Moving into a New Build House then Making Alterations - NHBC

andyward82

Hello.
I shall hopefully be moving into a new build house soon. The house is covered by NHBC for 10 years as standard.
I have a standalone garage which backs onto my garden that I'd like to convert into an office and install bi-fold doors into.
Can anyone out there advise me on the implications this would have on the NHBC certification of the house, etc. Will it invalidate the warranty? Would I need to get an 'exception' made? How do I go about making sure I keep the NHBC coverage?
Thanks in advance
Andy

csgohan4

Also make sure you have don't have covenant restriction's on your deeds or needing permission from the freeholder if applicable

[Deleted User]

I echo the above, check your covenants.

A client bought a new build recently that said they weren't allowed to paint the walls within the first 2 years or it will invalidate the snagging cover
If you start to do things outwith the covenant then it's likely any claims assessor will just say it happened because of your work.
Nhbc aren't known to be happy to start paying out for stuff willingly

davidmcn

It's not going to generally invalidate your warranty, but obviously it only covers inherent faults in the original construction. As above, the more significant issue is getting any necessary consents.

AdrianC

Is it leasehold...?

andyward82

AdrianC wrote: »

Is it leasehold...?

No, it's a detatched house. Freehold.

pattypan4

The big builders use a double garage as an office. I don`t see the difference

AdrianC

andyward82 wrote: »

No, it's a detatched house. Freehold.

"Detached house" doesn't necessarily mean it isn't leasehold, especially new-build.

sal_III

AdrianC wrote: »

"Detached house" doesn't necessarily mean it isn't leasehold, especially new-build.

I thought Leasehold new build houses were banned already?

That doesn't mean there is no service charge and/or covenants in place.

NHBC warranty is structural, if you are not knocking down walls and merely changing the door and use of the garage I don't think it will invalidate the warranty.

andyward82

sal_III wrote: »

I thought Leasehold new build houses were banned already?

That doesn't mean there is no service charge and/or covenants in place.

NHBC warranty is structural, if you are not knocking down walls and merely changing the door and use of the garage I don't think it will invalidate the warranty.

It's definitely a freehold house.

Oxid8uk

pattypan4 wrote: »

The big builders use a double garage as an office. I don`t see the difference

But they are only using it temporarily as an office/marketing suite. Once the development is finished it must revert back to a garage so all planning conditions can be discharged.