Structural Warranty in London
MSR Surveying provides a structural warranty in London, Essex and the Home Counties for new build, converted and renovated property. A structural warranty protects the owner against the cost of rectifying structural defects, and gives developers, buyers and lenders the assurance they need at completion. A structural warranty is a type of insurance that covers the cost of repairing or replacing any structural defects that may occur within a specified period after the completion of the works. A structural defect is any fault or failure in the design, workmanship, or materials of a property or a structure that affects its stability, safety, or durability.
You may need this service if you are:
- A developer or a builder of a new build or converted property who wants to comply with building regulations and standards and provide a guarantee to your customers
- A buyer or a seller of a new build or converted property who wants to secure your investment and avoid any unexpected expenses or liabilities
- A lender or an insurer of a new build or converted property who wants to reduce your risk and exposure
At MSR Surveying LTD , we have partnered with leading structural warranty providers who can offer you competitive and comprehensive cover for your property. We can provide you with:
- A free quotation and a comparison of different options and prices
- A professional inspection and certification of your property by qualified surveyors
- A 10-year structural warranty policy that covers defects in the load-bearing elements, waterproofing elements, and drainage elements of your property
- A claim management and support service that handles any issues or complaints that may arise
By choosing us for this service, you can benefit from:
- Our expertise and experience in providing structural warranty services for various types of properties, such as residential, commercial, industrial, or educational
- Our independent and impartial advice and guidance to help you choose the best option for your needs and budget
- Our flexible and tailored service that suits your requirements and preferences
- Our excellent customer service and satisfaction
If you are interested in our structural warranty service, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Structural warranty at a glance
| What it is | An insurance policy that covers the cost of putting right structural defects which appear after the works are completed |
| Best for | New build, converted and extensively renovated property |
| What a structural defect means | A fault in the design, workmanship or materials that affects the stability, safety or durability of the structure |
| Who needs one | Developers and builders, buyers and sellers of new or converted property, and the lenders behind them |
| Typical period | Ten years from completion for a new build policy |
| The alternative | A Professional Consultants Certificate, which is a professional certificate rather than insurance |
| Fee | Quoted per project, from the location, the type of construction and the build cost |
| Areas covered | London, Essex and the Home Counties |
Structural warranty or Professional Consultants Certificate?
These two are the usual answer to the same problem — a buyer’s lender wants cover on a property that has just been built or converted — and they are not the same product. The difference matters, because the wrong one is either an unnecessary cost or an unacceptable answer to the lender.
| Structural warranty | Professional Consultants Certificate | |
| What it is | An insurance policy | A certificate given by a professional consultant who monitored the build |
| Defects liability period | Yes — the policy period, commonly ten years on a new build | None. The certificate is not insurance |
| Who stands behind it | The insurer | The consultant and their professional indemnity cover |
| Certificate or policy length | Set by the policy | Six or ten years from certification |
| Lender acceptance | Widely accepted | Recognised by UK Finance and accepted by most lenders — always check the specific lender |
| Relative cost | Higher | Lower |
| When it has to be set up | Before or early in the build, since the structure has to be underwritten | Before or early in the build, since the point of it is inspection at key stages |
The decisive question is usually whether the buyer’s lender will take a certificate. Most will. Where they will not, or where a developer wants insurance-backed cover to sell against, a warranty is the right product. We will tell you which one your scheme needs rather than selling you the larger of the two.
Arrange it before you build, not after
Both products depend on somebody independent having seen the structure at the stages when it can still be seen — foundations, drainage, frame, damp-proofing, roof. Once a building is finished and decorated, the evidence is behind plaster. A scheme that comes to us at practical completion has fewer options and a harder conversation with the lender, so the time to settle this is when the ground is still open.
Structural warranty questions
What is a structural warranty?
A structural warranty is an insurance policy covering the cost of repairing or replacing structural defects that appear after a property is completed. A structural defect means a fault in the design, workmanship or materials that affects the stability, safety or durability of the building.
How long does a structural warranty last?
The period is set by the policy. For a new build it is commonly ten years from completion. Where a Professional Consultants Certificate is used instead, that is issued for six or ten years from the date of certification, and it is a certificate rather than an insurance policy.
Do I need a structural warranty to sell a new build?
Your buyer’s mortgage lender will want cover of some kind on a property that is newly built or converted. That is usually a structural warranty or a Professional Consultants Certificate. Which one is acceptable is the lender’s decision, so it is worth establishing early rather than at exchange.
What is the difference between a structural warranty and a PCC?
A structural warranty is insurance and carries a defects liability period. A Professional Consultants Certificate is a certificate from the consultant who monitored the build at key stages, with no defects liability period, backed by that consultant’s professional indemnity cover. The certificate costs less and is accepted by most lenders.
When should a structural warranty be arranged?
Before the build starts, or as early in it as possible. Cover depends on the structure having been seen at the stages when it is still open — foundations, drainage, frame, damp-proofing and roof. A scheme that only seeks cover at practical completion has fewer options.
Does a structural warranty cover everything that goes wrong?
No. It covers structural defects, within the terms and the period of the policy. It is not a maintenance contract and it does not cover wear, finishes or the consequences of neglect. The policy wording sets out the cover, and it is worth reading before you rely on it.
If you are not sure which report you need, say so and we will tell you. Call 020 3318 9426, email info@msrsurveying.co.uk or ask for a quote. There are more answers on our RICS survey questions page.