The province is taking steps to protect new home buyers, by developing a framework for a mandatory warranty program for new homes.
While there are currently five new home warranty programs available to consumers in the province, these new regulations will help to set minimum standards.
“The vast majority of homes in Alberta are built well and stand the test of time. But we want to ensure that we have all the tools in place to address those instances where issues do arise”, said Hector Goudreau, Minister of Municipal Affairs in a written release. “This full-suite approach will involve all partners from municipalities and their inspectors to builders and safety codes officers to consumers and warranty providers.”
The framework will lay out provisions to increase the lenth of time that charges could be laid in relation to building code offenses to three years.
Those charged with building code offenses could also be charged $100,000 for a first offense, and up to $500,000 for subsequent offences.
“Consumers need to know they will be protected when making what can be the biggest purchase of their lives,” said Heather Klimchuk, Minister of Service Alberta. “These changes supplement the work we have already done to regulate home inspectors and is another piece in providing consumers peace of mind.”
The Safety Codes Council is currently conducting a review of the province’s inspection system, and will provide training to all building Safety Codes Officers in Alberta in the next year.
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