Should Alberta License Home Builders?

Official title: Builder licensing engagement

Closed Regulations & Permits Economy & Jobs Housing & Communities
Alberta asked whether home builders should need a license to work. The idea? Make sure builders have the skills and financial stability to do the job right. Combined with mandatory warranties, this could protect homebuyers from shoddy construction.

Why This Matters

Building or buying a new home? This affects you. Licensed builders would need to prove they know what they're doing before touching your biggest investment. It's about peace of mind that your home won't fall apart in five years.

What Could Change

Residential builders now need a license to build homes in Alberta. The program launched December 1, 2017. Builders must also secure warranty coverage. This brings Alberta in line with provinces like BC that already license builders.

Key Issues

  • Should builders be required to demonstrate financial stability and competency?
  • What licensing requirements would best protect homebuyers?
  • How should licensing work alongside mandatory home warranties?

How to Participate

  1. This consultation is now closed. Over 1,200 Albertans completed the online survey and 130 participants attended 11 engagement sessions across the province.
  2. Read the What We Heard report to see how public feedback shaped the program.
  3. Learn about the resulting builder licensing program now in effect.

What Happened

More than 1,200 Albertans completed the online survey and 130 participants attended 11 engagement sessions. 78% of survey respondents supported government exploring builder licensing options. The feedback directly informed legislation establishing Alberta's builder licensing program, which launched December 1, 2017.