BC Housing’s Substantial Reconstruction Online Query provides users with a quick assessment on whether a project likely requires a New Home Registration Form.

Under the Homeowner Protection Act a new home includes a home that is or is being substantially reconstructed. Renovations do not normally require a New Home Registration Form. However, in the case where a project is considered to be “substantially reconstructed”, it is considered a new home, not a renovation, and requires a New Home Registration Form as proof that a licensed builder has arranged for home warranty insurance for the new home or some formal exemption (such as an Owner Builder Authorization ). The Homeowner Protection Act and its regulations states that builders of new homes must have the appropriate New Home Registration Form to obtain a building permit or to commence construction in non-permit areas.

For more information about substantially reconstruction, please download Regulatory Bulletin No. 6 – Substantially Reconstructed Homes and the Homeowner Protection Act.

Please have the following information ready:

• The complete civic address (or PID number) of project
• Your name, contact phone number and a valid email address
• Name of the Building Permit Issuing Authority having jurisdiction on the project
• Name and email address of the permit staff if available
• Details of the proposed work on the project

I confirm all information entered on this questionnaire is correct and I approve BC Housing sharing all information with professional associations for qualification verification purposes.

Start Substantial Reconstruction Query

IMPORTANT: The Substantial Reconstruction Online Query assessment is a tool provided for convenience only. It only provides an estimation based solely on the information entered and does not constitute legal advice. For further information and details, consult the Homeowner Protection Act and its regulations and your legal counsel. BC Housing reserves its right and obligations under the Homeowner Protection Act to enforce the requirements of the Homeowner Protection Act and its regulations, and to make a determination on whether or not a project is a substantial reconstruction and requires a New Home Registration Form.

The personal information you enter is collected under section 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act If you have concerns regarding the assessment or questions about the collection, use, and disclosure of this information, please contact BC Housing’s Compliance Department: compliance@bchousing.org