Manitoba’s new home warranty plan is weak, some say

Mandatory third-party new home warranties are coming to Manitoba, but some question how well they will protect consumers.

The provincial government introduced its new home warranty act last November, which, if passed, will require a warranty for each new home before a building permit can be issued.

In public consultations, the province received comments from 40 homeowners. Of those, 21 said they had experienced construction-related problems with new homes.

A summary provided by the province details the complaints, including:

Last fall, CBC News reported on new home buyers having trouble getting builders and warranty companies to cover problems with roofs and shingles.

Jim and Heidi Schadek, who had their home built in Headingley, Man., felt let down by both of their builders. One builder failed to enrol them into the New Home Warranty Program, even though it was part of the contract.

The Schadeks question if warranties are the answer.

"I think the Consumer Protection Act should protect the consumer, not give that responsibility to a third-party warranty company," said Jim Schadek.

Trevor Markevich, president and owner of Mannington Custom Homes, says he supports a move by the Manitoba government to make new home warranties a requirement.

"The only problem with that is they cover very minimal things. It's really not stipulated very clear as to what they cover," Markevich told CBC News.

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Manitoba's new home warranty plan is weak, some say