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Mandatory minimum coverage

1 year

Labour and materials

Finishes and defects in materials or labour, subject to the policy.

2 years

Delivery systems

Electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning delivery systems.

5 years

Building envelope

The exterior shell, including roof and walls; providers must offer builders the option to purchase two additional years.

10 years

Major structure

Major structural components such as the frame, foundation and structural roof integrity.

Coverage depends on the legislation, the home’s warranty policy, definitions, exclusions and reporting rules. Coverage normally starts at the earliest applicable occupancy, permission-to-occupy or title-transfer event—not necessarily your preferred move-in date.

Verify the property, not a logo

Three records. Different jobs.

Builder licence

Check the legal company name and current licence status. A familiar marketing brand may differ from the entity named in your contract.

Home registration

Search the specific property and confirm its registration and warranty provider. A builder membership directory cannot establish coverage for your address.

Warranty policy

Obtain the actual policy, commencement date, limits, exclusions and notice requirements. Ask about coverage for common property if buying a condominium.

Older membership lists are not displayed as current verification. Use the official registry and policy. General coverage summaries do not establish whether a particular concern is warrantable.

Put this into practice

Set up your warranty file

Tick items as you work. Progress stays on this page only; print or save a PDF to keep a copy.

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If something goes wrong

Check the relevant coverage dates and contact your warranty provider using its required claim process. Keep written records and ask for the assessment and next steps. A builder service request is not necessarily a provider claim. If you disagree with a decision, review the official dispute guidance and obtain appropriate independent advice.

Alberta claims and dispute resources ↗

A practical warranty routine

Before possession

Confirm the property registration, provider, commencement event, reporting portal and emergency process. Save the policy and performance guide.

Document clearly

Photograph and describe the location, date, conditions and progression of a concern. Follow the required notice method and keep confirmation numbers.

Calendar deadlines

Do not wait for a courtesy visit. Track the one-, two-, five- and ten-year periods and any shorter notice or maintenance obligations in the policy.