What is the GCR Warranty?
The Residential Construction Warranty is a neutral independent non profit organization mandated by the Government of Quebec to protect buyers of new homes and improve the quality and standards of residential construction.
This warranty plan applies to the following types of construction :
- new single family homes ;
- semi detached or townhouse homes ;
- divided co ownership residential buildings with (4 units or fewer) ;
- multi family buildings with two to five units such as intergenerational homes duplexes triplexes etc.
It is important to note that self build projects are not covered by the GCR Warranty. When a person organizes and coordinates the construction of a new residential building themselves they are not eligible for the warranty plan. This is why working with a construction company such as Écohabitations Boréales is essential to benefit from the Residential Construction Warranty.
The objective is simple: protect buyers of new homes and ensure the quality of work completed by construction contractors.
Responsibilities of the residential construction warranty organization :
- accredit residential construction contractors ;
- inspect construction sites ;
- manage buyer claims ;
- ensure the enforcement of the mandatory warranty plan.
The GCR warranty is mandatory for new home builders
Under the Regulation respecting the warranty plan for new residential buildings in Quebec any contractor who builds or sells a new residential home must be accredited by the organization that manages the GCR warranty plan.
To obtain accreditation a contractor must demonstrate strong financial health maintain a solid technical rating and provide a high level of customer satisfaction.
The evaluation is based on three main criteria :
- Technical rating : 50 %
- Financial rating : 40 %
- Customer satisfaction : 10 %
Accreditation means that:
- the contractor is evaluated according to several quality criteria including the company’s financial stability.
- projects are inspected during construction.
- buyers benefit from protection in the event of problems.
This warranty therefore represents an important safeguard for future homeowners.
What the GCR Warranty covers
The new home warranty covers several aspects according to specific parameters and for periods ranging from 1 to 5 years depending on the type of warranty.
We encourage you to consult the GCR website for full details including coverage amounts and warranty periods.
Before possession of the home
The warranty protects against :
- construction defects ;
- unfinished work ;
- non compliance with the contract.
After possession of the home
Completion or correction of visible defects: issues detected during delivery of the home.
Correction of hidden defects: problems that were not visible during possession.
Repair of major defects: serious issues that may compromise the structure or integrity of the building.
Issuance of a GCR warranty certificate
The GCR also requires a pre delivery inspection of the building. This step is completed jointly by the buyer and contractor before taking possession.
A standardized form is completed and submitted to the GCR. Items requiring correction or completion are recorded along with an agreed deadline for the work.
The role of GCR inspections
The GCR also conducts site inspections to verify :
- quality of workmanship ;
- compliance with construction standards ;
- compliance with building regulations.
These inspections help raise quality standards within the residential construction industry prevent defects and reduce claims.
The 2025–2029 inspection program of the Residential Construction Warranty aims to complete three inspections for every new home by 2029 including one mandatory inspection before wall closure.
Implementation will be gradual: inspection frequency will increase progressively to reach two inspections per building by 2027 and three full inspections by 2029.
The GCR Warranty at Écohabitations Boréales
At Écohabitations Boréales construction quality and customer satisfaction are at the core of every project.
We are proud to highlight that since the company was founded no claim has ever been filed with the Residential Construction Warranty (GCR).
This track record reflects the rigor of our project management the quality of materials used the attention to detail and our transparent support throughout the process. For families looking to build a durable custom home this history is a concrete indicator of reliability.
It is also important to note that Écohabitations Boréales construction sites are inspected by LEED and Novoclimat program inspectors which ensures an additional level of quality.
