Amendments to the Homeowner Protection Act to increase protection for buyers of new homes in B.C. will come into effect on Nov. 19, Minister responsible for Housing Rich Coleman announced.

"Buying a new home is the most significant purchase many British Columbians will make. These changes will help protect their investment and will improve confidence in the residential construction industry," said Coleman. "The amendments follow extensive consultation with the residential construction industry, local governments and consumer representatives."

The amendments to the Homeowner Protection Act:
* Strengthen licensing requirements for residential builders;
* Require anyone wishing to build a home under the owner-builder exemption to meet more stringent criteria;
* Strengthen enforcement provisions including compliance orders and penalties;
* Provide an internal review and independent appeal process for licensed residential builders and owner builders; and
* Provide prospective home buyers with more information about homebuilders and homes through an online public registry.

The changes are based on recommendations from the discussion paper Raising the Bar: Enhancing Professionalism in B.C.'s Residential Construction Industry. Consultation included community meetings across B.C. to allow consumer groups, and industry representatives to comment on the changes.

More information about the changes is available on the Homeowner Protection Office website at www.hpo.bc.ca in the What's New section.