NHBC publishes 2026 Standards

NHBC’s latest technical standards are now available, with the 2026 edition offering updates in “multiple areas”.

The NHBC Standards, according to the new homes warranty and insurance provider, define the technical requirements and performance standards for the design and construction of new homes registered with NHBC.

The Standards, which give guidance on the requirements to achieve NHBC warranty and insurance, are updated yearly after being “rigorously reviewed” to raise build quality through incremental improvements.

For the 2026 edition, NHBC has made editorial improvements to the numbering of tables and drawings and cross-referencing between chapters for ease-of-reference. It has also removed some building control guidance “to clarify their purpose as warranty guidance”.

More significant changes and updates include, but are not limited to:

• Chapter 2.1 – Technical Requirement R3d has been updated
• Chapter 3.2 – guidance on rendering in cold weather has been updated
• Chapter 6.5 – this chapter has been updated to reflect current industry practice and the requirements of BS EN ISO 1461 related to galvanising of hot-rolled structural steelwork
• Chapter 6.11 – updated checked rebate drawing and existing guidance strengthened to ensure robust detailing at wall/roof abutments

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