBC on 0800 035 6422 and ask for Claims From exchange of contracts up to the completion date The builder warranty our resolution service and our guarantee the first two years after the completion date Guide to your new home page 28 Buildmark Appendix A page 29 Insurance cover 3 to 10 years after completion After the builder warranty has ended your home will continue to be protected by insurance cover provided by NHBC until 10 years after completion This means that we will pay the cost or carry out remedial works for issues covered by the policy if the cost exceeds the minimum claim value The parts of your home covered are illustrated in the diagram below Roofs Walls external cladding curtain walling external render and external vertical tile hanging rs rr ces brs es rs ey Foundations and below ground drainage Ceilings balconies and load bearing parts of floors This is for illustration purposes only There are certain conditions limits and exclusions that apply Different periods and conditions also apply to common parts Please read your policy document for full details about your cover Flues and chimneys Stairs floor decking and screeds that fail to support normal loads Glazing panes only in outside windows and doors Appendix A How new homes are built Homes come in all shapes and sizes
26. g Vertically in a band within 150mm 6 of the corner of a room in each wall Water Where does it come from Water is supplied by a regional water company through an underground service pipe This pipe is fitted with a stop valve which can be found at the boundary of your property Its position allows the water company to turn off the supply in an emergency or for maintenance Please make a note of the precise location of your stop valve You may also have one within your home make a note of this location too often under the kitchen sink In some cases water may be sourced directly from an on site rain or waste water harvester water collected this way is often used for flushing toilets How does it work From the stop valve water enters the rising main and is distributed around the home via a direct or indirect feed system So what s the difference between a direct and indirect feed system In a direct feed system all cold water taps and WC cisterns are fed directly from the rising main Hot water is provided at mains pressure by an unvented hot water storage system or a combination boiler In an indirect feed system the rising main supplies water to a storage cistern which is usually installed in the loft From here water is redistributed to the taps WCs and the hot water cylinder However in most cases the kitchen tap will still be directly connected to the rising main for drin
27. hould not have cavity fill insulation injected without seeking professional advice and obtaining Building Regulation approval from your local authority or in England and Wales Approved Inspector External timber frame walls e Thermal insulation timber frame walls are usually insulated within the depth of the load bearing timber frame so that any cavity between the frame and the brick outer leaf is kept clear for weather protection and ventilation The cavity of a timber frame home should never be filled with additional insulation Typical masonry cavity construction Typical timber frame construction Guide to your new home Visit www nhbc co uk or call O800 0O35 6422 page 50 Appendix A Appendix B page 31 eeeeese5s5usoeeeseeeeeeeseeeseeeepeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeweeeeeeeeeeeeeweeeeeeeeeeeeewmeee E e a e e CU CUM HCC HC KC C7 HC HPC MO e e COC eC Vee eC Mem e OC OC KC eC O e OC Coco e E ORCC OCH mC OCC HC eC eo em E COCO COC e e E eC ee E OC OC E OC OC oC mc OC oC a COC HC oC oO E E OC COC CHOROCcHMCHHPeSeeeeHeeeeeeee eee Ue E e e e CC HC KCC HC VO CHOC UOC E e HOC KC CVO E E E O E OC KC Ce eeeeeseeeeeeeweeeeeeeeeeeee ke e E E E a A brick outer leaf cavity fully filled with insulation brick outer leaf wall ties with discs to hold the insulation against the block inner leaf plasterboard dry lining block inner leaf partial cavity insulation Cavity partially filled with insulation plasterboard
28. ich is when you can begin to mow keeping the blades of your mower at the highest setting for the first cut As your lawn grows you can mow at regular intervals to match the growth rate Guide to your new home Care and maintenance tips page 25 Drives and paths Gravel stones and other loose surfaces may be displaced over time They may need adding to or replacing as part of normal maintenance Inspection chambers and rodding eyes are there to provide access to the drainage system below ground so that blockages can be cleared It is important that these are not covered over by soil turf or paving In soft landscaping such as lawned areas some settlement of the ground may occur and should be made good as part of normal maintenance Trees and shrubs Planting trees and shrubs can make your garden more attractive but be careful trees and shrubs take moisture from the soil If the soil is clay new planting may cause It to shrink while removing existing trees and shrubs may make it swell Excessive shrinkage or swelling could damage foundations Much depends on the type size and location of the trees and shrubs and the type of clay You should obtain advice from an expert before planting new trees and shrubs or if a large tree dies or has to be severely pruned On clay soils it is best to avoid planting trees nearer to your home than a distance equal to three quarters of the mature height of the tree However high water
29. ing chimneys should be swept at least once a year unless the notice plate suggests alternative maintenance arrangements Gutters Gutters should be cleaned out at least once a year to remove leaves and debris Wet patches on the walls below may indicate that gutters or downpipes are blocked Flat roofs Flat roofs should be inspected once a year to ensure that they remain in sound condition Rainwater outlets should be checked to ensure that they are not blocked Paintwork External finishes will dull over time and where appropriate should be washed on a regular basis Outside woodwork should be regularly repainted or stained to preserve the wood The first repainting outside will probably be needed in about two years but after that provided it is properly done repainting or staining should only be necessary every four to five years You may need to do it more often if you live by the sea or In an exposed area Lawn care If you are the proud owner of a newly laid lawn you may need some tips to help you look after it Spending a little time and effort now will help you to reap dividends later on A newly laid turf lawn will need some tender loving care throughout its first season especially during the summer months For best results water your lawn during the coolest times of the day during the evening or preferably early in the morning Try not to walk on the lawn until the turf is established and the ground is firm wh
30. ividual circuits Tripping of these MCBs may occur due to a faulty appliance To rule this out unplug all of the electrical items reset the switch to the on position and one by one plug in the appliances to see which one causes the MCB to trip The faulty appliance should be repaired or replaced as a priority In addition your home may have an RCD which provides additional shock protection Circuit breakers are there for your safety If they repeatedly trip and you have eliminated a faulty appliance do not persist in resetting an MCB or RCD as it may be that there is a problem with the electrical installation Contact your builder or a competent electrician who will be able to find and repair the fault Gas safety Gas alterations maintenance Actual repairs alterations or servicing of any gas pipes or appliances should always be left to an expert If you need your boiler serviced a gas fire installed or any other alterations or repairs that involve gas systems you should always call a gas engineer who is listed on the Gas Safe Register You can check the register online and get further information about gas safety at www gassaferegister co uk Gas leaks Gas leaks can be life threatening and should be dealt with as soon as you become aware of them If you suspect a gas leak you should open all doors and windows to ventilate the room switch off the appliance and do not use it again until it has been checked by a
31. king water Which do I have To find out which type of water feed system you have all you need to do is close the main stop valve If the system is direct the flow will stop all cold water taps and WCs if indirect only the kitchen sink will be affected Guide to your new home Essential services page 1 Gas Where does it come from Gas is supplied by an energy company and enters your home through a service pipe that terminates at the control valve which can be found next to the meter The meter which is usually installed outside the building either on a wall or partially buried in the ground is used to measure gas consumption in cubic metres or cubic feet Your builder should have given you a key that opens the meter cupboard so you can read the meter or close the control valve in an emergency How does it work Gas is fed to the central heating boiler and other gas appliances such as an oven through pipework which may be concealed within walls and under floors WARNING You should always contact a professional gas engineer who is listed on the Gas Safe Register to deal with problems with your gas supply or appliances Central heating With a better understanding of your central heating system you can improve thermal efficiency lower your energy costs reduce your carbon footprint How does it work Most new homes are fitted with a hot water central heating system which consists of a boiler radiators
32. may be built from bricks or blocks with solid or cavity construction and finished with plaster or plasterboard In timber framed homes the separating wall is also timber framed It may be finished with extra layers of plasterboard and incorporate sound absorbent material Whichever method is used you should not reduce the thickness of the wall or make holes in the plasterboard lining for example to install an extra power point or recess a bookshelf This may reduce its sound insulation and fire resistance In England and Wales work on separating walls may also be subject to the Party Wall etc Act 1996 See Appendix C Contacts and references Garage walls The external walls of garages are often constructed from a single thickness of brickwork It is important to note that these may not be waterproof in all weather conditions e g prolonged driving rain Appendix B Newly converted or renovated homes If you have decided to purchase a newly converted or renovated home you may have done so for the character and charm such properties offer Converting an existing building into anew home can breathe new life into the local area and is often encouraged by local planning authorities and English Heritage But ensuring the successful transition from a former use to residential or upgrading an older home whilst retaining the original character will present designers and builders with many challenges Converted properties m
33. nd services including the registration of competent installers and servicing businesses Find a product retailer installer quality assured fuels chimney sweeps etc Tel 01684 278170 Email info hetas co uk www hetas co uk OFTEC OFTEC represents the oil heating and cooking industry in the UK and the Republic of Ireland Its aim is to be the leading trade association and technician registration body for the liquid fuel heating and cooking sector and for complementary renewable energy technologies Tel 0845 6585 181 Email enquiries oftec org www oftec co uk Guide to your new home Electricity NICEIC NICEIC is the UK s leading voluntary regulatory body for the electrical contracting industry It has been assessing the electrical competence of electricians for over 50 years and currently maintains a roll of over 26 000 registered contractors Check the register find a registered electrician and receive guidance advice on electrical safety Tel 01582 531 000 Email enquiries niceic com www niceic com ECA Founded in 1901 the ECA is the UK s leading trade association representing the interests of contractors who design install inspect test and maintain electrical and electronic equipment and services Tel 020 7313 4800 Email electricalcontractors eca co uk www eca co uk Building Regulations advice and guidance RIBA Royal Institute of British Architects RIBA champions better buildings comm
34. ngaged when you leave the house You may also have door chains or limiters and or a spy hole viewer to help you check on callers when you re at home A light fitted with a detection sensor turns on automatically if someone approaches your home after dark It s highly effective in deterring potential intruders and therefore definitely worth considering if your home doesn t already have it installed Installing an alarm gives you peace of mind Speak to your local police crime prevention officer for expert advice and guidance in finding a system that meets your needs Visit www nhbc co uk Guide to your new home or call 0800 0O35 6422 page 22 Home security Be secure but also safe Some doors can be locked from the inside If that s the case with yours and it s locked using a key make sure you have a spare key in a convenient place nearby so that you can get out quickly in an emergency Keep ladders and other equipment safe Ladders steps and equipment attract the keen eye of the burglar and makes things easy for them so always ensure that they are kept out of sight ideally in a locked shed or garage Lock rear entry gates Generally make sure your back garden is as private and secure as possible Many burglaries start at the back where no one can see them taking place And while you re away Try to make your home look occupied Leave lights on in the evening and not just in the hall or on the landing
35. or will be pick up the metal fixings If the studs are not in a suitable position you might find it necessary to spread the load by screwing a piece of wood between the two studs and fixing directly onto that instead Visit www nhbc co uk or call 0800 0O35 6422 page 14 How to How to page 15 If the timber studs are not in a suitable location and the item you are wishing to hang decorate your home want to make sure you get things right So here are a few things to take note of V Drm In proprietary partition walls g VJ Aaa Rivet anchor toggle Partition walls are not suitable for heavy items however they can accommodate Painting and wallpapering relatively light loads providing you use the right fixing device available from DIY stores Some proprietary partition walls are not suitable for any fixings if in doubt check with your builder Unsure as to which walls are masonry and which are partitions Your floor plan may indicate this but if not check with your builder attach a floor fixing From time to time you might find the need for a floor fixing As you might expect you need to choose the right fixing depending on the type of floor you want to fix it to Here s an overview of what to use and where to use it Before inserting a fixing into the floor always remember to check for hidden pipes and cables using a detector If you are in a flat apartment you should
36. r development when you move into your new home and unfortunately a certain amount of dust and noise may be inevitable Your builders will endeavour to keep any disturbance to a minimum whilst they complete your develooment Here are some key pointers to remember for your own safety as well as your family or visitors to your home especially young children e Please DO NOT enter the construction or work areas at any time or allow children in your care to do so te Children are naturally curious and will want to explore Please alert your children to the very real dangers on site te and if they re playing outside your home be sure of their whereabouts Construction traffic may be moving about during the day Please take care when walking or driving Before passing any site vehicles ensure that the driver has seen you Construction vehicles are not easy to manoeuvre and cannot stop quickly Young children are especially difficult for the drivers to see easily e During construction it may be necessary to alter the site traffic management system Please take notice of and abide by any signs showing safe routes for pedestrians and vehicles e Visitors to the construction area must report to the site office and gain permission to proceed onto the site or any work areas you will also need to wear protective clothing and footwear ass e lf you have pets please be aware of their whereabouts at all times they may becom
37. should be serviced annually You should never attempt to service adjust or alter them yourself as this could cause an explosion Call out a specialist who holds a Registered Operative Identity Card for the installation of unvented hot water storage systems Ladder safety There may be times when you require the use of a ladder to get certain jobs done It s always a good idea to leave such things to people who really Know what they re doing but if you re confident that you can do it yourself make sure you remember to only use a ladder when you can be sure it has a safe and secure base to stand on ensure the ladder and its rungs are not damaged ensure the space around the bottom of your ladder is free from obstacles and sharp objects tie the ladder to a rigid fixing to prevent it from slipping always work with three points of contact on the ladder i e both feet and one hand never lean beyond your reach instead move the ladder and re tie it position the base of the ladder 30cm from the wall for every 1 2m it is vertical for example if you re cleaning out the guttering position the base at least 1 2m away from the wall on an average two storey house about 5m store a ladder in a place where children will not be tempted to climb it Visit www nhbc co uk or call O800 035 6422 page 20 Home safety Site safety during construction Construction work may continue on you
38. tral heating to come on shortly before you return Don t let condensation mould become a problem Preventing it is much easier than getting rid of it Condensation in your roof space In cold weather you may notice some moisture on the underside of the felt beneath your roof tiles This is due to any warm moist air from your home passing into the roof space and settling on the cold surface of the felt and timbers As the roof space MCB AS is ventilated breathable this should gradually disperse without any issues arising SDA E SOMA and following the general tips on reducing condensation will help keep any moist air zz that does escape into the roof down to a minimum C Guide to your new home page 10 Essential services WARNING If an MCB or RCD trips repeatedly there may be a fault with an appliance or the installation You should contact a professional electrician for help From the consumer unit electricity is distributed around your home via a series of cables These are usually concealed within walls or under floors Cables above a ceiling or under a floor may be run in any position but those found in walls should have been installed by your builder as follows Vertically above or below a socket outlet or switch being served Horizontally on either side of the socket or switch Horizontally in a band within 150mm 6 of the ceilin
39. unities and the environment It provides standards training Support and recognition for its members Membership of RIBA is recognised the world over as a symbol of professional excellence among both clients and architects Tel 020 7580 5533 Email info riba org www architecture com RICS Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors RICS is an international professional body with over 100 000 members It regulates and promotes the profession maintains the highest educational and professional standards protects clients and consumers via a strict code of ethics and provides impartial advice and guidance Tel 0247 686 8555 Email contactrics rics org www rics org Government Planning Portal England amp Wales The Planning Portal is the UK Government s comprehensive online planning and Building Regulations resource for England and Wales www planningportal gov uk Guide to the planning system in Scotland ISBN 978 O 7559 9064 1 This brochure can be downloaded from the Scottish Government website www scotland gov uk publications The Party Wall etc Act 1996 revised explanatory booklet Department for Communities and Local Government The booklet can be downloaded from the UK Government website www gov uk government publications TRUSTMARK TrustMark is a not for profit organisation licensed by Government and supported by consumer protection groups Find your local tradesmen trustworthy reliable and operating to Gov
40. use it may not have been designed to restrict the passage of sound and thermal transmission to the levels required under current Building Regulations Whilst some improvement in sound and thermal insulation will have been incorporated the Building Regulations do recognise that it may not be possible to achieve the standards expected for new build in all circumstances The tolerances and finishes given in Chapter 1 2 of NHBC Standards do not apply to the retained elements of a conversion Guide to your new home Visit www nhbc co uk or call O800 035 6422 page 52 Appendix C Appendix C page 33 Appendix C Contacts and reference numbers NHBC Buildmark Claims amp Guidance Tel 0800 035 6422 Email claims nhbc co uk www nhbc co uk homeowners Gas and oil Gas Safe Register The Gas Safe Register is the official list of gas engineers who are registered to work safely and legally on gas appliances in the United Kingdom Isle of Man and Guernsey Check the register find a registered gas engineer and receive guidance advice on gas safety Tel 0800 408 5500 Email enquiries gassaferegister co uk www gassaferegister co uk National Gas Emergency Service natural gas Smell gas Act quickly England Scotland and Wales 0800 111 999 Northern Ireland 0800 002 001 Isle of Man 0808 1624 444 HETAS Ltd HETAS is the official body recognised by government to approve biomass and solid fuel domestic heating appliances fuels a
Download Pdf Manuals
Related Search