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The Hiring a Builder in BC: A Consumer Protection Guide helps consumers in British Columbia make informed decisions about hiring a builder for a custom home.

Hiring A Builder In BC: A Consumer Protection Guide

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.
• Licensing of General Contractors (No.26)
  This bulletin specifically describes when a general contractor needs to be licensed under the Homeowner Protection Act and the possible consequences for building without a licence.
• Aiding and Abetting Unlicensed Builders (No.27)
  This bulletin outlines the possible consequences of aiding and abetting and is intended to help Licensed Builders avoid such situations.
• Experience Requirement for New Residential Builders (No.28)​​​
  This bulletin provides details about what is required for general contractors to meet the experience requirement when applying for a new residential builder licence.
• Manufactured Homes: Does the Homeowner Protection Act Apply?(No.29)​​​
  Learn the conditions under which a manufactured home requires licensing and home warranty insurance.

Consumer guides