Homeowner Protection Office Technical Research & Education is part of BC Housing’s Corporate Services Branch.
HPO’s research and education initiatives support the mandate of the Homeowner Protection Act to help bring about improvements in the quality of residential construction for the benefit of the residential construction industry and consumers. R&E initiatives are carried out in following areas: consumer information, education and training, and new and improved technologies. The HPO partners with industry, other levels of government and educational institutions to leverage additional resources for these initiatives.
Builder Insight Bulletins
This bulletin series provides practical information on new technologies, research results, good building practices and emerging technical issues in residential construction to Licensed Residential Builders and others in the industry.
Building Science Research Projects
The HPO partners with various agencies, industry organizations and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and BC Building Envelope Council (BCBEC) to identify research needs in the residential construction sector, initiate projects and disseminate results to the industry and consumers.
Building Smart Seminars
Building Smart Seminars are delivered across the province by the HPO on a twice-annual basis. These seminars provide Licensed Residential Builders and others in the residential construction industry with practical information on the latest in building science and good building practices on various topics. Follow the link to find out more about upcoming seminars in your area. Also check out the Building Smart online Resource Guides that provide links to more information related to each seminar topic.
Building Code Information for Residential Construction
Stay up-to-date with changes to the building code. This online resource connects builders and consumers to resources and information on the building code with a focus on residential construction.
Education and Training - Residential Construction
This listing offers one-stop shopping for education and training courses and programs available in British Columbia in residential construction. It covers building envelope courses, and schools, colleges and institutions that provide apprenticeship, trades training and construction related courses and programs. You can also find out about industry organizations offering professional development and continuing education.
Green Building and Energy Programs
The HPO has compiled a summary of green building and energy programs available for residential builders and consumers. Browse though this list to find out more about energy programs, green building rating systems and assessment tools that aim to reduce energy consumption and the impact on the environment.
HPO Survey Results
Take a look at the results from the survey of Licensed Residential Builders, as well as the Consumer Satisfaction and Awareness Survey that are carried out every two years.
Maintenance Matters Bulletins
The HPO's Maintenance Matters publications are designed to provide practical information on the maintenance of the building envelope of multi-unit residential buildings, covering why maintenance needs to be performed regularly, what needs to be maintained and provides guidance in hiring professionals.
Quality Control, Quality Assurance and Commissioning
Homes built today are far more complex than those built in the past. Quality control, quality assurance and commissioning are becoming increasing important to ensure that homes are built as intended and systems meet performance and technical requirements as well as meeting homeowners' expectations.
