How to check if an Ontario builder is licensed
In Ontario, anyone who builds or sells a new home must hold a licence from the Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA). Buying from an unlicensed builder puts your deposit and your warranty coverage at risk.
Check the Ontario Builder Directory
Search the builder's name on the HCRA Ontario Builder Directory. Big builders often sell through separate numbered companies for each project, so search the company name on your agreement of purchase and sale, not just the brand on the sales centre sign.
What the licence statuses mean
- Licensed means the company can legally build and sell new homes in Ontario.
- Licensed with Conditions means the HCRA has placed conditions on the licence. Read the profile carefully and ask the builder about them.
- Expired, Revoked or Refused means the company can't legally build or sell new homes right now.
Check the warranty history too
The directory also shows how many homes a builder has enrolled in the warranty program and its warranty history over the last 10 years. We turn those figures into a single score for each builder. See the rankings.
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