Master Builders have years of credible experience, they hire professionals, operate under recognized warranty programs and undertake regular professional development.
The rigorous criteria that they must meet and maintain includes:
- Two-year membership with the CHBA-NL
- In good standing with a recognized warranty program
- Five years of residential construction experience
- Letter of Solvency
- A recognized Quality Assurance Program
- R-2000/ERS or Net Zero Certification
- Red Seal staff or journeyperson(s), engineer, CET, or architect
- Annual professional development for staff
- Completion of recommended courses
Current CHBA-NL members with Master Builder Certification include:
Hire a CHBA-NL Member
Wondering about finding the right new home builder? Concerned about getting the best possible value for your home-buying money? Not sure where to begin your search?
When you are thinking about buying a new home, it’s a good idea to turn to a builder who is a member of the CHBA-NL and members who have earned Master Builder Certification.
The CHBA represents the professional home building industry with more than 8,000 members across the country.
- Membership in the CHBA is a strong indication that a new home builder is a professional who is dedicated to the business of home building and in business for the long term.
- Membership is voluntary. Members agree to the Association’s Code of Ethics, which is based on principles of fairness, integrity and consumer satisfaction.
- Home building is complex, demanding and constantly evolving. Through the CHBA, members can keep up to date on technological advances, regulations, new products, financing, and so on—in short, knowledge that no professional new home builder can do without.
- Home building is teamwork that takes the skills and expertise of many different trades and suppliers. Builders who belong to the CHBA have ready access to a wide network of member companies to help them deliver a high level of quality and service to home buyers.
- Managing a successful home building business means being part of the community. Through their local associations, CHBA members work with local decision-makers to contribute to the vitality and well-being of the community, and perhaps most importantly, to make a difference in the lives of the people who live there.
How to Find a CHBA-NL Home Builder
Your buying experience and your satisfaction with your new home rely on finding the right builder. Our website is a great place to begin!
Use “Find a Member” to get the names of professional new home builders in your community or take a look at an e-copy of our CHBA-NL Consumer Directory 2024
Many members have links to their own websites, so you can quickly get a first impression of the company, their homes and services. This will help you to zero in on builders that are a good fit for you and your family.
When visiting builders’ websites, look at the homes and the communities they are building in, and also note what else they tell you—about themselves and about their values, services, experience, and so on. If you like what you see and read, take the next step—take a tour of the company’s model homes or call the builder for an initial discussion.
The CHBA National website also offers a wealth of helpful information and practical advice on the home buying process: what to look for, questions to ask of builders and salespeople, along with downloadable worksheets and checklists.
Due Diligence
The industry is unregulated in Newfoundland and Labrador, so it is up to the consumer to conduct due diligence when hiring a contractor. Here are some tips to protect yourself:
Write
In detail, the job you want or need done.
Get Informed
Do you need a permit?
Research Contractors In Your Area
Ask your friends and neighbours for names.
Get A List
Of qualified professionals from your local Home Builders’ Association or Better Business Bureau.
Get Estimates
From at least three different contractors and ask them for customer references.
Call the References
From the contractors you like. Be sure to make a list of questions you want to ask them.
Hire A Professional Contractor
Ask for written contracts and proof of Workers’ Compensation or private liability insurance for injury or damage to your home.
Agree
On the work you want done, the budget and the timeline.
Don’t Accept Offers For Cash Deals Without A Receipt
Paying under the table is no deal – it can leave you with no warranty, no recourse for poor workmanship and no liability insurance if an injury takes place on your property.
Get It In Writing!
If you pay under the table for repairs, construction or home renovation, you are participating in the underground economy – and you’re paying more than you think. For more information, visit the Get It In Writing website.
Contracts
Contracts don’t have to be complicated but they should include:
- Contractor’s name, address and phone number
- Full description of work to be done and materials and products to be used
- Timeline – when the work will begin and be completed
- All costs that you will be charged and when you will have to pay (deposit)
- Amount of payment you will hold back as required by the lien legislation in your province
- The contractor’s warranty
- A certificate from an insurance company providing proof of the contractor’s business liability insurance
- A letter of clearance from your province’s Workers’ Compensation program confirming the contractor is registered
- The contractor’s Business Number or GST/HST number
- The contractor’s business license number (municipal)
The Better Business Bureau (BBB)
To properly complete your due diligence when hiring a contractor, it’s a good idea to check their rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for the Atlantic Provinces. The BBB helps people find and recommend businesses and brands they can trust.
