What kind of dwelling unit can I build as an owner builder?
Most owner builders build a single detached home under a single title. However, there are two other types of single dwelling units a person may apply to build under an Owner Builder Authorization as long as all other eligibility criteria are met, including personal use:
- One single dwelling unit in or attached to a pre-existing building (includes addition of a unit to convert a detached home to a duplex, or conversion of a duplex to triplex, or conversion of non-residential space to a dwelling unit.)
- One single dwelling unit in or attached to a new non-residential building (one only per building, e.g., a caretaker suite or home built above a family-run store.)
Owner Builder Authorizations are not available for single dwelling units in or attached to a new multi-unit residential building.
What if I don't want to complete an application online or don’t have access to the Internet?
Individuals who are not able to complete the application for an Owner Builder Authorization using the HPO online application may contact the HPO for a printed application form. Completing the paper-based version of the application will result in a slower processing time since we will have to mail you your Authorization once approved, instead of providing an online document for you to download and print for the building department.
We strongly encourage use of free library facilities and free Internet accounts if possible, so you can apply for the Owner Builder Authorization online. Online access offers a number of other benefits:
- Check the status of your application online
- Update information online, including tradespersons used and occupancy date
- Downloadable disclosure notice should you choose to sell your home later
What happens if my application for an Owner Builder Authorization is rejected?
Your application could be rejected for failing to meet any of the eligibility criteria. If you complete the pre-screening and appear to be ineligible, you may choose to proceed with the application anyway and provide information to the Registrar explaining why your circumstances are exceptional. The $425 fee must accompany the application, $50 of which is non-refundable should the application be rejected by the Registrar.
Decisions by the Registrar to refuse an Owner Builder Authorization may be appealed.
What if I want to sell my owner-built home?
Owner builders are not permitted to offer to sell or sell the new home during construction or until at least one year after their home is built (which will be based on occupancy permit or actual occupancy). In special circumstances this period may be waived upon application, including payment of a fee, to the Registrar. An owner builder who sells the new home earlier than permitted is committing an offence under the Homeowner Protection Act and could face monetary penalties and/or prosecution.
If an owner builder offers to sell the home, they must provide a disclosure notice provided by the HPO to any prospective purchasers. Owner builders can log-in to their online account and download the notice. The disclosure notice will state that the home was built by the owner builder and whether or not there is a policy of home warranty insurance in place for the home. “Prospective Purchasers” refers to all persons expressing a serious interest in purchasing the home. An owner builder must provide the disclosure notice to a person, prior to that person signing an Agreement of Purchase and Sale. Failure to provide a disclosure notice to prospective purchasers is an offence under the Homeowner Protection Act and may also be subject to monetary penalties and/or prosecution.
What information will be publicly available about owner builders and owner-built homes?
A searchable registry of new homes will be available on the HPO website. Members of the public can access the online registry to search for homes they are considering buying by civic address or legal description. An owner-built home will be identified as such on the online registry. The name of the owner-builder will not be displayed on the website, however, a person may request that information from the HPO.
In addition, if an owner builder is convicted of an offence under the Homeowner Protection Act, or is subject to a Compliance Order or a monetary penalty, the details of the conviction, Compliance Order and/or penalty will be published on the HPO website. The name of the owner builder, address of the property and details of the contravention and penalty will also be made public on the website.
If I built a home as an owner builder before, when can I build another home under an Owner Builder Authorization?
If you built a home as an owner builder prior to November 19, 2007, you will be eligible to build another home under an Owner Builder Authorization no earlier than 18 months from the date of first occupancy of the previous home. After that you will have to wait three (3) years from the date of first occupancy of the next home. Waiting periods for all subsequent owner-built homes thereafter will be five (5) years.
