Redrow’s executive chairman has labelled the use of retentions to cover faults such as scratches on doors in new-build homes as “ridiculous”.

Speaking as the housebuilder announced its latest annual results yesterday, John Tutte said: “We’re driving towards zero defects in our homes on handover. This is about getting delivery right first time.

“Sometimes stuff happens, like a kitchen door gets scratched or a door gets knocked. Holding a huge retention for things like that is ridiculous.”