<p>The New Homes Quality Board’s code of practice and the independent New Homes Ombudsman have launched today (October 4).</p> <p>Housebuilders including Bellway and Redrow have activated their registrations under the New Homes Quality Code which, as <a href="https://www.house-builder.co.uk/news/dispute-service-approved-operate-new-homes-ombudsman/">previously trailed</a>, will place significantly more responsibility on builders regarding their treatment of customers and how they deal with complaints. The New Homes Ombudsman (NHOS), an independent body, will provide consumer redress if a dispute arises. </p> <p>The New Homes Quality Board (NHQB), a non-profit body, is overseeing the new Code “that puts consumers at the heart of the new build process”. The Code covers every aspect of a new home purchase, from the initial sales office visit to the end of their two-year warranty. Under the Code, housebuilders must also have an effective after care service to address any issues. The NHQB said this was one of the “biggest gaps” in current customer care arrangements. </p> <p>They will be required to have in place a robust complaints process, responding to customers in a timely fashion and to their satisfaction.</p> <p>The new code also:</p> <p><span>·<span> </span></span>Protects customers, prohibits high pressure selling and requires any deposits the customer pays to their builder to be …