A structural warranty is an insurance-backed guarantee, typically ten years, covering major structural defects in a new home. It is provided by schemes such as Homebond or Premier Guarantee and is separate from the builder's own contractual liability.
Warranties typically operate in two phases: an initial period where the builder is responsible for defects, and a longer insurance period covering major structural damage. Cover is usually limited to load-bearing elements and weatherproofing, not finishes or services.
Warranty cover is not legally mandatory for a one-off self-build, but lenders and future purchasers value it. Some schemes offer cover for self-builds if registered before construction starts.