Quick facts (as of October 27, 2026): Alberta's mandatory new-home warranty is 1 year labour and materials, 2 years delivery and distribution systems, 5 years building envelope, 10 years structural components. Every Alberta residential builder must hold a licence before getting a building permit. The province's Residential Protection Program answers licence and warranty questions at 780-644-1010 or 1-866-421-6929. Everything below follows from those rules — and from the clauses themselves.
1. Who is building
What it is: The builder's legal name, and the warranty provider. Why it matters: Alberta residential builders must hold a licence before getting a building permit, so you can ask to see it. Ask: "Can I see your builder licence and the name of your warranty provider?" The province's Residential Protection Program can answer licence questions: 780-644-1010 or 1-866-421-6929.
2. Price and what's in it
What it is: The base price, the lot, selected upgrades, and a list of what is included. Why it matters: Fences, landscaping, window coverings and appliances are often extra. Ask: "Please give me a written list of what the price includes and excludes." Use our What's included checklist.
3. Deposits
What it is: How much you pay, when, and where it is held. Why it matters: It is your money, and the terms decide what you get back if the deal ends. Ask your lawyer: "Where is my deposit held? Under what conditions is it refundable?"
4. Possession date
What it is: The date you get the keys. It may be an estimate or a firm date. Why it matters: A new build can finish late. Your rental, mortgage rate hold and moving plans depend on it. Ask: "Is this date firm or an estimate? What happens if it moves, and how much notice will I get?"
5. Price adjustments
What it is: Clauses that let the price change after you sign. Why it matters: Common triggers include material costs, lot grading or elevation, lot size, and government charges. Ask: "Under what conditions can the price change after I sign? Is there a cap?"
6. Upgrades and selection deadlines
What it is: The date you must choose finishes, and the price of each choice. Why it matters: Missed deadlines can mean the builder chooses for you, or charges more. Ask: "What are the deadlines, and what happens if I change my mind?"
7. Financing
What it is: Whether the contract depends on your getting a mortgage. Why it matters: A new build can take months, and your approval or rate hold may expire before closing. Ask your mortgage broker: "How long is my rate hold, and what if possession is later than that?"
8. Warranty
What it is: Alberta's mandatory minimum warranty: 1 year labour and materials, 2 years delivery and distribution systems, 5 years building envelope, 10 years structural components. Why it matters: It is what you can claim against after you move in. Ask: "Please give me the warranty provider's booklet and explain how to make a claim."
9. Walkthrough and deficiencies
What it is: The pre-possession inspection and the list of items to fix. Why it matters: How the list is recorded, and what you sign, can affect your later claims. Ask: "How do you record deficiencies, how long do you have to fix them, and what does my sign-off mean?" Use our Walkthrough Kit.
10. Closing costs and adjustments
What it is: Legal fees, registration, and adjustments for things like property tax and utilities. Why it matters: These add up and are paid at closing. Ask: Use our True Cost Calculator and ask your lawyer for an estimate.
11. If something goes wrong
What it is: What happens if you or the builder cancels, and whether you can assign the contract. Why it matters: The remedies are often not equal on both sides. Ask your lawyer: "What do I owe if I cancel, and what does the builder owe if they cannot finish?"
12. Substitutions and changes
What it is: The builder's right to change plans, materials or brands. Why it matters: The home you get may differ from the show home. Ask: "What can you substitute without asking me, and what needs my written approval?"
Want a second pair of eyes on a builder's contract before you sign? Get the free Edmonton Buyer Blueprint and I will walk through it with you. I'm Andy Maan, REALTOR® with Royal LePage Magna. I'm not a lawyer, so I'll also tell you what to take to yours.
How I'm paid: I'm paid a standard commission only if a sale completes. No builder pays me to feature them, and this is not an endorsement.
Last updated: October 27, 2026.