Top Warranty Review Questions Answered: What Strata Councils Should Know
- ENGIPRO
- Nov 14
- 2 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
When Your Warranty Timeline Is Ticking
Most strata councils in British Columbia breathe a sigh of relief once a new condo project is handed over. After all, the 2-5-10 warranty sounds comprehensive. But as thousands of buildings have learned, failing to fully understand or act on that warranty can lead to massive repair costs—not in theory, but in reality.
Many defects remain hidden during the early years and only appear once warranty coverage has lapsed. That’s why professional warranty reviews are so critical—and so often misunderstood.
Let’s clear things up.
What Exactly Is Covered Under the 2-5-10 Warranty in BC?
The 2-5-10 warranty is a legislated protection under the Homeowner Protection Act, enforced by BC Housing. Coverage includes:
2 Years: Materials & labour (interior finishes, plumbing, electrical, heating, etc.)
5 Years: Building envelope (water penetration, cladding, roofing, etc.)
10 Years: Major structural defects (foundation, load-bearing walls, etc.)
When Should a Strata Council Schedule a Warranty Review?
Timing is everything. The best practice is to schedule an independent, engineering-led warranty review 6–12 months before the 2-year and 5-year deadlines.
Why?
Builders may be uncooperative closer to expiry.
Owners need time to vote and plan for legal or warranty claim processes.
Evidence weakens over time—early reporting strengthens your case.
Can We Rely on the Developer’s Deficiency List?
Absolutely not. While some developers act in good faith, you should assume a conflict of interest exists. Developer-hired consultants are incentivized to minimize findings.
An independent review by a professional engineer (P.Eng) ensures unbiased inspection—and holds more legal weight during arbitration or warranty claims.
What Are Common Issues Found in WRs That Developers Often Miss?
ENGIPRO’s warranty review experience shows these items are often overlooked or downplayed:
Cracked balcony membranes (leads to water ingress)
Misaligned or warped windows
Poor caulking and flashing installations
Early corrosion on parkade pipes or railing hardware
HVAC system defects (especially in fan coils or heat pumps)
What If the Developer Refuses to Act?
If the issue is covered by warranty and reported within the time window, the strata can file a claim directly with the warranty provider (e.g., Travelers Canada, National Home Warranty). Proper documentation by an engineer significantly increases the chance of a successful claim.
FAQ Section
Q: Can we do the warranty review ourselves?
A: Not effectively. Most critical items require infrared scans, equipment testing, or roof access not available to laypeople.
Q: What if our 5-year deadline passed last month?
A: You may still have options, depending on evidence and insurance—but you need expert help urgently.
Conclusion: Don’t Let Your Warranty Expire Without a Fight
Strata buildings only get one chance to identify defects while covered. A proper warranty review gives your council a clear plan, legal leverage, and—most importantly—peace of mind for every owner.
Whether you’re approaching your 2-year or 5-year milestone, now is the time to act.
✅ Book a certified warranty review with ENGIPRO today. Our team of licensed P.Eng professionals can help you catch what others miss—and save your strata from massive future costs.
Other Resources:
Full warranty breakdown by BC Housing - https://www.bchousing.org/licensing-consumer-services/new-homes/home-warranty-insurance-new-homes
Homeowner Protection Act Regulations (Section 2) - https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/11_29_99
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