BCABD — British Columbia Association of Building Designers

The British Columbia Association of Building Designers (BCABD) is the professional body representing building designers across the province. Its mission is to elevate the standards, recognition, and influence of the building design profession through advocacy, education, and collaboration.

BCABD unites residential and small-building designers, promoting excellence in design, documentation, and ethical practice. By setting minimum professional standards and providing ongoing training on building codes, sustainability, and emerging technologies, the association ensures its members deliver high-quality, compliant, and innovative design solutions.

Through its advocacy work, BCABD represents designers in discussions with regulatory authorities, municipalities, and industry stakeholders — protecting their right to practice within the scope of the BC Building Code and ensuring their contributions are recognized alongside architects and engineers.

The organization also fosters community and collaboration, offering a members’ forum, networking events, and a public directory showcasing skilled professionals and their work. These initiatives strengthen peer connections, promote shared learning, and increase public awareness of the vital role building designers play in shaping the built environment.

Beyond technical excellence, BCABD is deeply involved in raising the professionalism and culture of the building design guild. It encourages ethical conduct, continuous education, and the exchange of ideas that reinforce integrity and pride in the profession. Through public outreach, exhibitions, and media engagement, BCABD helps educate homeowners and developers about the advantages of collaborating with certified building designers — professionals who combine creativity, technical expertise, and regulatory knowledge to achieve better results.

Key Advantages of Partnership with BCABD

  • Association with a recognized and respected professional body
  • Access to a network of qualified, code-compliant designers
  • Shared visibility through events, publications, and member showcases
  • Contribution to raising industry standards and public confidence

Learn more: www.bcabd.org

2-5-10 years home warranty

A 2-5-10 home warranty is a tiered protection plan required for all new homes built in certain provinces of Canada, including British Columbia and Alberta. The numbers specify the length of coverage for different parts of the home.

This government-mandated coverage is backed by a third-party insurer, so your protection remains even if your builder goes out of business. The warranty is also attached to the home, automatically transferring to new owners for the remainder of the term.

The “2-5-10” coverage tiers

2 years on labour and materials:

  • For the first 12 months, it covers defects in the materials and workmanship of your unit in detached or strata homes. This can include problems with things like flooring, paint, trim, and fixtures.
  • For the first 24 months, coverage extends to major systems within the home, such as heating, plumbing, and electrical systems. It also covers defects in the exterior cladding, windows, and doors.

5 years on the building envelope:

  • This protects the exterior shell of your home, including the roof, walls, and foundation.
  • The coverage is for defects that could allow water to penetrate your home and cause material damage.

10 years on the home’s structure:

  • This provides long-term coverage for major structural issues that affect the load-bearing components of your home.
  • Covered issues can include failure of the foundation, framing, or load-bearing walls.

What is not covered

Certain conditions are excluded from a standard 2-5-10 new home warranty:

  • Normal wear and tear, such as fading paint or minor material shrinkage.
  • Damage caused by the homeowner, other occupants, or pests.
  • Damage resulting from a lack of proper homeowner maintenance.
  • Defects in materials, labour, or design that were supplied by the owner.
  • External elements like landscaping, site grading, or septic tanks are generally excluded.
  • Damage from natural disasters or severe weather.
  • Appliances are typically covered only for the first year, after which their manufacturer’s warranty applies.

How to make a claim

  1. Contact your builder first. For defects that appear early in your warranty period, you should first report the issue to your builder, as they are responsible for fixing it.
  2. Contact the warranty provider. If the builder fails to resolve the issue, your third-party warranty provider will step in to manage the claim.
  3. Document everything. The warranty provider will require a written notice outlining the details of the defect, along with supporting documents like the warranty certificate and photos.

BuiltGreen B.C.

Built Green BC is the British Columbia chapter of Built Green Canada, a non-profit organization that provides third-party certification for sustainable residential building. The program’s holistic approach goes beyond energy efficiency to include materials, water conservation, and indoor air quality. The certification is voluntary and offers various levels of achievement for both builders and homeowners.

How the Built Green program works

  • Third-party verification: Built Green provides a comprehensive, third-party verification process to certify that a home meets specific standards for sustainable building.
  • Voluntary participation: The program is industry-driven and voluntary, allowing builders to participate based on their commitment to environmental stewardship.
  • Seven areas of focus: The certification uses a checklist that awards points for sustainable practices in seven key areas:
    • Energy and envelope
    • Materials and methods
    • Indoor air quality
    • Ventilation
    • Waste management
    • Water conservation
    • Occupant wellness
  • Certification levels: Homes can achieve different levels of certification—Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Net Zero Energy+—depending on the number of points they earn.
  • EnerGuide integration: The Built Green program integrates Natural Resources Canada’s EnerGuide rating, providing a two-in-one label that verifies both the home’s energy performance and its additional green features.

Benefits of the Built Green program in BC

  • Alignment with BC Energy Step Code: The Built Green program aligns with and helps builders get ahead of the BC Energy Step Code, which increases energy-efficiency requirements over time. For example, a Gold-certified home meets Step Code 3 requirements, while a Platinum-certified home can meet Step 5.
  • Competitive advantage: For builders, certification offers a competitive edge by demonstrating a commitment to advanced, sustainable building practices that exceed minimum code.
  • Financial incentives: Homeowners of eligible Built Green homes may receive mortgage insurance rebates through organizations like the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
  • Long-term savings: Certified homes are designed for increased energy and water efficiency, leading to lower monthly utility costs for homeowners.
  • Health and comfort: Built Green homes are more airtight, with advanced ventilation systems and the use of low-VOC materials, resulting in improved indoor air quality.
  • Increased durability: The program emphasizes the use of durable materials and robust construction practices, which can increase the lifespan of a home and reduce long-term maintenance costs.
  • Higher resale value: Certified green homes often have a higher market and resale value, appealing to a growing number of environmentally conscious buyers.

The Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA)

CHBA is a national non-profit organization that has represented Canada’s residential construction industry since 1943. It advocates for the industry at all levels of government and supports its member companies through a variety of initiatives and resources.

Who the CHBA represents

With over 8,500 member firms, the CHBA’s membership is diverse and includes companies involved in every aspect of the housing industry:

  • New home builders and renovators
  • Land developers
  • Trade contractors and suppliers
  • Product and material manufacturers
  • Lending institutions and insurance providers
  • Other service professionals

What the CHBA does

  • Advocacy: As “the voice of Canada’s residential construction industry,” the CHBA advocates for policies that support housing affordability, quality, and choice for Canadians. It works with all levels of government to address issues affecting the industry and consumers.
  • Education and training: The association provides its members with access to courses, manuals, and resources to help them stay up to date on industry standards, technology, and trends.
  • Innovation: The CHBA works with research agencies to promote innovative building techniques and solutions, such as Net Zero housing, which produce as much clean energy as they consume.
  • Programs for consumers: The CHBA offers resources and programs to help Canadians, including the RenoMark program, which identifies professional renovators who agree to a renovation-specific Code of Conduct.
  • Industry information: The CHBA regularly produces a Housing Market Index (HMI) that measures builder confidence across the country.

Organizational structure

The CHBA operates on three levels—local, provincial, and national—to provide services and representation to its members across Canada:

  • National association: Sets the national agenda, advocates to the federal government, and provides resources for local associations and members.
  • Provincial associations: Manage provincial-level affairs, provide regional support, and assist local associations.
  • Local associations: Offer local networking opportunities, education, and representation within specific regions.

Duncan-Cowichan Chamber Commerce

The Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce is a volunteer, non-profit business organization that has served the Cowichan Valley in British Columbia since 1908. Its mission is to engage the business community by providing advocacy, service, education, support, and opportunities for growth.

Purpose and mission

  • Mission statement: “Build a Strong Community Through Strength in Business”.
  • Overall goal: To develop a cohesive business environment, educate the public on business issues, and showcase the region’s thriving business scene.

Services and activities

  • Networking and events: The Chamber hosts over 50 events annually to connect business owners and professionals.
  • Advocacy: It serves as the voice of the business community by liaising with local governments, economic development organizations, and other regional groups.
  • Business support: The Chamber provides promotional and professional development opportunities to help local businesses grow and thrive.
  • Visitor centre: It operates the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre, serving more than 25,000 visitors each year.
  • Member benefits: Through its affiliation with the BC Chamber of Commerce, members can access a wide variety of discounts on business services, employee benefits, and insurance.

Funding and structure

  • The Chamber is funded by membership dues, fundraising, and grants.
  • It is guided by a volunteer board of directors, with day-to-day operations managed by staff and volunteers.

RenoMark

RenoMark is a Canadian program that identifies professional and ethical renovators and contractors who are members of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) and have voluntarily agreed to a strict, renovation-specific Code of Conduct. It helps homeowners find credible and trustworthy professionals committed to high-quality workmanship and customer satisfaction.

Key features of the RenoMark program

  • Industry code of conduct: Members promise to abide by a set of professional standards that go beyond minimum building code requirements. This includes providing a detailed written contract, a minimum two-year warranty, and maintaining a safe and organized work site.
  • Proof of credentials: RenoMark renovators are required to carry a minimum of $2 million in liability insurance and to work only with subcontractors who have proper workplace safety and employers’ liability coverage.
  • Transparency and communication: Members are expected to have open lines of communication, and the code includes a promise to return phone calls from homeowners within two business days.
  • Ongoing education: The program ensures that its members are kept informed about changes in building codes, new construction techniques, and safety regulations.
  • Consumer protection: By vetting contractors, the program helps protect homeowners from unqualified, “cash-only” operators and reduces the risk of disputes and poor workmanship.

How RenoMark works for homeowners

  • Find a renovator: Homeowners can use the program’s online directory to find local, vetted contractors.
  • Gain peace of mind: Hiring a RenoMark professional provides assurance that the contractor has been screened, adheres to a high standard of practice, and offers a warranty on their work.
  • Ensure accountability: The program and its local associations provide a level of accountability that is often missing with unlicensed or uncertified contractors.

SAFERhome

The SAFERhome Standards Society is a Canadian non-profit organization that promotes universal design for housing through its trademarked SAFERhome building and certification standards. These affordable, “invisible” standards are meant to make homes safer, healthier, and more sustainable for people of all ages and abilities, allowing them to “age in place” without costly future renovations.

Mission and approach

SAFERhome’s mission is to promote the adoption of housing practices that lead to safer and more sustainable communities. To achieve this, it provides:

  • A certification program for builders and homes that meet its standards.
  • Educational courses and planning assistance for the construction industry and homebuyers.
  • Advocacy as a public interest lobby group with government and industry.

 

Key standards

The SAFERhome Standards are based on the principles of universal design, which aims to create products and environments usable by all people, regardless of ability or age. Key features include:

  • Structural and design: Flush or low-profile exterior and shower thresholds, wider doorways (ideally 36 inches), wider hallways and stairs, and reinforced walls in bathrooms and near stairs for future handrail installation.
  • Plumbing: Offset bath and shower controls and easily removable sink cabinets to provide wheelchair access.
  • Electrical: Strategically placed electrical outlets and light switches at more accessible heights.
  • Futureproofing: Allowance for future elevators by stacking closets during initial construction.  

Benefits of a SAFERhome

Building a home to SAFERhome standards offers a number of advantages to occupants and owners:

  • Looks better: The design principles often lead to more open and spacious-looking interiors.
  • Works better: The homes are ergonomic, intuitive, and adaptable to changing needs over a lifetime.
  • Worth more: By meeting the needs of a wider demographic, SAFERhome constructions are considered a better real estate investment.
  • Cost-efficient: Incorporating the standards during new construction is far less expensive than performing major renovations later.
  • Aging-in-place: The design helps people remain in their homes longer, reducing the need for long-term care facilities.
  • Reduced risks: Prevents common accidents like falls and scalds, which are leading causes of home-related hospitalizations for children and seniors.

WorkSafeBC

WorkSafeBC is a provincial agency that partners with employers and workers in British Columbia to prevent work-related injuries, diseases, and fatalities through education, enforcement of health and safety regulations, and a no-fault insurance system. It provides compensation and support for injured workers, including medical and rehabilitative care, and facilitates their return to work.

Key functions of WorkSafeBC:

  • Prevention: Promotes a culture of safety by providing information and resources to employers and workers.
  • Enforcement: Enforces the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and the Workers Compensation Act, ensuring compliance with workplace health and safety standards.
  • Compensation and Support: Manages a no-fault insurance system that provides benefits, including medical aid, rehabilitation, and financial compensation, to workers injured on the job.
  • Consultation: Consults with and educates employers and workers on safe work practices.
  • Claims Management: Processes claims for work-related injuries and diseases and helps facilitate workers’ safe return to work.

Who WorkSafeBC serves:

  • Workers: More than 2.7 million workers in British Columbia.
  • Employers: Approximately 280,000 registered employers.