New Home Warranty Program of Manitoba cont.
The program is a valuable resource for both the homeowner and the builder. It protects the consumer while providing an excellent selling feature for the builder. Both benefit from a fair and equitable agreement on the identification of defects along with the expert services of a third party who can assist in resolving disputed matters when communication becomes fragmented — a great relief from the potential costs of litigation. The warranty is set out in a document called the Certificate of Possession and New Home Warranty, also known as the possession certificate. This document outlines the terms and conditions of the warranty, along with any rights, requirements and obligations of both the purchaser and the builder. Upon the completion of a home, both parties execute the possession certificate, usually during a walkthrough before the homeowner moves in. The warranty defines defects, any exclusions and limitations, the process for submitting a warranty claim and the steps required to resolve disputes. The warranty is limited to defects such as building code violations or other defective workmanship and materials not in compliance with the program’s construction performance standards. The warranty does not cover exterior items such as driveways, walkways, landscaping, detached garages and sheds, site grading, septic fields and tanks or pools. It also does not cover contractual matters nor any defects in labour or materials supplied by the homeowner.
leaves the industry or goes bankrupt and is a mechanism to ensure the builder makes good on their responsibility to repair defects,” Crandell adds. “In addition, not all warranty providers have deposit protection. All homes registered with us protect the purchaser’s construction deposit up to a value of $25,000. So, if the builder sours the construction contract and is legally obligated to refund the deposit but fails to do so, we will honour this.” What sets the New Home Warranty Program of Manitoba apart from other warranty providers is that they are local. The office and staff are all in Winnipeg. Crandell shares that builders and homeowners appreciate connecting directly with staff or having an in-person meeting. The person a homeowner makes a warranty claim with will be the same person who may visit the home for an evaluation. Crandell
also makes the distinction that they are not an insurance company. As a not-for-profit, they have a clear mission and vision regarding consumer protection and industry betterment. “There are no shareholders or owners, just staff and a volunteer board of directors. Unlike some insurance companies, we have no additional products or services. Our specific focus means undivided attention on the purchaser’s critical investment — their home,” Crandell says. “We have 48 years of experience. In being local and having such a long history, we understand the nuances of the housing market, the local economic and geographic climate, trade practices and product applicability better than any other warranty provider.” For more information and to verify if a builder is a member of the New Home Warranty Program of Manitoba, visit mbnhwp.com.
“A home is one of the greatest investments a homeowner will make in their lifetime. Having a warranty in place provides peace of mind that critical defects will be remedied without added cost to the homeowner.”
“A third-party warranty adds assurance that the home is protected even if the builder
–LORI CRANDELL, CEO OF THE NEW HOME WARRANTY PROGRAM OF MANITOBA
18 PARADE of HOMES FALL 2024
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