New Construction Laws
New and upcoming construction laws, building codes and regulations across Canada, and what each change means for owners, buyers, contractors, trades, workers, suppliers and designers. Every entry links to the official source.
32 changes
Showing changes that affect buyers of new homes and customers who pay a contractor for work, with what each one means for you.
Coming up in the next 12 months
All upcoming-
Alberta residential builders must meet competency requirements for licences Alberta · in 2 months
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RBQ certificate mandatory for pre-purchase building inspectors Quebec · in 11 months
Changes for homebuyers & customers
11 changesAlberta residential builders must meet competency requirements for licences
Comes into force Jan 1, 2027 · in 2 months
What it means for you: Licensed new-home builders will have to meet defined competencies, which should improve build quality.
Affects Homebuyer Contractor
RBQ certificate mandatory for pre-purchase building inspectors
Comes into force Oct 1, 2027 · in 11 months
What it means for you: Homebuyers will be able to rely on RBQ-certified inspectors for pre-purchase inspections.
Buy Canadian policy: Canadian steel, aluminum and wood on large federal construction
In force since Dec 16, 2025
What it means for you: Federal departments must evaluate bids with Canadian content and materials criteria, with exceptions for major delays or no Canadian supply.
Affects Homebuyer Contractor Trade contractor Supplier Designer
New Brunswick adopts 2020 national codes with Energy Tier 2 minimum
In force since May 1, 2025
What it means for you: New homes in NB are built to a higher energy minimum (Tier 2).
Affects Owner Homebuyer Contractor Trade contractor Supplier Designer
GST/HST rebate of up to $50,000 for first-time buyers of new homes
In force since Mar 20, 2025
What it means for you: An eligible first-time buyer saves up to $50,000 of GST on a new home under $1.5M. Apply within about two years.
Affects Owner Homebuyer Contractor
BC Building Code 2024 seismic and adaptable-dwelling rules take effect
In force since Mar 10, 2025
What it means for you: More new apartments will include adaptable units suitable for aging in place.
Affects Owner Homebuyer Contractor Trade contractor Supplier Designer
Mandatory construction-stage inspections and certificate of conformity (law adopted, regulation pending)
Announced · date not set
What it means for you: Buyers of covered new buildings will get documented stage inspections and a conformity certificate.
Affects Owner Homebuyer Contractor Trade contractor Designer
RBQ tightens contractor licence applications (ownership, bankruptcies, criminal records)
Announced · date not set
What it means for you: Stronger vetting of licensed contractors aims to reduce fraudulent operators.
Affects Homebuyer Contractor Trade contractor
Saskatchewan reverts to Tier 1 energy efficiency for housing and small buildings
Announced · date not set
What it means for you: Lower energy-performance minimums may cut upfront cost but raise long-term energy use in new homes.
Affects Homebuyer Contractor Trade contractor Supplier Designer
New Home Buyer Protection Act changes: caveats on warranty-exempt homes, appeal rights
Announced · date not set
What it means for you: Buyers will see a title caveat flagging homes sold without new-home warranty.
Affects Owner Homebuyer Contractor
2025 National Model Codes published (not yet law until adopted)
Announced · date not set
What it means for you: New homes built under the 2025 code will include a radon stack and more accessibility provisions.
Affects Owner Homebuyer Contractor Trade contractor Supplier Designer
Plain-language summaries by ArtBuild, checked against the official source on the date shown on each page. This is general information, not legal advice, and you are responsible for how you use it. Laws change: always read the official text, and we recommend asking a lawyer or the regulator about your situation.