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How does The Q Policy work?

We provide structural warranties that exceed expectations, supporting our customers throughout the build process with industry experience, technical knowledge and a thorough, helpful, responsive approach.

Our high standards enable our partners and inspire our industry to do more to promote and deliver quality construction across the UK.

Overview for Developers & Builders

Q - the mark of quality

Q provides a vastly enhanced on-site Risk Management Process compared with any other warranty provider.

Q’s team of technical experts inspects each new home a minimum of 8* times at key stages of the build process, to make sure that the build is in compliance with The Q Technical Requirements and the UK Building Regulations.

* The number of inspections carried out will depend on the size and complexity of the new home but for all projects registered with Q before works commenced, will be a minimum of 8 times

Registered Members

Under The Q Policy, underwriters only insure new homes which are built and sold by companies registered with Q.

Registration is free and will be renewed annually.

Every developer & builder will agree to our Terms of Business Agreement which sets out what we expect from you and what you can expect from us throughout the process and the period of insurance.

Technical Standards

Q operates design & construction guidance and mandatory Technical Requirements for all elements of build in conjunction with current Building Regulations, British / European Building Standards and good building practice.

Q’s Technical Manual provides practical advice and details to developers & builders to help you meet the Q Technical Requirements and comply with the Building Regulations and other industry standards.

Our Site Visits

We will visit your sites regularly during the construction phase.

During our site visits, we will inspect the works which have been carried out to date, to ensure that they are in accordance with our requirements and good building standards.

Our site visits are carried out on behalf of the Insurer to determine whether a property is suitable for insurance purposes. However, we will issue you with a report to highlight any issues which need to be rectified and provide you with advice or guidance as appropriate.

Completion Process

Before we can issue Cover Notes or Insurance Certificates for properties, we must collect the completion information and attend site to carry out a final "Completion" inspection for each plot.

Our Completions Team will contact you about six weeks before we think your completions are due but please do make sure you contact us if you haven't heard from our team.

As a service standard, we aim to issue Cover Notes within 5 business days of receipt of all the required information.

Consumer Code

All Q registered Developers of open market residential properties are automatically required to be members of the Consumer Code for New Homes, which has been established to ensure that best practice is followed by Developers in respect of the marketing and selling of New Homes and sets expected standards for after sales customer service.

Do make sure your teams are aware of their responsibilities under the Code and can communicate that effectively when selling properties to consumers.

Policy Cover

Our structural warranties aim to be easy to follow and provide certain insurance cover for the owners of the buildings for 10-12 years following completion of the build period. Each warranty is slightly different, but typically they include cover for the following:

Two Years post completion of build

During the two year period following completion of the build, the Developer or Builder is responsible for arranging the repair of any Defects identified and reported by a Policyholder. In the Affordable Housing policy, Private Rental Sector policy, Bespoke Residential policy and Commercial policy, this is known as the "Defects Liability Period".

In the Open Market Residential policy, this period is known as the Customer Service Guarantee Period and also requires the Developer to follow the requirements of the Consumer Code for New Homes.