<b></b><p></p><p><b><b>Over the past four years NHBC has seen a 60% increase in the number of requests for the use of its free and independent Resolution service. In response, NHBC has just launched a new initiative, which will look to bring the numbers down by setting thresholds for &amp;“allowable&amp;” resolutions. Melissa Blamey examines the implications of the rise and explains the Reducing Resolutions scheme</b></b><br><b>The housebuilding industry is facing increasing media and consumer scrutiny as the number of disputes between consumers and builders referred to NHBC hits an all time high. To the untrained eye the upsurge in the number of Resolutions may equate to a decrease in the quality of new housebuilding. Clearly, the majority of builders would refute this, so what are the real causes behind this year-on-year increase?</b><br><b><b>The causes</b></b><br> A well-documented explanation lies in ever rising consumer expectations. Building companies have invested in PR makeovers and extra gloss advertising campaigns and while this rightly raises company profile, it also raises expectations. As consumers buy into the dream of creating and living in their perfect home environment and receiving tailored customer service, it is in reality difficult to deliver.</p><p>Recent research by NHBC has revealed a tendency for the Resolution service …