We’re proud to be one of the first housebuilders to implement the New Homes Quality Board’s new code of practice, which champions quality new homes, putting customers at the heart of the new build process.
The New Homes Quality Board, an independent not-for-profit organisation, has been set up to offer better protection and increased transparency for customers, helping to reframe the relationship between customers and developers and build confidence within the new build sector.
The new code of practice covers everything from sales methods to construction quality as well as after care service, to support customers throughout their home buying journey. Key to enforcing the new code is an Ombudsman service which will act as an independent watchdog to add an additional layer of protection for customers.
Matthew Pratt, Group Chief Executive of Redrow said, “Our customers have always been at the heart of everything we do. We’re extremely proud to be one of the first volume housebuilders to be implementing the new NHQB code of practice. It is possible because of our outstanding people and IT systems combined with great team work across the board to meet the NHQB’s requirements.
“At Redrow we’re committed to giving people a better way to live and the principle of treating customers fairly is something that we have built our reputation upon.
“This is a big step for our industry and one we very much welcome. For us it’s about continuing to support our customers and giving them the best possible experience of buying and moving into one of our homes.
“From today, customers visiting all our sites can be assured that they will be fully supported by the new code and we’d urge all other builders to follow suit at the earliest opportunity."
The new code:
• Protects customers from high pressure selling and requires any deposits the customer pays to their builder to be protected.
• Requires the developers to provide all relevant information about the home during the sales process – including its tenure and any future management or service charges – allowing them to make an informed decision about their purchase.
• Sets out requirements for a fair reservation agreement, including a ‘cooling off’ period; and sales contract requirements.
• Allows customers to engage a professional to carry out a pre-completion inspection of their home on their behalf.
• Specifies that a home must be ‘complete’, preventing developers paying customers to move into a new home early.
• Replaces the large number of previous codes, hence simplifying and boosting consumer confidence
For more information about the NHQB visit their website.
