If you’re a developer or contractor in charge of a construction project, you should have already obtained a structural warranty before getting started on-site.
A structural warranty is an important piece of documentation to both protect you and the eventual homeowner of the property.
Not sure exactly what they are or the types available? Read this blog to discover how ABC+ Warranty can help.
What is a structural warranty?
A structural warranty is a type of insurance policy that protects against latent structural defects found in the property years after construction has finished.
There are many different types of structural warranties that provide financial coverage for a variety of projects, such as self-build or social housing.
What is a latent structural defect?
A latent structural defect is an issue within a property that has lay dormant for several months or years after construction has finished.
Latent structural issues can appear because of poor design, workmanship or low-quality materials used during construction. They could be any of the following:
- Foundation issues
- Water damage
- Electrical issues
- Plumbing problems
- Understrength materials
- Inadequate design
- Building code violations
- Rotting timber
What types of structural warranties are available?
Whether you require commercial or residential structural warranties, or something more bespoke, there is a structural warranty available to you.
As mentioned above, there are several different types of structural warranties you can obtain. They are:
- Social Housing Warranty – Protects new and converted social housing properties from structural defects, covering the main structure, drainage systems, and partial or full reconstruction if a structural element fails.
- Commercial Property Warranty – Often known as latent defects insurance, this protects commercial property owners and developers from structural defects discovered months or years after construction has finished.
- Build-to-Rent Structural Warranty – A structural warranty specifically for build-to-rent projects. This can be obtained to cover more than one property, whether in a vertical or horizontal property development project.
- Barn Conversion Warranty – If a person or developer converts a barn, they must obtain a structural warranty to protect themselves and the future owners from the financial impact of a structural defect.
- Completed House Warranty – This type of structural warranty is obtained once the construction on a property has finished. This typically lasts for 10-12 years.
- Self-Build Structural Warranty – If a person is building their own home, this is a specialist type of structural warranty that can provide financial support should latent defects occur.
- New Build Warranty – New build warranties are obtained by the developer or contractor before construction begins and run for 10 years, which can prove liability for any issues in the first two years after construction has finished.
Why choose ABC+ Warranty for your structural warranty?
At ABC+ Warranty, you’re not required to pay any membership fees or holding bonds and certificates are issued within hours, not weeks.
If you’re a contractor, a developer, or even a self-builder, a structural warranty is essential to protecting all parties should structural defects occur within the property months or years after construction has fini