Renovation contractor warranties: How long they last, and what to do if you’re not happy with your renovation

19 Sep Renovation contractor warranties: How long they last, and what to do if you’re not happy with your renovation

In British Columbia, new homes are protected by a New Home Warranty under the Homeowner Protection Office. But what about renovations?

Where renovations are concerned, the issue of warranties and guarantees on a contractor’s work are varied and inconsistent. For homeowners who want to renovate their homes, choosing a contractor for your renovation can be difficult, but choosing one that offers a solid warranty is supremely important. Here’s why.

Renovation warranties in British Columbia

As opposed to the construction of new homes, renovation warranties aren’t required by contractors in British Columbia. However, our experience dictates that working with a contractor that provides a warranty or guarantee of some kind is highly recommended.

The Lower Mainland is home to thousands of builders, contractors and renovators. Some are individuals, others are companies. Some are licenced with the Homeowner Protection Office – once again, required for new home construction, but not for renovations – others are not.

Many Lower Mainland renovation contractors are excellent. They provide quality work that, usually, happens on time and on budget. However, that’s not always the case.

Others may leave homeowners with a huge bill and terrible workmanship – or no workmanship at all. Ask us for recommendations on great contractors who provide superior work.

There’s no regulation on BC renovation warranties

Unfortunately, there’s no regulating body that requires renovators to provide a warranty, or have warranty insurance.

Therefore, when shopping around for a renovation contractor in the Lower Mainland, ask whether they offer a warranty. Here are some questions to ask:

1. How long does the warranty last? (In years)
2. What’s covered under the warranty?
3. What’s not covered?
4. Is your warranty insured?
5. What are my rights if I’m not happy with the renovation?
6. Are you registered with the Better Business Bureau?
7. Are you registered with a professional association like the GVHBA (Greater Vancouver Home Builders Association)?

By asking your renovation contractor these questions, you’ll not only be more informed about what he or she offers, you’ll also be notifying the contractor that you’re interested in working with someone who guarantees their work, and believes in delivering a quality finished product.

You should always research, vet and hire your trades, including your contractor, before applying for a permit.

What to do if you don’t love your renovation

If you believe your renovation doesn’t deliver on what was promised to you, you have some recourse. Your contractor may have a warranty or guarantee in place that can provide you with at least some financial relief. You can find out more about how warranties differ here.

You can also make a complaint with the Better Business Bureau if you believe the workmanship wasn’t professional.

New Home Warranties in British Columbia

Here’s the current situation with warranties on new homes built in BC:

“As of 1999, all residential builders in British Columbia are required to be licensed by the Homeowner Protection Office and arrange for third-party home warranty insurance on proposed new homes prior to obtaining a building permit.”

…

“As a minimum, homes built by Licensed Residential Builders must have 2-5-10 year home warranty insurance – the strongest construction defect insurance in Canada. Coverage includes 2 years on labour and materials (some limits apply), 5 years on the building envelope and 10 years on the structure of the home.”

Source: HPO