New Homes, New Headaches: Why a Warranty Review Could Save You $$$ (and Stress)
- ENGIPRO
- Jun 2
- 2 min read
New Builds Aren’t Perfect
Fast-track construction can mean corners cut on flashing, membranes, or mechanical systems.
Strata councils often discover defects after developer warranties start ticking down.
Owners who miss claim deadlines end up funding major fixes themselves.
Real-World Example
A 2022 Metro Vancouver tower required a $400,000 podium-waterproofing repair—just six months after occupancy. Units that filed timely warranty claims paid $0; units that didn’t missed the coverage window and faced a $9,000 special levy each.
What Exactly Is a Warranty Review (WR)?
Feature | What It Covers | Why It Matters |
2-Year Materials & Labour | Finishes, fixtures, doors, windows | Cosmetic flaws turn into leaks if ignored |
5-Year Building Envelope | Roof, cladding, balconies | Most expensive defects hide here |
10-Year Structural | Foundations, load-bearing elements | Miss the deadline and repairs are 100 % owner-funded |
A WR is a pro inspection + engineer-sealed report that documents every warrantable defect—before time runs out.
WR vs. No WR: Side-by-Side Impact
Scenario | With Warranty Review | Without Warranty Review |
Hidden balcony leak | Identified at 16 months → Developer fixes under 2-year clause | Leak discovered at 3 years → Strata pays $45k |
HVAC imbalance | Flagged at 4 years → Warranty covers re-balancing cost | Issue found post-5 years → Owners install boosters ($800/unit) |
Structural crack | Noted at 9 years → Covered under 10-year structural warranty | Found at 11 years → Special levy $1.2 M |
5 Benefits of Booking a Warranty Review Now
Unlock Free Repairs
Developers or warranty insurers must rectify documented defects—saving owners thousands.
Avoid Litigation
A clear, engineer-stamped report minimizes disputes and speeds up claims.
Protect Property Value
Units in “issue-free” buildings command higher resale prices.
Support Insurance Renewals
Carriers favour buildings with up-to-date professional reviews, often holding premiums steady.
Peace of Mind
Owners and councils know the envelope, mechanicals, and structure were professionally vetted.
Review BC’s 2-5-10 warranty timelines on the BC Housing website.
Timing: When Should You Schedule a WR?
Warranty Milestone | Ideal Inspection Window |
2-Year Coverage | 18–22 months after occupancy |
5-Year Coverage | 4.5–4.9 years |
10-Year Coverage | 9.3–9.8 years |
Tip: Book 3–4 months before each deadline. This leaves time for re-inspection or claim negotiations.
ENGIPRO’s Fast-Track WR Package
48-hour site mobilization anywhere in Metro Vancouver
Drone & infrared scanning to locate hidden envelope flaws
Engineer-sealed report in as little as 10 days
Warranty-claim support—we liaise with developers or insurers until work is approved
Price-match guarantee on any comparable, P.Eng-sealed WR
See Engineers & Geoscientists BC practice guidelines that govern our inspection standards.
Ready to Safeguard Your New Home?
Don’t let hidden defects drain your contingency fund. Book a Warranty Review today and lock in professional documentation before your coverage clock hits zero.
Email info@engipro.ca
Use our 30-second WR Price Calculator for an instant quote
Rush slots available—reports ready this month
External Link:
BC’s 2-5-10 warranty timelines on the BC Housing website - https://www.bchousing.org/publications/Regulatory-Bulletin-03-2-5-10-Year-Home-Warranty-Insurance.pdf
Engineers & Geoscientists BC practice guidelines - https://tools.egbc.ca/Registrants/Practice-Resources/Guidelines-Advisories
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