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Some of the B.C. laws that may apply when homeowners build, renovate or repair a home are listed below. Note that this listing is illustrative only and not intended as legal advice. If you are concerned about legal issues related to your home construction project, seek qualified legal advice.

Builders Lien Act: Sets out rules and regulations regarding protection of trades people in the event of non-payment and the ability to place liens on the property that was subject of the unpaid work.

Commercial Arbitration Act: Deals with arbitration of commercial matters and provides the procedure under which the arbitration takes place.

Consumer Protection Act: Sets rules and regulations regarding the protection of consumers in relation to the provision of goods and services.

Employment Standards Code: Sets out minimum standards that must be met in the course of employment and in the termination of employment.

Environment and Land Use Act: Deals with environmental laws, including a homeowner's obligations to protect the environment and the consequences and impact of failing to comply with the rules and regulations.

Fire Services Act: Sets out fire code rules and regulations and consequences of failure to comply.

Frustrated Contract Act: Sets out the rules and regulations that apply in the event that a contract is considered null and void due to unforeseen circumstances.

Heritage Conservation Act: Outlines procedures to obtain approval for work on heritage properties that have be legally designated as such.

Homeowner Protection Act: Sets out regulations governing the construction of new homes, building envelope renovations and builder licensing. Also regulates owner/builders of new homes.

Insurance Act: Sets out rules and regulations regarding the insurance aspect of a contract that a homeowner may enter into with a contactor or a trades person, including the obligations regarding reporting of claims and the effect of failure to comply with those rules and regulations.

Local Government Act: Establishes rules and regulations regarding the requirements for building permits and inspections.

Negligence Act: Deals with situations where a homeowner may be considered negligent through the actions of a third party contractor or trades person, and the consequences of being found contributorily negligent.

Occupiers Liability Act: Sets out homeowner's obligation of care and responsibility to ensure a safe environment for people entering their home and the consequences of failure to do so.

Personal Property Security Act: Sets up rules regarding the taking of security to ensure payments and priorities of payment among various classes of secured and unsecured creditors.

Repairers Lien Act: Sets out rules and regulations regarding protection of trades people in the event of non-payment and the ability to place liens on the property that was subject of the unpaid work.

Sale of Goods Act: Sets out common law representations and warranties required to be provided to consumers by manufacturer of goods.

Workers Compensation Act: Provides for the framework to obtain compensation in case of a workplace accident.