Services

2/5/10 New Home Warranty Inspections

To enhance consumer protection for new home buyers, the Homeowner Protection Act (HPA) introduced mandatory residential builder licensing and third-party home warranty insurance effective July 1, 1999. Since then, all new homes built with permits issued on or after this date must be constructed by BC Housing–licensed builders and covered by a valid home warranty policy.

Warranty Coverage Requirements

Under the HPA, builders must provide the following coverage (with some exceptions for strata units):

• 2 Years on labour and materials (15 months for strata corporations)
• 5 Years on the building envelope, including protection against water ingress
• 10 Years on the structural integrity of the building

Why Inspections Matter

Before warranty periods expire, strata corporations should proactively inspect—or engage a qualified firm to inspect—all common building components. Identifying and reporting issues to the warranty provider before deadlines is critical to preserving coverage.

Our experienced technologists bring extensive expertise in the design, construction, and evaluation of multi-residential buildings, including building envelope and structural systems. Timely inspections are essential: delayed claims may result in denied coverage.