Less than a year ago, residents of Fort McMurray's Penhorwood condominiums were forced out of their homes in the middle of the night after an engineer's report questioned the safety of the building. Now in Leduc, residents of the Bellavera Green complex are facing the same ordeal because of a long and serious list of code violations in their building.
The recent crisis leaves many condo owners wonders how to protect themselves from a similar fate.
A former inspector says seeing sub-par work around the city was why he started his consulting service, Warranty Smarts.
"To watch grown women and men cry over their frustrations with their homes, it was enough. I decided to take my knowledge and use it to help homeowners," said Todd Theriault.
He now helps people work with developers and warranty providers to ensure each step in the build is up to code.
The Condominium Property Act is also intended to help condo owners by governing such things as reserve funds for future repairs. But Robert Noce, an Edmonton lawyer, believes the provincial legislation doesn't provide enough protection for owners in these types of situations.
"Hopefully some of these instances that have occurred will provide the provincial government with some pause and recognize that we need more serious legislation to ensure owners are ultimately protected," he said.
A spokesperson from Service Alberta says a review of the act is underway, with public consultation expected later this year. One of the amendments the province is looking at deals with the responsibilities of the developer. However, if any amendments to the act will be made, it won't be until at least next year that the changes would be seen.
Until then, Theriault advises buyers to just take their time.
"You're always pressured: 'Oh these lots are going fast. This house is going to move fast.' You know what, there's lots of lots and homes available on the the market. Never let the sales staff pressure you into buying."
With files from Laurel Clark, Global News
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