Parade of Homes

MHBA IS FAIRLY UNIQUE IN THAT ALL OF OUR BUILDER MEMBERS ARE REQUIRED TO CARRY THIRD-PARTY NEW HOME WARRANTY COVERAGE. IT'S NOT A MANDATORY REQUIREMENT FOR MEMBERSHIP IN MANY OTHER HOME BUILDER ASSOCIATIONS. "MHBA is fairly unique in that all of our builder members are required to carry third-party new home warranty coverage. It's not a mandatory requirement for membership in many other home builder associations," McInnes says. "What we tell the general public is that when they hire an MHBA member to build their new home they know that it's going to have warranty coverage. It's certainly an added level of protection that we recommend and that's why it's a mandatory part of our membership." Once implemented, the New Home Warranty Act will provide new home buyers with an even higher level of assurance. It will boost the amount of coverage provided for home repairs to $100,000 from the current level of $50,000 and will provide a warranty of up to one year on all repairs. It will also provide an extended two-year period of coverage for the entire building envelope, including all mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems, compared to most existing warranties that provide a one-year coverage period. In addition, the Act will extend the coverage period for structural defects on most homes from the current five-year term to seven years. It will also include driveways and walkways in all new home warranties, two items not included in the current warranty program. McInnes says he anticipates MHBA representatives will engage in talks with the province beginning this fall to ensure the Act is effective and deliverable. "We're certainly hopeful. In our discussions with the government on this issue they've indicated an openness and a willingness to work with us on some of the outstanding issues," he says, adding he doesn't foresee further delays. "They've indicated to us that their expectation is that any concerns with the legislation and the new home warranty registry will be sorted out over the next year and a half in anticipation of having it ready to roll out in two years' time." Parade of Homes Spring 2018 25 Is your HRV always on? An advanced heat recovery ventilator (HRV) control can save you up to $46 per year and get you a $150 rebate. Ask your heating contractor or home builder for details. hydro.mb.ca/airquality Available in accessible formats upon request. * Manitoba Hydro is a licensee of the Trademark and Official Mark.

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