Home warranty is mandatory for all newly built homes in Alberta, but what does that mean?
The Alberta New Home Warranty Program covers work done on your new-build home and the material used.
The duration of the warranty depends on the types of defects; which are broken down into 1, 2, 5 and 10-year warranties.
To help you identify what is covered and for how long, we’ve made a list.
1-year
Under the New Home Buyer Protection Act, the Government of Alberta requires a “minimum warranty coverage on all new homes constructed in Alberta.”
The 1-Year Home Warranty covers labour and materials concerning how your home was built and which materials were used.
According to the Government of Alberta website, items included under this warranty are defects relating to “flooring, staircases, baseboards, cabinets, railing and other trim and fixtures.”
2-year
The 2-Year Home Warranty addresses defects with materials and labour related to both delivery and distribution systems.
It referring to, “electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning” according to the Government of Alberta website.
These systems are also referred to as building systems.
5-year
The 5-Year Home Warranty covers building envelope defects.
This system is composed of materials and labour pertaining to components that “separate the controlled interior air from the exterior,” as per the Alberta New Home Warranty Program.
What does this refer to exactly?
The defects covered are the roof and exterior walls which include the siding of your home, windows and doors.
But, there are some variables when it comes to doors and windows.
Hardware for doors and windows i.e: latches and weatherizing are covered for a year under materials and labour—however, if the rough openings are compromised, that would be warrantied as building envelope.
10-year
The 10-Year Home Warranty is for structural coverage.
This includes the frame and foundation of your home, but excludes drywall.
Other areas
While the warranties above apply to Alberta, it is important to keep in mind that different regions within Canada have varying coverage.
According to the Homeowner Protection Act and regulations, new homes built in B.C. by licensed residential builders must be covered by mandatory, third-party home warranty insurance.
-BC Housing
Renovation warranty
Recently, the Bridge to Homeownership™ Program has expanded to include like-new homes providing our clients with another alternative path to homeownership.
The renovations to each home vary depending on the type of enhancements required—however, EP Homes will only work with contractors whose subcontractors guarantee a 1-year material and labour warranty.
These subcontractors are composed of other trades that specialize in their area i.e. drywallers, carpenters, painters, etc..
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