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Horsham-based Sigma Homes was one of the first SMEs to be accepted onto the New Homes Quality Board (NHQB). The housebuilder is on track to deliver 200 homes per annum by 2026 all under the NHQB Code of Practice.
The NHQB is an independent not-for-profit body which was established for the purpose of developing a new framework to oversee reforms in the build quality of new homes and the customer service journey provided by developers. The Code covers all elements of a new home purchase from prospective buyers’ initial contact with the developer through to the end of the two-year warranty. It has a particular focus on developers ensuring an effective aftercare service for customers to deal with any issues that may arise.
For developers to be accepted onto the NHQB Code of Practice they must undertake a rigorous training and application process which scrutinises their current approach to ensure it meets the high standards expected. Sigma Homes’ attentive and personal customer care approach is an exemplar pillar of the Code in practice.
Abbey Wakeford, Customer Care Co-ordinator at Sigma Homes said: “Being one of the first SMEs to join the NHQB Code of Practice was important to us, as we were already so well aligned with the requirements the Code sets out. We’re incredibly proud of our customer service and pride ourselves on our personal approach. I spend a lot of time based at our developments, before and after people move in, and regularly check in with homeowners to make sure they know we are there in person, or on the other end of the phone if they need us at all stages of their journey.
“The Code supports customers throughout their homebuying journey – including those looking to secure their home off plan – by ensuring a more stringent reservation process and better protection through what can be a daunting time. There is also a strong focus on a robust aftercare approach. Whilst we hope issues don’t arise, the Code provides our customers with reassurance and clarity on the processes and customer care they should expect to receive.
“We only needed to make a few minor amendments to ensure our documentation was fully accessible to all customers. For example, our aftercare processes and complaints procedure are clearly accessible on our website. All our team fully understand our commitment and are on hand to discuss the Code or answer any questions a customer may have. We also have hard copies on hand for any customers who wish to read through in their own time.”
Sigma Homes’ Mayflower Meadow development in Angmering, West Sussex is the first to be delivered under the new Code of Practice and the scheme recently welcomed its first occupiers. Kirsty Mackay purchased a three-bedroom semi-detached home after looking for her dream property closer to the coast.
Talking about her customer care experience, Kirsty said: “I am delighted with my new Sigma home. Everyone involved in my move could not have been more helpful. As the development is still in build mode, I am supposedly living on a building site, but the current building work is screened off and everything is kept as tidy and clean as possible. The site managers and other Sigma Homes colleagues on site are very friendly and will do anything to make life easier.
“The design and build quality of my house are excellent, with many little finishing touches and a consistent use of high-quality materials. If you’re looking for a new build house, then I can thoroughly recommend Sigma Homes.”
Set in a highly popular coastal village, the £16m scheme comprises 40 luxury semi-detached and detached homes, which will all achieve the highest EPC A rating. The two-, three-, and four-bedroom houses range from 860 sq ft to 1,473 sq ft and are priced from £450,000.
Sigma Homes specialises in using the sustainable construction method of timber framing. The SME housebuilder has a 10-year track record in delivering thoughtfully designed residences which fuse local architectural vernacular with contemporary design and eco specification features. The company currently has five live developments in premium locations across the south of England.
Mayflower Meadow is located off Roundstone Lane, Angmering, West Sussex BN16 4AT. To find out more, call 0203 019 0741, or visit https://sigmahomesgroup.co.uk/new-homes/angmering.
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