To combat the low quality building practices blighting interwar Britain, the National House Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) was founded in 1936 with the aim of increasing professionalism and improving standards across the industry.
The NHBRC achieved its aims by establishing an approved house builder register, by inspecting and certifying new houses as fit for purpose and by influencing legislation.
The registration process included an innovative warranty for buyers of certified houses which stated that defects arising from non-compliance with specifications during a two year period from date of purchase would be fixed by the builder, with NHBRC arbitrating in disputes. In 1965, this evolved into a ten-year Buildmark warranty.
Buildmark now covers over 80% of new UK houses, currently protecting 1.6 million homes. Nearly 8 million homes have benefited so far, giving homeowners assurance and redress if things go wrong
Over 75 years on the National House Building Council (NHBC) as it is now known, is the leading warranty and insurance provider and standards setter for UK house-building for new and newly converted homes. As a non-profit distributing company, it reinvests all income in achieving its primary purpose; improving quality in house building to protect homeowners.
As part of the NHBC’s commitment to quality, the organisation conducts its annual Pride in the Job Awards; a UK-wide competition dedicated to recognising site managers who achieve high standards in house building. NHBC Pride in the Job has been instrumental in driving the quality of new homes for more than 30 years and this year is no exception.
The Pride in the Job awards were intended to shine a light on the UK’s best construction sites; developments which are tidy, well organised, well managed, disciplined and innovative. Scores of site managers up and down the country have now received notification of their award and will soon be able to proudly display flags, banners and certificates bearing the NHBC logo on their development.
This month, Premier Construction features several one-on-one interviews with some of the proud site managers who have received a Pride in the Job Award. Premier Construction also catches up with a few site managers who have received an NHBC Health & Safety Award.
For more information about the NHBC, please visit: www.nhbc.co.uk.
