Topics:

Section 1: Overview of Construction Relationships in BC:

• Roles of builder, homeowner, subcontractors, suppliers
• Contractual relationships and obligations
• Payment structures in residential construction

Section 2: Legal Framework Governing Residential Construction

• Builders Lien Act overview
• Homeowner Protection Act overview
• Relationship between contracts and legislation

Section 3: Common Sources of Disputes in Residential Projects

• Payment disputes
• Deficiency and quality disputes
• Scope changes and misunderstandings

Section 4: Risk Allocation and Responsibility

• Builder responsibilities
• Owner responsibilities
• Subcontractor and supplier roles

Section 5: Importance of Documentation and Communication

• Contracts and written agreements
• Change orders and approvals
• Record keeping and evidence

Learning Outcome: Learners will be able to identify common sources of disputes and apply documentation and communication practices to reduce risk.

Topics:

Section 1: Purpose and Function of the Builders Lien Act

• Protecting payment rights
• Securing interests in property
• Role in construction industry

Section 2: Who Can File a Lien

• Contractors and subcontractors
• Suppliers and material providers
• Workers and eligible claimants

Section 3: Holdback Requirements and Calculations

• 10% statutory holdback
• Basic holdback vs finishing holdback
• Release timelines and conditions

Section 4: Lien Rights and Time Limitations

• Time limits for filing liens
• Trigger events for timelines
• Consequences of missed deadlines

Section 5: Priority of Liens and Mortgage Considerations

• Ranking of liens
• Interaction with lenders
• Impact on financing and sales

Learning Outcome: Learners will be able to apply holdback rules, identify lien rights, and manage timing requirements to reduce legal exposure.

Topics:

Section 1: Filing a Builders Lien

• Required information and documentation
• Filing procedures
• Land Title Office requirements

Section 2: Enforcing a Lien Through Legal Action

• Commencing legal proceedings
• Filing certificates of pending litigation
• Court processes

Section 3: Removing and Discharging Liens

• Payment and settlement
• Posting security to remove lien
• Lien discharge procedures

Section 4: Builder and Owner Strategies During Lien Disputes

• Negotiation approaches
• Managing subcontractor claims
• Protecting project timelines

Section 5: Risks and Consequences of Improper Liens

• Invalid lien claims
• Financial penalties
• Project delays and reputational impact

Learning Outcome: Learners will be able to manage lien processes effectively and respond strategically to lien disputes without escalating risk.

Topics:

Section 1: Common Payment Disputes in Residential Construction

• Non-payment and delayed payment
• Disagreements over completed work
• Change order conflicts

Section 2: Managing Payment Flows and Holdbacks

• Structuring payment schedules
• Managing cash flow
• Reducing payment risk

Section 3: Negotiation and Informal Resolution Methods

• Direct communication strategies
• Settlement discussions
• Maintaining relationships

Section 4: Formal Dispute Resolution Methods

• Mediation processes
• Arbitration procedures
• Civil litigation

Section 5: Cost, Time, and Risk Considerations in Disputes

• Legal costs
• Project delays
• Business impact

Learning Outcome: Learners will be able to choose and apply appropriate dispute resolution methods, including negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation.

Topics:

Section 1: Core Elements of Customer Service

• Reliability and consistency
• Responsiveness and communication
• Professional conduct

Section 2: Managing Expectations Throughout the Project

• Setting realistic timelines
• Clarifying scope and deliverables
• Educating homeowners

Section 3: Communication Strategies with Homeowners

• Regular updates and reporting
• Handling complaints
• Managing difficult conversations

Section 4: Preventing Disputes Through Service Excellence

• Transparency in pricing and scope
• Clear documentation
• Early issue resolution

Section 5: Builder Reputation and Long-Term Relationships

• Referrals and repeat clients
• Online reviews and reputation
• Brand trust and credibility

Learning Outcome: Learners will be able to implement communication systems that manage expectations and prevent conflict before it escalates.

Topics:

Section 1: Pre-Handover Preparation

• Final inspections and deficiencies
• Cleaning and readiness
• Documentation preparation

Section 2: Walk-Through Inspections with Homeowners

• Identifying deficiencies
• Educating homeowners
• Recording issues

Section 3: Maintenance Manuals and Homeowner Education

• Operating systems and equipment
• Maintenance schedules
• Warranty information

Section 4: Deficiency Management and Completion

• Tracking deficiencies
• Scheduling repairs
• Final sign-off

Section 5: Post-Completion Communication and Support

• Follow-ups with homeowners
• Addressing concerns
• Building trust after completion

Learning Outcome: Learners will be able to manage walkthroughs, deficiencies, and post-completion support to reduce disputes after occupancy.

Topics:

Section 1: Overview of Home Warranty Insurance Requirements

• Mandatory warranty coverage
• Regulatory framework in BC
• Licensing requirements

Section 2: Roles and Responsibilities in Warranty Coverage

• Builder obligations
• Homeowner responsibilities
• Insurance provider roles

Section 3: Coverage Periods and Types of Defects

• 2-5-10 warranty structure
• Labour and materials
• Structural defects

Section 4: Filing and Managing Warranty Claims

• Claim submission process
• Documentation requirements
• Timelines and responses

Section 5: Common Warranty Issues and Disputes

• Coverage disagreements
• Deficiency vs warranty claims
• Resolution strategies

Learning Outcome: Learners will be able to explain warranty coverage, manage claims, and understand the roles of builders, homeowners, and providers.

Topics:

Section 1: Identifying Risks Across the Project Lifecycle

• Pre-construction risks
• Construction phase risks
• Post-completion risks

Section 2: Preventing Disputes Through Systems and Processes

• Documentation systems
• Communication protocols
• Quality control measures

Section 3: Coordinating Liens, Payments, and Warranty Obligations

• Managing subcontractor payments
• Protecting against lien claims
• Aligning warranty responsibilities

Section 4: Handling Escalated Disputes Effectively

• When to involve legal professionals
• Choosing mediation vs litigation
• Protecting business interests

Section 5: Case-Based Applications and Best Practices

• Payment dispute scenarios
• Lien enforcement scenarios
• Warranty claim scenarios
• Customer service failure scenarios

Learning Outcome: Learners will be able to apply a structured approach to dispute prevention, risk control, and professional response across the full project lifecycle.