Planning to build your own house in BC?
Here’s what you need to know about the new rules from the Homeowner Protection Office (HPO):
If you, as a Home Owner, are considering registering as the “builder” for your new home construction, it is important to investigate the new building regulations for British Columbia. Anyone who wants to build a new home as an Home Owner Builder must apply for an Owner Builder Authorization.
As of July 4th, 2016 – home owners are now required to take a competency test and pass the examination. This will evaluate their knowledge and understanding of home construction (construction management, site supervision, permits, building envelope, roofing, etc.) and statutory obligations (occupancy, liabilities, warranties, etc).
If you are planning on building our own home after the new regulations come into effect, you will have the option to take and pass the examination, or hire a licensed builder who is in good standing. For more information visit the following link https://hpo.bc.ca/owner-builders
For existing and new builders, there are new regulations (since March 2015) as part of an “enhanced” licensing system. Builders must now continually maintain their status as competent builders by completing professional development construction courses every year. Topics includes construction management, supervision, technology, warranties, financing planning, legal issues and business management. For more information see https://hpo.bc.ca/enhanced-licensing-system
How can Tamlin help BC Owner-Builders?
Understanding the new regulations can be overwhelming if you are new to the industry. Tamlin can help explain your options whether you are building in the city or a remote location, where it may be more difficult to find licensed builders.
Tamlin is a Registered HPO Builder
Tamlin is a registered HPO Builder and can work as your builder. Our staff are continually upgrading themselves and completing all necessary maintenance courses with the HPO office. If you are building in a remote area, we also have a network of builder connections to point you in the right direction, depending on your location, construction timeline, and complexity of your project.
For more information about building with Tamlin’s support, check out our Construction page, or call us at 1-877-826-5461
