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Our 2019 Building Excellence Research & Education Grants program is open!
BC Housing is accepting Building Excellence Grants submissions for the annual 2019 program. If you are interested in applying, please read the application guidelines and forms thoroughly, including the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and the Step-by-Step Guide. The Application Form and Budget Form are also available online. For more information go to Building Excellence Research & Education Grants program
We’re listening: our 2018 Builder Survey is now open
Please take a few minutes to complete our Licensed Residential Builder Survey. Look for your email invitation from Sentis Research who is conducting this province-wide survey on behalf of BC Housing. Prefer to complete the survey over the telephone? Call Sentis Research toll-free at 1-855-463-4025 or email buildersurvey@sentis.ca
The survey closes October 9, 2018.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Guide now live
Check out our new publication—a complete guide on Continuing Professional Development for Licensed Residential Builders. The guide explains every stage of annual CPD requirements, from choosing your nominee and acceptable types of training, to keeping records and reporting your progress in the online portal. You can download and print the guide chapter-by-chapter, or view and print in full for easy access to CPD information—anytime, anywhere. Learn more about Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
New Homes Registry Report – July 2018
According to our latest New Homes Registry Report - July 2018, total home registrations were up 7.8% from the same period in 2017. This monthly report keeps you up-to-date with registered new homes in B.C. by building type, building size and location. It’s essential reading for the residential construction industry, real estate community, and researchers. To learn more about how 2018 is shaping up, check out the New Homes Data page.
NEW VIDEO: Using PLAR to Qualify as a Licensed Residential Builder in B.C.
Looking to get a new residential builder licence in B.C.? Then our latest educational video may be just what you need. It tells you all you need to know about the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process, which can help you decide if you have the required training and experience to qualify. PLAR recognizes on-the-job training, life experience, and other forms of training as ways to establish your licensing qualifications. Find out if the PLAR process is the right approach for your residential builder licence application.
Our How to Use the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition page has further helpful tips.
New Homes Registry Report – April 2018
Builders have been busy in B.C. According to our latest New Homes Registry Report, total home registrations in the first months of 2018 are up 18% year on year. This monthly report keeps you up-to-date with registered new homes in B.C. by building type, building size and location. It’s essential reading for the residential construction industry, real estate community, and researchers. To learn more about how 2018 is shaping up, check out the New Homes Data page.
NEW VIDEO: Regulatory Obligations for Owner Builders in British Columbia
If you’re looking to build your own home and lead the project yourself, you must obtain an Owner Builder Authorization. Passing the Owner Builder Exam is an important part of the application process. To help you, we’ve just posted a new video that explains the eligibility criteria and requirements you must meet under the Homeowner Protection Act and Regulation. It’s a great online learning tool and will help you answer the statutory obligations and requirements section of the exam.
Find out when and where to take the Owner Builder Exam
We’ve updated our Owner Builder Exam schedule with the latest list of pre-scheduled exam sessions and dates.
JUST PUBLISHED: Our updated Home Warranty Insurance in British Columbia booklet
We've just published our updated Home Warranty Insurance in British Columbia booklet. Buyers of new homes in B.C. are protected by one of the strongest construction defect insurances in Canada and the best way to get the most out of this coverage is to learn as much as possible about home warranty insurance. The revised booklet contains important information to help homeowners and homebuyers understand the basics of home warranty insurance as well as their rights and responsibilities. Download your copy on the Publications page.
NEW! Maintenance Matters 18 - Repairing and Replacing Window Wall Systems
Our latest consumer bulletin informs stratas, co-operative boards and other types of multi-unit residential building owners when to repair or when to consider replacing the window wall system, which has become the main cladding system on many buildings in British Columbia. Download Maintenance Matters 18 here.
Our 2018 Building Excellence Research & Education Grants program is now closed
We are no longer accepting Building Excellence Research & Education Grants submissions for the 2018 program. If you are interested in applying to the 2019 Grants Program, application forms and detailed submission guidelines will be available on the Grants & Funding Opportunities page in early fall 2018. Thank you to everyone who applied to this year’s program.
VIDEO: How to log CPD points using the Licensed Residential Builders portal
Reporting Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is an essential part of maintaining and renewing your residential builder licence. This instructional video includes a step-by-step guide to help you log your CPD. Visit the Education & Training page for more information on CPD and educational requirements.
Builders, looking for CPD points? Search the Education Registry for training options
The BC Housing Education Registry is a one-stop search tool for education and training opportunities from education providers across BC that are pre-approved for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit.
Study for the Owner Builder Exam
Find out what you need to know about the Owner Builder exam, helpful resources, optional training, how to schedule an exam, commonly asked questions and more in the Owner Builder Study Guide .
August 16, 2017
New owner builder exam requirement
If you’re applying for an Owner Builder Authorization in B.C., you must now pass an exam on home-building basics. Learn more about the new owner builder exam requirement.
July 8, 2017
What builders need to know about owner builder projects
Our latest regulatory bulletin explains the level of involvement a construction professional can have in building a home under an Owner Builder Authorization.
What builders need to know about owner builder projects
December 8, 2016
New name for the Homeowner Protection Office
We've changed our name to Licensing and Consumer Services. Since joining BC Housing in April 2010, we maintained a separate identity to ensure a smooth transition. Now we've fully integrated into BC Housing and retired the HPO name and logo. It's a new name, but our services are the same. Our new integrated website is customer-service focused, easier to navigate and mobile-friendly.