Parade of Homes

HOME WARRANTY Cont'd from page 126 Cont'd on page 130 A new home warranty covers any defects in materials, labour and design, as well as all major structural components. Coverage through a third-party warranty provider is typically arranged by the builder, and the warranty remains in effect even if the home is sold. MHBA president and CEO Lanny McInnes says a new home warranty is an effective way for buyers to protect themselves and be assured that any issues that may arise with their home are addressed quickly. "Most times the builder will generally try to rectify any issues before a homeowner takes possession, but in some cases something might not turn up for a couple of months after the homeowner has moved in," McInnes says. "Having a new home warranty protects homeowners in cases like that, so if there is something wrong after they have taken possession … the builder can go in, fix the issue and it's covered under warranty rather than (with) new homes that don't have warranty coverage where the homeowner doesn't have that same level of protection." Manitoba's New Home Warranty Act, which comes into effect Jan. 1, 2018, will make it mandatory that all builders provide a new home warranty for every newly constructed house, condominium unit or cottage. McInnes says the MHBA fully supports the legislation. "We've worked very closely with the Manitoba government on the development of this (legislation) and we support them making it mandatory for all builders in Manitoba," he says. "This levels the playing field to ensure that not just those builders who felt it was important to make sure their customers were protected under warranty … but all builders who build in Manitoba have to protect their customers in the same way." Lori Crandell, CEO of the New Home Warranty Program of Manitoba, one of five new home warranty providers in the province and the only non-profit provider, says the new legislation will benefit buyers. WE'VE WORKED VERY CLOSELY WITH THE MANITOBA GOVERNMENT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS (LEGISLATION) AND WE SUPPORT THEM MAKING IT MANDATORY FOR ALL BUILDERS IN MANITOBA. 128 Parade of Homes FALL 2017

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