So You Are Thinking of Buying A Brand New Condo? Townhouse? Here’s a quick breakdown of the BC Home Warranty.

In British Columbia, strata properties (like condos and townhomes) come

with a home warranty to protect owners from unexpected repair costs due

to construction issues. Here’s a breakdown of what’s covered:

1. 1-Year Warranty on Materials and Labor

This covers any defects in materials and workmanship within the unit itself, like walls, flooring, and fixtures. If something wasn’t installed correctly or there’s an issue with finishes (like paint or trim), this warranty helps cover repairs within the first year.

2. 2-Year Warranty on Major Systems

This covers larger systems such as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning). If these systems malfunction within the first two years, the warranty will typically cover repairs.

3. 5-Year Warranty on Building Envelope

The building envelope includes parts that keep water and weather out, like the roof, walls, and windows. If there are leaks or water-related issues affecting the structure within five years, this warranty helps cover repairs.

4. 10-Year Warranty on Structural Defects

This covers major structural components, like the foundation and framing of the building. If there are serious structural problems within the first ten years, the warranty helps protect against the costs of fixing them.

For a strata property, each individual unit owner and the strata corporation are both protected by this warranty. The strata corporation (which manages shared spaces) typically handles claims related to common areas, like hallways, the building envelope, and structural components, while individual owners can make claims on issues within their units.