When it comes to building a new home, there are many things to think about. From your budget to design to the legalities, knowing where to start can often be overwhelming. This is especially true when it comes to choosing the right certificates for your new build. Often, many homeowners are left confused when it comes to deciding between a Structural Warranty and a Professional Consultant’s Certificate. The two are similar, so how do you know which one is right for you?
To help you answer this question, we’ve compiled a quick “Structural Warranty VS Professional Consultants Certificates” guide to help you decide which is best for your property.
A Professional Consultants Certificate is a legal document that inspects and confirms the quality of your property’s structure. PCC certificates are issued by chartered architects and surveyors and typically last for six years from completion. Unlike a Structural Warranty, Professional Consultant Certificates are not insurance documents. Instead, it is a certificate ensuring the property was built in line with building control standards.
You may wonder if you need a Professional Consultant Certificate for your home, and the simple answer is likely yes. PCC certificates are needed when remortgaging, selling or renting your property (with a buy-to-let mortgage). They ensure the property is safe for those buying your house. To receive a Professional Consultant Certificate for your build, many different aspects need to be assessed. This includes foundations, roof structure, damp resistance, drainage and completion.
A key benefit of a Professional Consultant Certificate is cost-effectiveness. On average, they cost around £2,500, whereas a Structural Warranty can cost up to £5,000, depending on the size of the project.
A Structural Warranty is an insurance policy created to protect homeowners against defects in new-build properties. It usually lasts 10 to 12 years after completion and can be used for both residential and commercial properties.
Structural warranties offer comprehensive protection to your home. Policies are often designed to rectify the cost of repairing or replacing any structural, design, material or workmanship issues created throughout the home. Structural Warranties are valid as long as the damage to the property was caused by a defect.
One advantage of Structural Warranties for homeowners is that the policies often transfer automatically between owners. This means that in the event of a structural defect, any problems can be rectified easily without having to establish who is responsible for the damage. Unlike a PCC certificate, a Structural Warranty doesn’t require any proof of negligence, meaning if an issue arises, damages can be paid for relatively simply.
While choosing between Professional Consultant Certificates and structural warranties may be tricky, the ultimate decision will be down to what benefits you the most. Get in touch with our friendly team on 0800 404 5804, who can advise on what's best for you.
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions for more information on how Professional Consultants Certificates work. Alternatively, follow our simple guide and get a quote to see how we can help you attain a Professional Consultant Certificate for your new build.
0800 404 5804
