It’s all new! Why would I need a warranty? Even though your new home has been built with care, some problems may not become apparent until later.

Ensuring your new home comes with protection from the Alberta New Home Warranty Program is always a good idea to avoid any unexpected and costly repairs. So, let’s explore the benefits and protection ANHWP offers new home buyers in Alberta.

What is the Alberta New Home Warranty Program (ANHWP)?

For over 45 years, the ANHWP has been Alberta’s leading provider and quality standard of new home warranties, renovation warranties, and homebuilder insurance. The ANHWP is dedicated to serving Alberta homeowners and the most well-respected home builders in the province.

In Alberta, all newly constructed homes are required by law to have a home warranty under the New Home Buyer Protection Act. This law aims to safeguard homeowners from substandard workmanship and has existed since February 1, 2014.

What is covered by the ANHWP? And how long does the warranty last?

ANHWP follows the 1-2-5-10 year coverage mandated by the provincial government’s New Home Buyer Protection Act. Although the warranty lasts for a total of 10 years, certain parts of your home are only covered for a portion of that time.

To give you a clearer idea, here’s a breakdown of the coverage period:

1 Year 1 — Materials & Labour: Coverage for defects in materials and labour for things like baseboards, flooring, and trim.

2 Years -— Delivery & Distribution Systems: Coverage for defects in materials and labour related to delivery and distribution systems such as heating, electrical, and plumbing.

5 Years — Building Envelope: Coverage for defects in the system of components that separate the conditioned space from unconditioned space, specifically the roof and exterior walls.

10 Years — Structural: Coverage for the load-bearing parts of the home. This includes your home’s frame and foundation.

What is the extended two-year building envelope?

ANHWP offers an option to add extra protection for your home’s building envelope, which covers defects for two years beyond the mandatory five-year coverage. This means your building envelope is covered for a maximum of seven years from the start of the project.

Your homebuilder can choose to include this coverage when applying for the project application. For instance, Broadview Homes purchases this for all our homes.

Who buys the home warranty?

During the building process, builders are required to obtain a warranty and provide proof of it for compliance with the provincial act.

Once you become the official homeowner of the property, the warranty policy is automatically passed on to you. This can provide a great deal of peace of mind and protection for your investment, as unexpected and costly repairs can be covered by the warranty.

When does home warranty coverage start?

Home warranty coverage usually starts the day after the homeowner takes possession of the property, receives the keys from the builder, or obtains a transfer of title. Alternatively, it may commence after the approval of an occupancy permit.

During the first day of ownership without warranty coverage, homeowners should inspect the property for any issues and collaborate with the builder to rectify them before going through the warranty.

What are the benefits of a home warranty?

Newly constructed homes are built to meet strict building codes and are constantly improving in energy efficiency, the new home warranty serves as an added layer of reassurance for homeowners. This warranty offers protection in the event of any issues with the newly built home during the coverage period and assures homeowners that their warranty provider will take necessary action to address any concerns.

It’s worth noting that warranty providers work on behalf of consumers, not builders, and aim to provide the best possible service as a third-party entity.

What happens to the warranty when the home is sold?

When a house is sold, the warranty can be transferred to the new owner without any hassle. Since the warranty policy and coverage are associated with the property, the coverage simply extends to the new homeowner upon the sale.

To initiate the transfer, the new homeowners are required to contact their warranty provider and provide proof of the transfer of title. Once verified, they will be issued a new policy for their peace of mind.

What are the benefits of selling or buying a home that’s still under warranty?

If a home still has warranty coverage, it’s possible to obtain its claim history. This is a significant advantage for those purchasing a home with warranty coverage. Once the new homeowner has completed the warranty transfer, they’ll be able to access all the available information regarding past claims, care and maintenance information provided by the warranty provider, and useful tips for ensuring that the home operates properly.

Another advantage for buyers is the added peace of mind that comes with knowing that the home has been continuously covered by warranty and that there is remaining coverage available.

As for sellers, these benefits may enhance the appeal of your home to potential buyers.

Does having a new home warranty mean you can neglect your home maintenance?

Absolutely not! Taking care of your home is crucial to its longevity and functionality. Following building codes and utilizing new home warranty coverage ensures the building is constructed correctly and provides a safe living space for its occupants.

Where can I learn more about the ANHWP?

The Alberta New Home Warranty Program (ANHWP) is a leading independent, not-for-profit organization offering new home warranty services to both homeowners and builders. Their partnerships with leading builders include comprehensive evaluations to ensure their Builder Members consistently meet the highest standards of quality, responsiveness, consistency, and customer satisfaction.

Full details can be found on their website: https://anhwp.com/