OUR BUSINESS is built on fairness and honesty, giving our customers clear and reliable information.
The Consumer Code for Home Builders, referred to as the Code in this article, has been in effect since April 2010. It was developed by the home-building industry to ensure the home-buying process is fair and transparent. The Code outlines rights and protections for buyers, ensuring they are treated fairly and kept fully informed throughout their purchase.
At Dennis Edwards Homes, the commitment to making your home-buying experience positive and transparent is demonstrated by our adherence to industry standards and regulations.
Compliance with the Consumer Code for Home Builders is fully maintained.
A copy of the Consumer Code can be downloaded by clicking HERE.
More information about the Code can be found by visiting consumercode.co.uk.
The Home Buying Process
The Code addresses all phases of the home-buying journey, including:
For potential homebuyers, comprehensive pre-purchase information should be provided to help them make an informed decision. This information should include:
➤ A written reservation agreement in which the reservation fee, property specifications, purchase price, termination conditions of the reservation agreement, and the validity period of the price are detailed.
It’s essential that you understand the structural warranty coverage, which is a key aspect of your investment protection.
➤ A description of any management services and their associated costs.
➤ The nature and assessment method of event fees, such as transfer fees.
➤ If the home is still under construction, a brochure or plan showing the layout, appearance, plot location, list of contents, and the standards to which it is being built should be included.
Upon moving in, we provide a demonstration of your new home and its features. During this walkthrough, any defects should be noted and recorded on a ‘snagging list’ for necessary repairs.
Standards for finishes, such as brickwork and paintwork, are defined by warranty bodies, although slight variations in appearance are expected since each house is uniquely built.
Homes need time to settle, including a period of gentle drying. Minor cracks, gaps, and white deposits are expected during this process.
A transparent, fair, and compliant contract will be provided, outlining termination rights, estimated construction timelines, legal completion, and handover dates.
Buyers have the right to withdraw and receive a refund* of the reservation fee in case of unreasonable delays. The document will explain how deposits are protected and how pre-payments are managed.
Homebuyers are granted the right to withdraw with a refund of the reservation fee* in the case of unreasonable delays. It must be explained how deposits are protected and how pre-payments are managed.
*subject to an administration fee.
Accessible after-sale service will be provided, including contact information and details of applicable guarantees. On the day of legal completion, a warranty folder containing all necessary instructions and warranties related to your new home will be received.
As one of the first residents to move into the development, safety precautions must be communicated. Your safety is of paramount importance, so all development site rules must be followed. Written procedures for receiving and resolving service calls and complaints, along with arrangements for dispute resolution, will be provided.
If you have any questions:
Even after you settle into your new home, we remain committed to providing assistance to ensure everything meets your expectations. Our goal is to make your new home purchase exciting and free of any issues. Please see the following information, which outlines potential issues and provides guidance on who to contact for resolution.
In the First Two Years:
This period is commonly referred to as the builder warranty or defect insurance period. If you come across any aspect of your new home that does not meet the required standard, your first point of contact should be your builder, who is responsible for addressing defects within the first two years of your purchase. If you have reported issues to your builder and they have not been addressed promptly or are unable to do so due to insolvency, do not hesitate to contact your home warranty provider. They can provide assistance or advice through their dispute resolution service, and they may also undertake necessary work if the builder is unable to do so.
Three to Ten Years:
This period is known as the structural insurance period, which covers the home for up to 10 years after completion. During this time, your structural warranty provider will cover costs and carry out necessary remedial work for policy-covered issues. Coverage typically includes elements such as foundations, walls, cladding, roofs, flues, chimneys, ceilings, load-bearing parts of the floor, and glazing in outside windows and doors.