NHBC Issues Advice for New Homeowners

THE NHBC has published advice for homeowners moving into newly built homes to help them ‘run-in’ the building.

Giles Willson, Standards and Policy Manager at NHBC, the warranty and insurance provider for new build homes, said that there are a number of simple steps to take to help occupiers ‘run in’ their new home.

“Easy day to day measures can prevent or limit problems occurring, with the three key factors of moisture, condensation and shrinkage being the main causes of potential damage at any time of the year,” he said.

“With UK mortgage approvals rising to their highest level in more than 10 years, partly driven by buyers reassessing their living situation during the pandemic, it is clear that many tens of thousands of people have been busy and making the move during lockdown.”

NHBC says it is common that during construction, the materials used to build a new home will have absorbed water. Although it is something homeowners won’t notice, it’s important that this moisture evaporates slowly and be ventilated away. Decelerating the drying out process reduces the visible effects of shrinkage, by letting things take their natural course.

NHBC Advice

Stop moisture spreading: Extractor fans and cooker hoods, where fitted, should be used whenever water vapour is being produced, such as when cooking, washing clothes and showering.  Also ensure that windows are opened regularly to allow excess moisture to escape.

Keep a constant temperature to limit cracking: Try to keep an even temperature in the house so that the structure warms up and dries out gradually.

Dealing with minor cracks: Small cracks in the walls and gaps in joinery are both common signs of shrinkage. These should be left for a few months and then sealed after your new home has dried out.  When owners redecorate, the advice is to use a good filler for any gaps and plaster cracks that may have arisen from normal drying-out and shrinkage.

Reduce condensation:  Keeping trickle vents in windows open will reduce condensation.  If it does appear on windows, simply wipe it away.  Left alone, condensation can cause a lot of damage, and lead to unnecessary repair costs.

Redecoration: The builder will probably have painted the walls with a light paint that lets moisture get out during the drying out period.  Further coats of emulsion and oil-based paints or wallpaper can be put on after about 9-12 months.

Wardrobe ventilation: Built-in wardrobe doors should be kept slightly ajar during the drying out period, especially if the wardrobe is on an external wall.

Loft care: Check the loft regularly for signs of condensation.  The builder will have put permanent ventilation in the roof, usually at the eaves, to avoid condensation.  These openings, which take the form of slots or holes, should not be covered.  Do not leave the loft hatch open because this will allow warm moist air into the loft, wasting heat and increasing the risk of condensation.

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