THE NHBC, the UK’s leading warranty provider for new homes, aims to raise standards in new house-building.

It does this through setting construction standards, inspecting at key stages of construction and providing the Buildmark warranty, the most comprehensive new home cover in the UK.

While NHBC’s Buildmark gives protection for problems that may occur in new homes, NHBC is offering the following advice to homeowners to ensure their purchase stays as good as new:

* New homes are often light and airy so the builder will probably have painted the walls with a light paint, which lets moisture work itself out during the drying period (normally nine to 12 months). When you redecorate use a filler to make good any fine lines which have arisen from normal drying out

* When redecorating, ceiling finishings like Artex should never be sanded or washed - instead lightly brush them with a clean, dry paintbrush before painting. Then use one or two coats of emulsion. Don’t apply water to these ceilings before this is done as it may spoil the texture.

* Be aware that new woodwork absorbs a lot of paint or stain on the first application. If painting, always read the instructions and prepare the wood properly first. Never paint on wet wood.

* Try not to paint on hinges as it stops them working efficiently. Don’t be lazy! For the best finish remove door handles and doorplates and replace them when dry.

* Avoid solvent cleaners on PVC-U windows as they can damage the plastic

* Heavy pictures and mirrors should not be hung on picture hooks - drill a hole through the plaster and insert a wall plug, then use a screw to fix the item to the wall. Make sure the hole goes deep enough (approximately one inch) into the masonry.

* Be careful when nailing or drilling into walls and ceilings to avoid contact with any pipes or electric cables.