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Assistance for Citizens
Since 1956, members of the CHBA-Central Alberta have been fulfilling the basic human need for shelter. Together with our members, we're here to help you with:
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This Code establishes a minimum standard for professional behaviour, and makes Association members accountable to their customers, their peers,
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The residential construction industry uses vast quantities of this nation's resources and has an obligation to be mindful of its impact by constructing homes using fewer resources. By choosing a "green" future, we will choose to build homes that have a reduced impact on the environment and influence the direction of developing technologies and materials. Many builders already embrace and practice some of these initiatives.
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When you hire a contractor to build or work on your home, you need to be protected from a number of risks. These fall into two general categories:
- Risks related to poor work or dishonesty by the contractor, and
- Risks related to accidents that cause damage to property or injure someone.
The best protection from risk is to hire a contractor with a solid reputation for doing good work, and having a comprehensive written contract in place before the work begins.
If you're having problems with a contractor, click here to see ways to resolution.
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Last Updated: 18-09-2007
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Choosing a Builder
If you're in the market for a new home, you should shop for your builder as carefully as you shop for your home. Whether you are buying a condo, a townhouse, a house in a subdivision, or a custom built home, you want to know that you are buying a good quality home from a reputable builder. Here are a couple of tips to help you choose a builder.
Make a List of Possible Builders
Once you have thought about the type of home you want, you will need to find a builder.
- Contact CHBA-CA to obtain a list of builders who construct in your area.
- You can also look at our FInd a Member feature on this website.
- Look in the real estate section of your local newspaper for builders and projects. Looking through the ads and reading the articles can help you learn which builders are active in your area, the types of homes they are building, and the prices you can expect to pay. Make a list of builders who build the type of home you're looking for in your price range.
- Local real estate agents may also be able to help you in your search. Ask friends and relatives for recommendations. Ask about builders they have dealt with directly, or ask them for names of acquaintances who have recently had a good experience with a builder.
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Do Your Homework
Once you have a list of builders, how can you find out about their reputations and quality of their work? The best way to learn about builders is to visit homes they have built and talk with the owners.
- Ask builders on your list for the addresses of their recently built homes and subdivisions. Builders may even be able to provide names of some home owners who would be willing to speak with you.
- Drive by on a Saturday morning when home owners may be outside doing chores or errands. Introduce yourself and say you are considering buying a home from the builder who built their home. Talk to several owners, and try to get a random sample of opinions. The more people you talk with, the more accurate an impression of a builder you are likely to get. At the very least, drive by and see if the homes are visually appealing.
- When you talk to builders and home owners, take along a notebook to record the information you find and your personal impressions about specific builders and homes. Doing so will help you to make comparisons later. Some questions you can ask people include:
- Are you happy with your home?
- If you had any problems, were they fixed promptly and properly?
- Would you buy another home from this builder?
- Usually, people tell you if they are pleased with their homes. And if they are not, they'll probably want to tell you why.
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Shop For Quality and Value
L ook for new homes whenever you can. Home shows and open houses sponsored by builders are good opportunities to look at homes. Model homes and houses displayed in home shows are often furnished to give you ideas for using the space. You may also ask a builder to see unfurnished homes.
When examining a home, look at the quality of the construction features. Inspect the quality of the cabinetry, carpeting, trimwork, and paint. Ask the builder or the builder's representative a lot of questions. Get as many specifics as possible. If you receive the answers verbally rather than in writing, take notes. Never hesitate to ask a question. What seems like an insignificant question might yield an important answer.
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Resolving Contractor Problems
The typical home contains more than 3,000 different parts. These components must be assembled with skill to form the new product you will call home. It would be unrealistic to expect your new home to be perfect. Even the best built homes are likely to need a few corrections. Most problems are corrected routinely by the contractor. However, if a non-routine problem should arise, you should follow certain procedures to correct the situation.
Remember that most contractors are seeking customer referrals and repeat buyers. They want you to be satisfied. If a problem develops, remain calm and approach your contractor in a reasonable manner. By following the procedures described below, chances are that you will be able to resolve the problems.
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- First, identify the exact nature of the problem. Then you should put it into writing and send it to the contractor. Many contractors require all complaints to be in writing and will respond to telephone complaints only in emergencies. Use the following guidelines when you write your letter:
- Include your name, address, and home and work telephone numbers;
- Type your letter if possible. If not, use printing or handwriting that is easy to read;
- Keep your letter brief and to the point, but include all relevant details;
- State exactly what you want done and how soon you expect the problem to be resolved. Be reasonable;
- Include all relevant documents regarding the problem. Send copies, not originals; and,
- Keep a copy of the letter for your records.
- Second, before you write and send your letter, familiarize yourself with your warranty coverage. Follow the procedures for making a claim as stated in the written warranty. Some contractors handle the warranty repairs themselves. Other contractors may have contracted with a home warranty company to handle all warranty claims. Some items, such as appliances, are usually covered by a manufacturer's warranty, and are not the responsibility of the contractor. If a problem develops after the express warranty has expired, the contractor is not required under the terms of the written warranty.
- Third, always go directly to the contractor, the home warranty company, or the manufacturer, as applicable, with your complaints. Do not send letter to lawyers, government agencies, home builders associations or any other third parties before you have given your contractor a reasonable chance to correct the problem. Interference from outsiders may impede the handling of your complaint. Also, sending angry, sarcastic or threatening letters is not likely to expedite your case. Such letters do more harm than good.
- Fourth, you should be aware that many provinces have enacted notice and opportunity to repair laws that require you to follow certain statutory procedures before you can take legal action. Typically these laws require you to provide the contractor with written notice of the problem, an opportunity to inspect, and an opportunity to correct the problem within a certain period of time. These laws have been passed in an effort to efficiently resolve homeowners' problem and to avoid unnecessary lawsuits. Remember, lawsuits are expensive, time consuming, and in many cases traumatic. They should be avoided, if possible.
- In the event of an impasse, contact your local home builders association. If you contractor is a member, the local association may have a system for examining and resolving contractor complaints without going to court. However, keep in mind that a home builders association does not have the legal authority to compel either side in a dispute to do anything.
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If you're having problems with a contractor, and would like to speak to someone at the CHBA-CA confidentially, please contact us.
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