Amendments to Homeowner Protection Act come into effect November 19, 2007

"These changes will provide improved consumer protection and will raise the level of professionalism in B.C.'s residential construction industry," said Ken Cameron, CEO of the Homeowner Protection Office.

The amendments to the Homeowner Protection Act:

- Strengthen licensing requirements for residential builders;

- Require anyone wishing to build a home under the owner-builder exemption to meet more stringent criteria and pay a fee;

- Strengthen enforcement provisions including compliance orders and penalties; and

- Provide an internal review and independent appeal process for both licensed builders and owner builders; and

- Permit the Homeowner Protection Office (HPO) to provide more information on builders and homes via a public registry available online.

"The Homeowner Protection Amendment Act represents a 'big win' for both consumer protection and the residential construction industry and have been welcomed across the province," said Cameron.

These improvements to consumer protection were developed in a partnership approach with government and industry through the Homeowner Protection Office. They are the result of extensive consultation by the HPO with the residential construction industry, local government and consumer representatives who recognize that the purchase of a new home is the largest transaction most consumers will make in their lifetime.

The amendments were based on recommendations from the discussion paper, "Raising the Bar: Enhancing Professionalism in B.C.'s Residential Construction Industry," which was prepared by the HPO in partnership with government and industry.

The Homeowner Protection Office is a Crown Corporation with a mandate to strengthen consumer protection for new home buyers, help bring about improvement to the quality of residential construction in British Columbia, and support research and education with respect to residential construction. The HPO is a proud sponsor of the UDI Awards of Excellence which honour projects representing superior and innovative forms of development by members of the Urban Development Institute.

- For more information about the HPO visit www.hpo.bc.ca or phone toll-free: 1-800-407-7757.

(Source: Vancouver Sun)