Alberta Builder License to come into effect this Friday, December 1

Poor workmanship and lack of business ethics are just some of the qualities possessed by some bad home builders and contractors. Over time, poor practices will get the best of these companies but not before they take down unsuspecting consumers first.

Unfortunately, it can be difficult for homeowners to foresee issues with the builder they hire until it's far too late. We at Gentry Homes have seen it far too often, and have been hired by clients to fix issues caused by other contractors and home builders that have taken advantage of them. 

Starting this Friday, home buyers will have much-needed added protection when Bill 12, the New Home Buyer Protection Amendment Act, comes into effect.

This will allow Albertans to track whether a builder is facing bankruptcy or has a fraud conviction. It will prevent builders from setting up numbered companies and later dissolving them, which makes it hard for homeowners to find them and hold them accountable.

Builder licensing will apply to anyone constructing new homes, including condominium and large multi-family homes, as well as renovations when a residential construction project requires new home warranty coverage. 

Key dates:

December 1, 2017 - Program requirements come into effect. Provisional licenses are issued to existing builders in good standing. Gentry Homes is proud to say we have ours. 

March 31, 2018 - All builders, including those with provisional licenses, are encouraged to submit their license application before this date.

May 1, 2018 - Provisional licenses expire. All builders must apply for a license in order to obtain new building permits and to build new homes in Alberta.