An enhanced licensing system for residential builders in B.C. will lead to higher professional standards in the residential construction sector and help protect new homebuyers.

Under the Homeowner Protection Act regulations, the B.C. government is establishing new qualifications and continuing education requirements for home builders constructing single-family homes and small residential buildings.

To obtain a new licence, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in seven areas related to residential construction including the British Columbia Building Code, construction management and customer relations. The qualifications can be met through a combination of education and experience or equivalencies.

To renew their licence, all home builders will be required to take continuing professional development courses directly related to residential construction each year.

There will be no additional licensing fees for residential builders. The enhanced licensing system will be phased in over the next 16 months to give the industry time to prepare for the new requirements.

Quotes:

Rich Coleman, Minister Responsible for Housing -

“Our goal is to protect new homebuyers across British Columbia. We worked with the construction industry to make these changes, raise the bar of professionalism and maintain B.C.’s position as a leader in the residential marketplace.”

Robert Capar, immediate past president of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of British Columbia -

“We appreciate the provincial government’s support for improvements in the quality of residential construction. These changes reflect industry’s desire to enhance professionalism in the sector and will help give new homebuyers even greater confidence that their home has been built to the highest industry standard.”

Quick Facts:

• There are more than 6,000 licensed residential builders in B.C., the majority of whom build single-family homes and small residential buildings.
• In 2014, more than 30,000 new homes were built in B.C. including 11,695 single detached homes and 19,069 homes in multi-unit buildings.
• Since 2005, the Province has worked with the construction sector to develop this enhanced system of qualifications for residential builders constructing single-family homes and small residential buildings.
• Home builders with existing licences will not need to re-qualify under the enhanced licensing system. They will be required to meet the continuing professional development requirements.
• Builders will be able to choose from a wide range of options for courses and continuing professional development. Courses may be offered in multiple languages.

Learn More:

Builder Licensing: http://www.hpo.bc.ca/builder-licensing

A backgrounder follows.

Media Contacts:

Sandra Steilo
Ministry of Natural Gas Development and Responsible for Housing
250 952-0617

Elaine McKay
BC Housing
778 452-6476

BACKGROUNDER

Enhanced licensing system for residential builders in B.C.

The B.C. government is establishing an enhanced licensing system with new qualification requirements for home builders constructing single family homes and small residential buildings. This includes new homes built under Part 9 of the British Columbia Building Code for Housing and Small Buildings. 

Licensing Requirements

• New licensees are required to demonstrate proficiency in seven core competencies relating to residential construction through education and experience or equivalencies.
• To obtain a new licence an applicant must complete recognized training courses in each area of competency from accredited organizations:
  • The British Columbia Building Code and other relevant laws and regulations.
  • The principles of construction management such as project planning, cost estimating, and project supervision.
  • Residential construction and building science including building durability, heat and moisture flow, building envelope, mechanical systems such as heating and the effect of geography on residential construction.
  • Managing and maintaining positive customer relations such as adequate communication, thorough transfer of the home to the customer and response to defects identified under home warranty.
  • Financial planning and budget including basic accounting practices.
  • Legal issues that can arise and how provincial laws and municipal bylaws may affect residential construction.
  • Strategic business planning, management and administration.
• Home builders with existing licences will not need to re-qualify under the enhanced licensing system.

Continuing Professional Development

• All current licensees, as well as new licensees, will be required to take continuing professional development (CPD) courses in areas related to residential construction as a condition of renewing their licence each year.
• Over 50% of the continuing professional development must pertain to the British Columbia Building Code, construction management and supervision, construction technology, customer service and home warranty insurance, or a combination of these four subjects.

Media Contacts:

Sandra Steilo
Ministry of Natural Gas Development and Responsible for Housing
250 952-0617

Elaine McKay
BC Housing
778 452-6476