Buying a new home in Calgary is a big decision. It’s exciting, but also expensive and long-term. Even when everything looks perfect on move-in day, problems can show up later. That’s where the Alberta New Home Warranty Program comes in. It provides detailed protection for buyers of new homes in Calgary.

This article explains the Alberta New Home Warranty Program in clear, simple language. We cover what it is, how it works, what it covers, rules you must know, how to make a claim, common mistakes, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.

What Is the Alberta New Home Warranty Program?

The Alberta New Home Warranty Program is a government-mandated protection plan for most new homes built in Alberta. In Calgary, builders must provide this warranty before they can sell a new home. It protects buyers from certain construction defects and failures that may show up after possession.

The goal is to give homebuyers peace of mind and financial protection when issues arise that are related to how the home was built.

Why It Matters in Calgary

Calgary’s climate can be tough on homes. Freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow, sudden temperature swings, and strong winds all test building systems. Even a well-built house can show hidden problems under these conditions.

The Alberta New Home Warranty Program helps protect you from high repair costs that may result from these problems when they happen due to defective construction or materials, not normal wear-and-tear.

Who Must Provide the Warranty

In Calgary, nearly all new home builders must provide warranty coverage before selling a new home. This includes:

• Single-family homes

• Duplexes

• Townhouses

• Condominiums

• Custom-built homes

If a builder tries to sell a new home without warranty coverage, that should raise a red flag. Always ask for written proof of warranty before you sign a purchase agreement.

When the Warranty Starts

The warranty usually begins on the possession date — the day you officially take ownership of the home. From that day forward, the various warranty periods start running.

It is important to know the exact possession date, as deadlines for reporting issues are based on it.

How Warranty Coverage Is Structured

The Alberta New Home Warranty Program is divided into multiple coverage periods. Each period protects different parts of your home.

1-Year Coverage: Workmanship and Materials

The first year of coverage focuses on basic workmanship and materials. This means the builder should fix any defects caused by poor construction practices.

Typical items covered in the first year include:

• Flooring defects

• Cabinet problems

• Doors and windows that don’t work properly

• Paint or trim defects

• Problems with plumbing fixtures

• Electrical issues

• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system defects

Most issues that are obvious right after you move in tend to show up in this period.

2-Year Coverage: Major Systems and Building Envelope

The second year covers key systems and the building envelope.

Major systems include:

• Plumbing system failures

• Electrical system failures

• Heating system problems

Building envelope includes:

• Exterior walls

• Roof

• Windows

• Doors

The building envelope protects your home from weather. If these areas allow water or air to enter due to defective workmanship, that should be covered under 2-year coverage.

5-Year Coverage: Water Penetration

This coverage protects against water entering the home due to construction defects. Water entry can lead to mold, wood rot, and long-term damage.

Typical issues covered include:

• Roof leaks caused by poor construction

• Water penetration through exterior walls

• Window and door sealing problems

Because water damage can take time to show up, this longer coverage period matters.

10-Year Coverage: Structural Protection

Structural defects are the most serious and expensive to fix. That’s why the warranty provides the longest coverage here.

10-year protection covers major structural problems, such as:

• Foundation failure

• Structural collapse

• Load-bearing wall defects

• Beams or support issues

These defects affect the home’s stability and safety. Without warranty coverage, repair costs could be tens of thousands of dollars.

What the Warranty Does Not Cover

It’s important to know what is not covered. The warranty doesn’t replace regular home maintenance.

Common exclusions include:

• Normal wear and tear

• Damage due to homeowner neglect

• Damage from floods or natural disasters

• Landscaping and fencing issues

• Cosmetic wear (shrinking wood, hairline cracks, etc.)

• Renovations or upgrades done after possession

If a problem is caused by something you did, or by normal aging, the warranty doesn’t apply.

How to Confirm Warranty Coverage Before You Buy

Before you sign any agreement, always get proof of warranty.

Ask the builder for:

• A valid warranty certificate

• The warranty provider’s name

• Builder registration number

• Warranty start date

• Details of what is covered and what is not

Make sure these are written and provided to you. Do not rely on verbal assurances.

How to Use the Warranty if You Have a Problem

If you find a defect or issue, follow these steps:

Step 1: Report the Issue to the Builder

You must report problems in writing to the builder first. Describe the issue clearly and include photos if possible.

Step 2: Keep Records

Save emails, photos, messages, inspection reports, and any communication with the builder. Documentation helps support your claim.

Step 3: Builder Response

The builder must respond within a reasonable time and try to fix the problem. This is part of the warranty process.

Step 4: Contact the Warranty Provider

If the builder does not fix the issue, you can contact the warranty provider directly. They will review the claim and determine whether to approve a repair or replacement.

Act quickly. Each coverage period has strict deadlines. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to claim.

Deadlines Matter

Every warranty category has its own deadline. If you miss a deadline for reporting an issue, your claim could be denied. That’s why it’s best to report problems as soon as you notice them.

Examples of deadlines include:

• Within 12 months for workmanship and materials

• Within 24 months for major systems and building envelope

• Within 60 months for water penetration

• Within 120 months for structural defects

These are counted from your possession date, so knowing that exact date is important.

Coverage for Condos

Condominiums have slightly different coverage because they include shared spaces.

Condo coverage includes:

• Individual unit protection

• Common area protection (roof, hallways, elevators, parking areas)

Typically, the condo board files claims for common areas, while unit owners file for their own units.

Custom Home Coverage

Even custom-built homes must have warranty protection. The rules apply to construction defects, though design choices and upgrades you select yourself are not covered.

Always confirm warranty coverage with your custom builder before construction begins.

Transferability of the Warranty

If you sell your home while warranty coverage is still active, the remaining warranty usually transfers to the new owner. This is a valuable benefit because:

• It increases buyer confidence

• It can improve your resale value

• It continues protection for the new owner

To transfer the warranty, you must notify the warranty provider and complete required paperwork. Don’t skip this step.

Common Mistakes Homeowners Make

Even with warranty protection, homeowners sometimes lose benefits by mistake.

Common errors include:

• Not requesting warranty proof before closing

• Misplacing warranty documents

• Reporting issues too late

• Assuming everything is covered

• Failing to report issues in writing

Avoid these mistakes by staying organized and proactive.

Tips to Protect Yourself as a Buyer

Here are some practical steps Calgary buyers should follow:

• Do a detailed inspection before possession.

• Keep all warranty documents in a safe place.

• Report problems immediately.

• Take photos and notes of issues.

• Follow the claim process exactly.

• Ask questions if you are unsure.

Small actions early can prevent big problems later.

How Calgary Weather Affects Warranty Claims

Calgary’s weather contributes to many home issues. Freeze–thaw cycles can crack foundations. Snow and ice can hurt roofing and exterior seals. This makes warranty protection more important here than in milder climates.

If weather-related problems are due to construction defects, they are usually covered under the appropriate warranty period.

Why Warranty Details Matter

Understanding the Alberta New Home Warranty Program is not optional. This is one of the most important protections you get as a buyer. Without it, you could face unexpected costs for things that should have been covered.

The program sets clear rules for builders and clear rights for buyers. Knowing those rules helps you protect your investment and your peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

The Alberta New Home Warranty Program provides essential protection for buyers of new homes in Calgary. It covers problems from minor defects to major structural failures. Knowing how it works, what it covers, what it doesn’t, and how to make a claim can save you time, money, and stress.

Before you buy, make sure all warranty details are documented. After possession, watch for issues and report them promptly. Stay organized, understand your rights, and use the warranty as intended.

This program protects one of your biggest purchases — your home. Understanding its details helps you feel confident and secure in your decision.

FAQs

What is the Alberta New Home Warranty Program?
It’s a mandatory protection plan that requires builders to provide warranty coverage for new homes in Calgary.

Is the warranty required by law?
Yes. Builders must provide warranty coverage before selling a new home.

How long does the warranty last?
Coverage periods range from 1 year to 10 years, depending on the category.

Can I lose warranty protection?
Yes — missing deadlines or failing to report issues can void your claim.

Does the warranty transfer to a new buyer?
Yes. The remaining warranty usually transfers when the home is sold.