Home Warranties in Saskatchewan: What First-Time Buyers Actually Need to Know

🏠 Home Warranties in Saskatchewan: What First-Time Buyers Actually Need to Know

🤔 Why Home Warranties Confuse First-Time Buyers in Saskatchewan

If you’re buying your first home in Saskatchewan, the term home warranty comes up a lot, especially when you’re looking at new builds. Many buyers assume it works the same way everywhere in Canada, or that any “new” home automatically comes with solid protection.

That’s not how it works here.

Saskatchewan handles home warranties differently than provinces like Ontario or British Columbia. Misunderstanding those differences can leave first-time buyers exposed after possession.

This guide explains how home warranties actually work in Saskatchewan, what SASKHW does, and what you should confirm before removing conditions.

❓ Are Home Warranties Mandatory in Saskatchewan?

No. Home warranties are not legally required in Saskatchewan.

This is one of the biggest differences first-time buyers need to understand.

In practice, that means:

• 🏡 Most resale homes do not have a construction warranty unless the home is still within its original new build warranty period

• 🔧 If a used home advertises a “home warranty,” it’s often a service contract covering appliances or systems, not construction or structural defects

• 🚫 Buying a non-new home usually means no SASKHW coverage at all

The takeaway:
In Saskatchewan, a true home warranty usually applies only to new construction, and even then, it depends on the builder.

🛡️ What Is SASKHW and Why It Matters

SASKHW (Saskatchewan Home Warranty Inc.) is a third-party warranty provider, not a builder’s internal promise.

It exists to:

• ✔️ Backstop builders’ warranty obligations

• ✔️ Protect homeowners if a builder cannot or will not fix covered issues

• ✔️ Promote minimum building and performance standards

SASKHW has been operating since the 1970s, but one detail often gets missed:

⚠️ Builder participation is voluntary.

That means:

• ❌ Not every new home in Saskatchewan is covered

• 🆕 A home being “new” does not guarantee SASKHW protection

• 🏦 While many lenders require warranty coverage, buyers still need to confirm the details

Before removing conditions, buyers should always verify:

• 📋 The builder is a registered SASKHW member

• 🏠 The specific home is registered

• 📄 A warranty certificate exists for that property

🔍 What SASKHW’s 1-2-10 Warranty Actually Covers

Buyers often hear the phrase 1-2-10 warranty without understanding what it really means. Under SASKHW’s commonly referenced Premier Coverage, it generally breaks down as follows:

💰 Deposit Protection (up to $50,000)
Protects your deposit if the builder defaults, commits fraud, or goes bankrupt before completion. This does not cover standard contractual disputes.

🛠️ 1 Year – Workmanship and Materials
Covers defects in construction materials or labour. Most minor issues surface during this period.

🌧️ 2 Years – Water Penetration
Covers exterior water leaks through the building envelope, including the roof, windows, doors, cladding, and foundation.

🏗️ 10 Years – Major Structural Defects
Covers load-bearing structural issues that affect the integrity of the home.

📌 The warranty certificate governs the coverage, not marketing language or verbal assurances. Buyers should review the actual certificate before possession.

🚫 What SASKHW Does Not Cover (And What Buyers Often Miss)

Even with SASKHW coverage, many items are excluded. This is where expectations and reality often diverge.

Common exclusions include:

• 🧱 Detached garages, decks, patios, and sheds

• 🔌 Appliances, which rely on manufacturer warranties

• 🛣️ Driveways, sidewalks, and normal concrete cracking

• 🎨 Cosmetic issues that don’t affect structure or function

• 🔨 Alterations or repairs done by the homeowner

• 🌧️ Grading or drainage issues caused by homeowner changes

In Saskatchewan, proper grading and drainage matter, especially with freeze–thaw cycles. Failing to maintain them can void coverage for related problems.

A warranty is not a replacement for routine homeowner maintenance.

🔄 Does the Warranty Transfer When You Sell?

Yes.

If a home is sold while still within its SASKHW warranty period, any remaining coverage automatically transfers to the new owner. SASKHW simply needs to be notified of the ownership change.

For first-time buyers, this can matter later. Remaining structural coverage can add confidence if you sell within the 10-year window.

✅ Practical Advice for First-Time Buyers

If you’re buying new construction in Saskatchewan, a few simple steps can prevent costly surprises:

• 📄 Ask for the SASKHW registration number and warranty certificate before removing conditions

• 🔍 Confirm which warranty plan applies to your home

• 🚫 Don’t assume “new” automatically means “warrantied”

• 🧰 Understand your maintenance responsibilities after possession

In markets like Saskatoon, warranty coverage can vary significantly between builders. Verification matters.

❓ FAQ

Do all new homes in Saskatchewan come with a warranty?
No. Builder participation in third-party warranty programs like SASKHW is voluntary.

Is SASKHW the same as an appliance warranty?
No. SASKHW covers construction-related issues, not appliances or mechanical systems.

Can a resale home have SASKHW coverage?
Only if it is still within its original new build warranty period.

Does SASKHW cover garages and decks?
Detached structures are typically excluded.

What happens if I don’t maintain grading or drainage?
Failure to maintain proper drainage can void coverage for related issues.

🎯 Final Thoughts: Know the Full Picture Before You Buy

Understanding how home warranties work in Saskatchewan helps first-time buyers avoid assumptions and set realistic expectations, especially when buying new construction.

If you want help confirming warranty coverage, builder registration, or exclusions before you remove conditions, I’m happy to help.

📞 Call or text: (639) 295-4696
📧 Email: tanner@twrealestate.ca
🌐 Website: twrealestate.ca

Knowing what’s covered, and what isn’t, makes it easier to move forward with fewer surprises.