Substantial Reconstruction Online Query

This online query tool will help you quickly assess whether a project may require 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. A project that is “substantially reconstructed”, however, is no longer a renovation. It’s considered to be a new home. This means the project 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 state 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 to complete your online query:

The complete civic address (or PID number) of project
Your name, contact phone number and a valid email address
Name of the local building department responsible for building permits for the project
Name and email address of the building permit staff, if available
Details of the proposed work on the project

I confirm that all the information entered as part of this query is correct, and I agree to allow BC Housing to share this information with the appropriate local building department for verification purposes.

Start Substantial Reconstruction Query
NOTE: This website is optimized for the Google Chrome browser.

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.