Publications

Looking for more in-depth construction and legal knowledge? Browse our guides and bulletins.

Regulatory bulletins

• 2-5-10 Home Warranty Insurance (No. 3)
  Provides an overview of 2-5-10 home warranty insurance coverage, explains minimum standards of coverage, commencement dates, exclusions and limits on coverage.

• Information for Owner Builders (No. 4)
  Learn how to obtain an Owner Builder Authorization, including the eligibility criteria and the application process.

• Buying or Selling an Owner-Built Home (No. 5)
  Gives an overview of occupancy and disclosure notice requirements for owner-built homes as well as statutory obligations under the Homeowner Protection Act.

• Substantially Reconstructed Homes and the Homeowner Protection Act (No. 6)
  Learn the conditions under which an existing building, including a manufactured home, under renovation or reconstruction becomes a “new home.”

• Heritage Buildings and the Homeowner Protection Act (No. 7)
  This bulletin provides guidance on how conversion and renovation projects involving heritage buildings with a residential component are affected by the Homeowner Protection Act and Regulations.

• Registering and Enrolling New Homes for Home Warranty Insurance Coverage (No. 8)
  This bulletin outlines the legal requirements for home warranty insurance and the steps for obtaining home warranty insurance so that construction can begin on a new home.

• De-enrolling Homes from Home Warranty Insurance and the Homeowner Protection Act (No. 10)
  If a new home is de-enrolled from home warranty insurance for any reason, construction cannot continue. Learn how continued de-enrollment may result in penalties for the builder, developer and/or owner.

• Consumer Protection Disclosure Requirement (No. 11)
  Learn why applicants for a new or renewed residential builder licence must disclose any orders, monetary penalties, convictions or judgments against them with respect to fraud, breach of contract with consumers, or for contravening specified legislation.

• Choose Your Licence Type: General Contractor or Developer (No. 12)
  This bulletin provides guidance on the different licence types available in B.C., which include a general contractor, developer or building envelope renovator licence.

• What Builders Need to Know About Owner Builder Projects (No. 25)
  This bulletin gives an overview of Owner Builder Authorizations and explains the level of involvement a builder may have in building a home under an Owner Builder Authorization while complying with the Homeowner Protection Act.

Consumer guides

Buying a Home in British Columbia: A Consumer Protection Guide

This guide helps consumers make informed decisions about home purchases. Learn about the home-buying process, questions to ask, and  where to get help.

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Options for Resolving Construction Disputes

This guide will help those involved in residential construction disputes including: homeowners, strata councils, a municipality, architects, engineers, developers, contractors, subcontractors, and warranty providers.

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Home Warranty Insurance

Home Warranty Insurance in British Columbia (brochure)

Tips to help homebuyers and homeowners understand the basics of home warranty insurance, and their rights and responsibilities.

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Guide to Home Warranty Insurance in British Columbia

Information on home warranty insurance for homebuyers and homeowners, including: how the system works, what home warranty insurance covers, how to check if your home's covered by warranty insurance, getting the most from your insurance, what to do about possible defects, and where to get more information.

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Residential Construction Performance Guide (for homes covered by home warranty insurance)

A reference tool for licensed residential builders and homeowners with home warranty insurance. Learn how new homes should perform and which defects — including design, labour or materials — are covered under home warranty insurance.

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Owner Builder

Preparing for the Owner Builder Authorization Exam: Study guide

The guide answers commonly asked questions, explains how to take the exam, where to take the exam, what to bring, and more.

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More Resources