Every rogue builder loves to promise “a 10-year guarantee.”
But when you try to use it — it suddenly vanishes faster than the builder himself.
So what’s real protection and what’s just hot air? Let’s break it down.
The Truth About “Guarantees”
A lot of builders throw the word guarantee around without backing it up.
Here’s what that really means:
If it’s not written down, it doesn’t exist.
If it’s not insurance-backed, it’s worthless once the builder disappears.
If it’s in the builder’s name, not yours, it’s not legally yours to claim on.
Real protection only comes from registered warranties or policies — not promises made on a quote.
The Key Difference
Builder’s Guarantee – A personal promise that they’ll fix faults. Sounds nice, but it only works if they’re still trading next year.
Insurance-Backed Warranty – A proper policy issued by an independent insurer. Even if the builder goes bust, you’re covered.
If you don’t see paperwork from an actual warranty provider (like the NHBC, IWA, or similar), you’ve got nothing but words.
Red Flags to Watch For
🚩 “Don’t worry, we cover everything ourselves.”
🚩 “You’ll get the paperwork later.”
🚩 “It’s all standard, you don’t need to register it.”
Every one of those lines is a warning sign that your so-called guarantee isn’t worth the paper it’s not printed on.
How to Protect Yourself
✅ Always ask: Who issues the warranty?
✅ Make sure it’s in your name and backed by an insurer.
✅ Never pay the final balance until you’ve got the certificate in hand.
✅ Keep copies safe — they’re essential if you sell the property or make a claim later.
Bottom Line
A real warranty protects you.
A fake one protects the builder.
If the only guarantee you’re getting is a handshake, it’s time to walk away.
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