Definition : Garantie de construction résidentielle (Residential Construction Guarantee)

March 10th 2022 - The pre-acceptance inspection is a critical step in the process of acquiring a new property. A thorough and careful inspection is the best way to protect buyers from any unforeseen issues. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the pre-acceptance inspection of the private portions and common areas of your co-owned property. LITTLE REMINDER : Let us start by reminding you that in the new co-owned property market, the mandatory guarantee plan administered by Garantie de construction résidentielle (GCR) covers buildings held in divided co-ownership that have no more than four private portions stacked one above the other, as well as detached, semi-detached or row-type single-family houses held in co-ownership. “Condo towers” are not covered by the mandatory guarantee plan.

En 1999, le gouvernement du Québec a mis en place un Règlement sur le plan de garantie des bâtiments résidentiels neufs afin de protéger les propriétaires de maisons et de certaines copropriétés neuves. La mise en œuvre de ce règlement relève de la Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ). Son caractère obligatoire le distingue des plans de garantie optionnels offerts sur le marché. Depuis le 1er janvier 2015, un seul organisme sans but lucratif (OSBL) est autorisé par la Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ) à administrer un plan de garantie conformément au Règlement sur le plan de garantie des bâtiments résidentiels neufs, à savoir la Garantie de construction résidentielle (GCR).   Nos invités pour en discuter sont madame Valéry Couture, Me Yves Joli-Cœur, avocat émérite et secrétaire général du RGCQ, monsieur François‑William​ Simard, vice‑président Communications et relations partenaires de GCR et monsieur Fabian Janssens,  Responsable de suivi des garanties chez GCR.

The Regulation respecting the guarantee plan for new residential buildings regulates the liability of the contractor (developer) for any problem related to the quality of the construction work. In this regard, this regulation has provided for a specific protection regime for divided co-ownership. Whether it is a private or common portion, a co-owner or the syndicate of co-ownership is entitled to ask the contractor or the administrator of the guarantee plan, namely the Residential Construction Guarantee (GCR), to carry out this work, at any time during the term of the protections.  

In 1999, the Government of Quebec introduced a Regulation respecting the guarantee plan for new residential buildings to protect the owners of new homes and certain condominiums. This regulation, prepared in the wake of the government guidelines proposed at the Summit on the Construction Industry in Quebec in the fall of 1993, was intended to respond to consumers' concerns about the too often dubious quality of construction in the residential sector and the many frustrations they experienced while trying to assert their rights. The implementation of this regulation is the responsibility of the the Régie du Bâtiment du Québec (RBQ). Its mandatory nature distinguishes it from optional guarantee plan offered on the market.  A look at the different facets of this new home warranty plan:

Until December 31, 2014, the mandatory warranty plan was administered by various organizations associated with the builders' associations, namely The APCHQ's New Home Warranty, The Abritât Guarantee Inc. and Qualité Habitation. In order to eliminate any appearance of conflict of interest, the Regulation respecting the guarantee plan for new residential buildings has been amended. Thus, the government constituted a regulatory framework allowing the creation of a new single joint body in this area, which would be made up, in part, of as many consumer representatives as manufacturers.  

July 27th 2021 - Divided co‑ownership is a housing type that has become popular in Quebec in recent years. If you’re thinking about buying a new condo—undoubtedly a significant milestone in your life—you’ll find helpful tips in this article on choosing the right contractor.  

July 13th 2021 - As of January 1, 2015, Garantie de construction résidentielle (GCR) is the only organization authorized by the Quebec government to administer the mandatory guarantee plan for new dwellings. Our mission is to protect buyers and improve the quality of residential construction. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the mandatory guarantee plan when it comes to divided co-ownership.  

Cette chronique vous est proposée par Garantie de construction résidentielle 10 décembre 2019 — Garantie de construction résidentielle (GCR) publiera dorénavant des chroniques sur Condolegal.com, afin d’aider les consommateurs à poser les bons gestes lorsqu’ils achètent un condo. Le premier sujet traitera de l’avis de fin des travaux des parties communes. Il s’agit d’une étape extrêmement importante, car elle coïncide avec le démarrage de certains volets propres à la garantie de GCR.

The Guarantee Plan for New Residential Buildings differs from the private guarantee plans offered on the market by the nature of the guarantees offered and the mechanisms for asserting its rights. In this regard, the terms and conditions are set out in the the Regulation respecting the guarantee plan for new residential buildings, which is the responsibility of the Régie du Bâtiment du Québec (RBQ). Finally, unlike private guarantee plans, any purchaser of a building covered by this plan automatically benefits from it. As this is a system aimed at the minimum protection of consumers'rights, consumers cannot waive this mandatory guarantee, even if they sign a document to that effect.

The preliminary contract is an important step in any purchase of new or a property to be built.  At all times, the unequivocal will for the buyer to acquire the property must be registered.  Although the Civil Code of Quebec specifies the mandatory content of a preliminary contract, the statements contained therein are not exhaustive.  To be valid, the preliminary contract must include a certain number of mandatory information, under penalty of nullity. It is also possible to insert various optional clauses in this contract to deepen the conditions of this one.