What a horrible experience for you both.
However, it is refreshing to learn that the NHBC has stepped in and has/is sorting it out for you.
As it is, the only way you can claim compensation from a housebuilder without taking legal action against them in the courts, is to use the
Consumer Code for Home Builders Adjudication Scheme. This has a maximum limit of just £250 and you can only claim within three months of the housebuilder's final response and within the first two years. I suspect this route is not open to you even if you wanted to use it for such a small amount.
The NHBC warranty does not pay compensation. This is because it is an insurance policy. In much the same way as flood victims are not compensated for the stress they suffer. But this was not an act of God or unavoidable, it was due to the builder's negligence. Who was the housebuilder?
This is why I am campaigning for a
New Homes Ombudsman who could rule on your case and force the housebuilder to pay you a reasonable justifiable level of compensation for stress and inconvenience.
AAS it stands we are awaiting the findings of a
APPG Inquiry into quality of new homes and I attended one of the sessions and proposed this in my presentation amongst other measures that would improve new homes for consumers like you.
So what can you do? You could take legal action against the builder for compensation.
You could also write to your MP, mention the APPG Inquiry and demand that a New Homes Ombudsman is set up as soon as possible.