The Overlooked Warranty Items That Could Cost Thousands
- ENGIPRO
- Oct 3
- 2 min read
The “Safe” Feeling That Isn’t Always Safe
When you get the keys to a new condo in British Columbia, the 2-5-10 warranty is often presented as a safety blanket. Owners breathe easier, thinking, “If anything goes wrong, we’re covered.” But the truth is far more complex.
Every year, we see strata corporations blindsided by warranty gaps—problems that should have been caught, but weren’t, either because no one checked carefully or because the issues were hidden in areas that require professional eyes to spot.
The result? Thousands of dollars in unexpected special levies, strained relationships among owners, and avoidable financial stress.
The Most Overlooked Warranty Items in BC
Balcony and Deck Membranes
These thin layers are critical waterproofing systems. If they fail, water seeps into walls or suites below. Membranes are usually covered in the “building envelope” portion of the warranty—but only if issues are caught and reported within the right window.
Sealants Around Windows and Doors
Cracked caulking can let rain penetrate walls, especially in Vancouver’s wet climate. Homeowners often repaint without realizing they are masking a warranty-covered defect.
Mechanical and Ventilation Systems
Fans, boilers, or HVAC systems sometimes fail prematurely. If strata doesn’t document these defects properly, warranty providers may deny claims.
Roof-to-Wall Transitions
Flashing and parapets are notorious for leaking, but are often ignored because they “look fine” from the ground. Only close inspection or drone imaging reveals the real story.
Common Area Finishes
Hallway carpets, lobby tiles, or drywall cracking may be covered if they relate to construction deficiencies, but owners rarely know this.
Case Study: When Small Misses Become Big Bills
A Burnaby strata discovered water damage near balcony doors—just three months after their warranty period expired. Because no warranty review had flagged the issue earlier, the $120,000 repair fell squarely on owners. Each household paid $5,000 out of pocket.
This is not rare—it’s the consequence of assuming the warranty “automatically” protects you.
Why Professional Warranty Reviews Matter
They catch defects during the coverage window.
They provide documentation accepted by warranty providers.
They give councils leverage for timely repairs instead of disputes.
FAQ
Q: Can’t owners just do a walkthrough themselves?
A: No—most issues, like membrane failures, are invisible without testing or trained eyes.
Q: What happens if we miss the warranty period?
A: The cost shifts to the strata’s CRF or special levies.
Conclusion
Your warranty is only as strong as the review behind it. By investing in a professional warranty review, strata corporations turn a passive document into active protection—saving thousands and preserving peace of mind.
Other Resources:
BC Housing – New Home Warranty Overview - https://www.bchousing.org/licensing-consumer-services/new-homes/home-warranty-insurance-new-homes
Homeowner Protection Act Regulations - https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/11_29_99
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