What You Need to Know: 2-5-10 Warranty Reviews in BC

Whether you're a strata council, property manager, or owner, ensuring that your property is well-protected under its warranty is crucial for avoiding unexpected repair costs. Warranty reviews provide peace of mind by assessing if your building's construction meets the necessary standards before the warranty expires. In this post, we’ll dive into what a warranty review entails, why it’s critical for your property, and how ENGIPRO can help you maximize your coverage.

What is a Warranty Review?

A warranty review is a detailed inspection of your property’s key systems and components—typically conducted near the end of a warranty period, such as the 10-year structural warranty. The purpose is to identify potential issues that may be covered under the warranty, ensuring that defects are addressed while the warranty is still valid.

This review is particularly important for strata properties and multi-unit developments in British Columbia, where the BC Homeowner Protection Act mandates warranty coverage for new buildings. A thorough review can uncover defects or deficiencies that might be missed in regular maintenance, giving your strata corporation or property owner a chance to act before it's too late.

Why is a Warranty Review Important?

1. Catch Hidden Defects Early

Many structural or mechanical issues can go unnoticed until they become expensive problems. A warranty review helps uncover hidden defects before your warranty expires, allowing you to claim repairs or replacements that could otherwise cost thousands of dollars.

2. Maximize Your Warranty Coverage

Your building’s warranty is a valuable asset, but it’s only useful if you know how to take full advantage of it. By conducting a comprehensive warranty review, you ensure that all covered issues are reported in time, giving you the leverage to request repairs from the builder or warranty provider.

3. Avoid Costly Future Repairs

Failing to conduct a warranty review could mean missing out on vital repairs, leaving you to bear the financial burden once the warranty period ends. An inspection now can save you significant costs in the future by addressing issues while they are still covered.

4. Protect Property Value

For strata corporations, maintaining the property’s condition is essential to protecting its long-term value. A warranty review identifies potential problems that, if left unresolved, could decrease the property’s value or lead to unexpected levies for unit owners.

What’s Included in a Warranty Review?

In British Columbia, new homes are covered by a 2-5-10 warranty, which is divided into three parts:

1. 2-Year Warranty: Covers materials and labor related to defects in plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC, and interior finishes like flooring and cabinetry.

2. 5-Year Warranty: Focuses on the building’s envelope, including protection against water ingress and structural deficiencies that could affect the property’s integrity.

3. 10-Year Warranty: Covers structural components such as foundations, framing, and load-bearing systems, ensuring the building’s core stability.

   
   

Each of these stages offers a limited time to claim issues, which is why it’s crucial to conduct a thorough warranty review before each respective deadline approaches. ENGIPRO’s team ensures no defect goes unnoticed, maximizing your warranty coverage at each stage.

A typical warranty review from ENGIPRO covers:

• Exterior and Envelope Inspection: We assess your property’s building envelope, including the roof, walls, windows, and balconies, to detect issues like water ingress, leaks, or structural deficiencies.

• Structural Components: This includes the foundation, framing, and other structural elements that may be prone to settlement, cracks, or movement.

• Mechanical and Electrical Systems: We inspect major systems, including plumbing, HVAC, and electrical, to ensure they are functioning correctly and safely.

• Interior Finishes: If your property is still within its 2-year warranty for interior finishes, we review items like flooring, cabinetry, and fixtures for signs of wear, defects, or improper installation.

  
  

For more detailed guidelines, refer to BC Housing’s Warranty Coverage, which outlines the legal requirements and coverage periods for new homes and strata properties in BC.

When Should You Conduct a Warranty Review?

For most properties in BC, the 10-year structural warranty is the most critical coverage period. We recommend conducting a warranty review at least one year before your warranty expires to ensure there is enough time to report defects and initiate repairs. This is particularly important for multi-family developments where undetected issues can affect numerous units, leading to larger and more expensive problems down the line.

For interior finishes, a 2-year review is also advised to catch any defects that may have surfaced since the original construction. Acting within the warranty period is key to avoiding costly repairs that could have been covered.

Why Choose ENGIPRO for Your Warranty Review?

At ENGIPRO, we understand the importance of maximizing your warranty coverage. Our certified team of P.Eng and CRP professionals is trained to spot even the smallest defects that could lead to bigger problems if not addressed. Here’s why ENGIPRO should be your go-to choice for a warranty review:

• Certified Experts: Our team includes Professional Engineers and Certified Reserve Planners with years of experience in building systems and reserve planning.

• Thorough Inspections: We leave no stone unturned. Our comprehensive reviews cover everything from the building’s structure to its mechanical systems, ensuring you get the most out of your warranty.

• Clear, Actionable Reports: Our detailed, easy-to-read reports provide clear recommendations on any issues we find, helping you take action before your warranty expires.

• Fast Turnaround: Time is crucial when your warranty is running out. We deliver our reports within 30 days, giving you plenty of time to claim warranty coverage.

Summary: What You Need to Know

• 2-5-10 warranty reviews cover three key stages:

  • 2 years for materials and labor

  • 5 years for the building envelope (water ingress protection)

  • 10 years for structural components (foundation, framing, etc.)

    
    

• Maximizing your warranty coverage ensures defects are addressed before the warranty period ends, preventing costly repairs.

• ENGIPRO’s certified team conducts thorough inspections to identify potential issues at each stage of the 2-5-10 warranty.

• Our detailed reports provide clear, actionable recommendations, helping strata properties in BC stay financially secure.

• Protect your property’s future and avoid surprise expenses with an expert warranty review before your coverage expires.

Ready to Maximize Your Warranty?

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Contact ENGIPRO today to schedule your warranty review and ensure your property is fully protected. Our team of certified experts is ready to provide you with the fast, thorough, and reliable inspection your property deserves.

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Get in touch now for a free consultation and let ENGIPRO help you make the most of your warranty!