Consumer Education and Information

The HPO provides support and assistance to consumers in such areas as buying a new home and repairing wall systems.

Repair Process Seminar

The HPO periodically holds Repair Process Seminar for owners of leaky homes and property managers.  Topic include the no-interest repair loan program, legal considerations, technical aspects and the process required to repair building envelopes.  Please note at this point in time no seminars are scheduled however please watch the Events page for any possible future scheduled workshops.  The following information bulletins are distributed at the sessions:

• Four-Step Approach to Managing a Major Repair
• Selecting a Building Envelope Consultant
• Selecting a Contractor
• Selecting a Lawyer
• Financing the Building Envelope Repair 
• Guide to the Homeowner's Reconstruction Loan Program 
• What is a Building Envelope
• Building Envelope Renovation Costs and Timelines
• Tendering the Building Envelope Renovation
• Strata Property Act: Responsibilities of Strata Councils

One-on-One Sessions

The HPO also offers one-on-one sessions with strata councils to provide information about the Homeowner's Reconstruction Loan and PST Relief Grant programs.  Usually held in the evening or on weekends to accommodate the schedules of strata council members, the HPO provides personalized service to homeowners in need of assistance.

Buying a New Home Guide: A Consumer Protection Guide

The Buying a New Home Guide provides information and guidance to prospective buyers.  Topics include information on home warranties, residential builder licensing, hiring inspectors and the role of lawyers and lenders in transactions.

Managing Major Repairs:  A Condominium Owner's Manual

The HPO, in cooperation with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and CMHC, produced Managing Major Repairs , a 100-page guide which provides condominium owners with step-by-step detailed information on the process to repair a leaking building.  The first copy to each strata corporation is free.   Additional copies of Managing Major Repairs are available at $10 each.

Managing Leaky Condo Repairs Video

Managing Leaky Condo Repairs is a 30-minute video designed to assist strata councils and condo owners through the process of managing large-scale repairs to wall systems. Topics such as the process for repairs, tips on hiring qualified engineers and contractors, and the responsibilities of the strata council are covered. Copies of this video are available through the HPO for $10 and will be available at public libraries in the coastal climate zone.

Options for Resolving Residential Construction Disputes

The HPO in conjunction with the Ministry of Attorney General's Dispute Resolution Office developed the Options for Resolving Residential Construction Disputes guide which provides homeowners and the residential construction industry with information on negotiation, arbitration, and litigation.

Strata Property Act

The Strata Property Act is administered by the Ministry of Finance and Corporate Relations.  A consolidated version of the Strata Property Act and the Strata Property Amendment Act including cross reference to the regulations and the forms follows:

• Strata Property Act - Table of Contents
• Strata Property Act - Main
• Strata Property Act - Forms

HPO Information Line

The HPO operates a toll-free information line, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.  Callers can obtain applications for financial assistance and builder licenses, order publications and get information about HPO programs.  Call (604) 646-7055 or 1-800-407-7757.

Please check the Links page for additional consumer information from other sources.

Last Updated: March 14, 2002