NHBC launches MMC acceptance service

NHBC Accepts will enable MMC systems to be fast-tracked for NHBC warranty.

NHBC launches MMC acceptance service

Warranty and insurance providerNHBC has launched a service dedicated to the rapidly growing area of modern methods of construction (MMC).

 

NHBC Accepts is an all-inclusive, end-to-end service that will enable MMC systems to be fast-tracked for NHBC warranty.

As part of the service, technical reviews at key stages will result in provision of a certificate and acceptance for NHBC warranty, a usage licence for a bespoke NHBC Accepts logo and a website listing.

Richard Lankshear, innovation manager at NHBC, said: “The case for innovative forms of construction has strengthened and, as housebuilding resumes, the drive to transform construction is accelerated.

“We expect to see more innovative construction solutions emerge over coming years and NHBC’s thorough and rigorous approach to new MMC systems will help bring benefits to manufacturers, developers and builders.

“All new homes across the UK that are covered by NHBC’s Buildmark warranty are inspected at key stages during construction by our directly employed and highly skilled team of more than 350 inspectors.

"An NHBC Accepts certificate is a way of demonstrating that innovative products or systems have already been reviewed thus reducing the risk of delays on site.

“NHBC Acceptswill play a critical role in ensuring developers, manufacturers, lendersand consumers have faith and confidence in MMC quality as the industry delivers more innovative new homes for the country.”

Mark Farmer, chief executive of Cast Consultancy and author of the Farmer Review, said: “I welcome the launch of NHBC Accepts.

"It’s a step forward that sees the UK market leader in warranty and insurance for new homes making its commitment to high quality modern methods of construction clear.”

Mary-Anne Bowring, group managing director at Ringley, said: “The [MMC] industry has made significant progress in recent years, thanks to government support and private investment.

“This acceptance from the NHBC will encourage further investment into MMC, which will be critical to greening Britain's new housing supply.

"Institutional investment into alternative residential asset classes like build-to-rent and student accommodation has been key to driving the growth in MMC to date as MMC offers a number of qualities highly attractive to institutional investors such as quicker build time, improved energy performance and reduced waste and vehicle traffic on-site.

"MMC gives institutional investors such as pension funds and insurers quicker access greener, more sustainable and efficient assets that can produce the long-term income streams needed to match their liabilities."