NHBC has launched a new MMC acceptance service for the UK construction industry to build confidence in innovative construction
NHBC, the warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK, has launched the new MMC acceptance service dedicated to the rapidly growing area of Modern Methods of Construction.
NHBC Accepts is an all-inclusive, end-to-end service that will help to build confidence in innovative construction and enable MMC systems to be fast-tracked for NHBC warranty.
As part of the new service, detailed and robust technical reviews at key stages will result in provision of a certificate (and acceptance for NHBC warranty), usage licence for a bespoke NHBC Accepts logo and website listing.
Transform construction
NHBC’s innovation manager, Richard Lankshear, 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 Accepts will play a critical role in ensuring developers, manufacturers, lenders and consumers have faith and confidence in MMC quality as the industry delivers more innovative new homes for the country.”
Chief executive of Cast Consultancy, Mark Farmer, added: “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.”
Encourage investment in MMC
Commenting on the news, Mary-Anne Bowring, group managing director at Ringley, said: “The Modern Methods of Construction (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.”
Joseph Daniels, founder and chief executive at Etopia, added: “This will be a really powerful force for better informing mortgage lenders and the wider financial services industry that homes manufactured in factories are not only fully insurable, but can often outperform traditionally built homes.
“Our own technology has been designed to exceed current building regulations and will ensure that, by using smart living technology, Etopia developments will deliver both better quality and exceptionally energy-efficient homes.”
