Guide · Calgary new builds
Alberta New Home Warranty Navigation Guide
A complete guide to understanding, documenting, and successfully claiming under your Alberta new home warranty. Know your rights and the process.
Know Your Protection
Every new home in Alberta must be enrolled with a warranty provider before possession. This isn't optional - it's law. Understanding your coverage and the claims process can save you thousands of dollars and endless frustration.
Alberta Warranty Providers
In Alberta, new home warranty is provided through licensed warranty providers. The main providers are:
Alberta New Home Warranty Program (ANHWP)
Government-administered program, most common in Alberta
1-800-352-8240
info@anhwp.com
Private Warranty Providers
Licensed private insurers offering similar coverage
Check your warranty certificate to confirm your specific provider. Coverage terms are regulated and similar across providers.
Coverage Timeline
Your warranty coverage decreases over time, with different items covered during different periods. Understanding these timelines is critical for filing claims before deadlines expire.
Year 1
Labour & Materials (Workmanship)
Covered examples:
- Defective installation of flooring, cabinets, fixtures
- Paint and drywall defects
- Door and window operation issues
- Plumbing leaks and fixture problems
- Electrical issues
- Any workmanship defects
Years 1-2
Distribution Systems
Covered examples:
- Electrical system defects
- Plumbing system defects
- Heating system failures
- Ventilation problems
- Air conditioning issues
- Gas line problems
Years 1-5
Building Envelope
Covered examples:
- Water penetration through exterior walls
- Roof leaks
- Window and door leaks
- Foundation water intrusion
- Exterior cladding failures (stucco, siding)
- Flashing and sealing failures
Years 1-10
Major Structural Defects
Covered examples:
- Foundation failures affecting structure
- Load-bearing wall defects
- Floor/ceiling system failures
- Roof structure failures
- Defects affecting structural integrity
- Major settlement issues
What's NOT Covered
Common Exclusions
- Normal wear and tear
- Homeowner negligence or misuse
- Cosmetic issues (color variations, minor marks)
- Landscaping, fencing, detached structures
- Appliances beyond manufacturer warranty
- Minor concrete cracks (under threshold)
- Damage from alterations you made
- Issues known at possession but not documented
- Damage from improper maintenance
- Acts of nature (flood, earthquake)
- Condensation from normal humidity
- Shrinkage cracks in drywall
The Claims Process: Step by Step
Document the Defect Thoroughly
Before contacting anyone, create comprehensive documentation of the issue.
- Take clear photos showing the defect from multiple angles
- Record video if the issue involves movement, sound, or water
- Note the date you first discovered the issue
- Measure and quantify where possible (crack width, water amount, etc.)
- Document any damage caused by the defect
Notify Your Builder in Writing
Your first step is always to notify the builder directly. This must be in writing.
- Send email to builder's warranty department (get read receipt)
- Include your name, address, possession date, and warranty number
- Describe the defect clearly and specifically
- Attach photos and videos
- Request response within 10 business days
- Keep copies of everything you send
Allow Builder Opportunity to Repair
The builder must be given reasonable opportunity to inspect and repair. Timelines vary by severity.
- Emergency issues (active water leak, no heat in winter): 24-48 hours
- Urgent issues (safety concerns, major system failures): 5-10 business days
- Standard issues: 30 business days is typical
- Document all communication and repair attempts
Escalate to Warranty Provider if Needed
If the builder doesn't respond adequately, contact your warranty provider directly.
- File a formal warranty claim with your provider
- Include all documentation and builder correspondence
- Provider will investigate and make coverage determination
- They may arrange their own inspection
Dispute Resolution if Claim Denied
If your claim is denied and you disagree, you have options.
- Request written explanation of denial with specific reasons
- Consider independent inspection to document code violations
- File formal appeal with warranty provider
- Request arbitration (usually faster and cheaper than court)
- Consult lawyer for significant claims (many offer free consultation)
Common Builder Tactics (and How to Respond)
"That's within acceptable tolerance"
Response: Ask for the specific tolerance standard being referenced. Verify against Alberta Building Code and manufacturer specifications. If they can't cite a specific standard, push back. Document the conversation.
"That's cosmetic, not covered"
Response: The issue must be purely cosmetic with no functional impact. A crack that allows air or water infiltration isn't cosmetic. Document the functional impact (energy loss, moisture intrusion, safety concern).
"You should have reported this earlier"
Response: If you're within the coverage period, timing of discovery doesn't matter unless you unreasonably delayed after discovering. Hidden defects aren't visible until they manifest. Document when you first noticed the issue.
"That's normal settling/shrinkage"
Response: Some settling is normal, but excessive settling or cracking beyond defined tolerances is covered. Request the specific tolerance that applies. Get an independent assessment if the cracking seems excessive.
"We'll add it to the list and address it later"
Response: Get specific timelines in writing. "Later" isn't acceptable. If it's a warranty claim, it needs to be logged as such with a repair date. Follow up in writing if the date passes.
Critical Deadlines Calendar
Mark These Dates from Your Possession Date
Submit all workmanship deficiencies
Submit all distribution system issues
Submit all building envelope issues
Submit any major structural defects
Documentation Best Practices
Keep These Records Organized
- Purchase agreement and all amendments
- Warranty certificate and registration documents
- Pre-possession walkthrough deficiency list (signed)
- All correspondence with builder (emails, letters)
- Photos and videos of defects with dates
- Repair invoices if you paid for anything out of pocket
- Independent inspection reports
- Builder's repair completion confirmations
When to Involve a Lawyer
Consider Legal Consultation When:
- Claim involves $10,000+ in repairs
- Builder or warranty provider denies valid claim
- Safety issues remain unresolved
- You're approaching warranty deadline with outstanding issues
- Multiple defects suggest systematic construction problems
- You need help interpreting contract or warranty terms
Many lawyers offer free initial consultations for warranty disputes. The cost of consultation is small compared to the cost of losing valid claims.
Bottom Line
Your new home warranty is valuable protection - but only if you know how to use it. The key principles:
- Document everything from day one - photos, dates, written correspondence
- Report issues promptly in writing - verbal agreements aren't binding
- Know your deadlines - mark warranty expiration dates on your calendar
- Escalate when needed - don't accept "no" without challenging it properly
- Be persistent but professional - aggressive behavior rarely helps your case
Builders deal with warranty claims daily. They know the process better than most homeowners. Your best defense is being informed, organized, and persistent. This guide gives you the knowledge to navigate the process effectively.
Source note
- Sources
- Jurisdiction
- Alberta, Canada (Calgary and surrounding municipalities)
- Applies to
- New construction homes purchased from a builder in Calgary and the surrounding Alberta municipalities.
- Last reviewed
- 2026-09-03
- Limitations
- General information written for Alberta buyers. It does not describe any specific builder's contract, any specific lot, or your financial situation.
- What you should verify
- The exact wording of your purchase agreement, the builder's current incentive sheet, warranty enrolment for the specific home, and any figure you intend to rely on.
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