With house prices in BC on the rise, many individuals decide to buy a new or used prefabricated home. However, many people are unaware that prefabricated houses are considered regulated items under the Safety Standards Act, which means they must meet certain safety standards. When a new mobile home in BC lacks the approval mark, the owner or seller must apply to the certification agency for a special examination and labeling.
Buyers are looking for more than just low-cost solutions; a new generation of remote workers is also looking for more flexible living arrangements.
Applications for approval of new commercially manufactured mobile homes by Technical Safety BC will not be entertained.
Applications for a BC silver label permit may be accepted in exceptional circumstances where the Safety Officer is satisfied that the owner or manufacturer can demonstrate that no approval is possible through an accredited certification or inspection body, the units are not commercially produced, and an installation permit is obtained complete with the standard inspection procedure.
Here's what you should know about certification before buying or selling one.
What is the process for certifying prefabricated homes?
Before sale, manufactured houses must be certified to a nationally recognized standard by a Standards Council of Canada registered certification agency.
The certifying organization oversees the product's manufacture until the label is applied and the product leaves the facility. The certification organization provides a comprehensive certification that includes the electrical and gas systems of the device. Installation permits issued by Technical Safety BC do not apply here; an external certifying organization must approve the product.
Technical Safety BC has a gas appliances Directive and an electrical goods Information Bulletin for recognized certification marks.
Is it necessary to certify old prefabricated homes?
Yes. In British Columbia, second-hand prefabricated homes may only be sold if they have the mark or label of a certification organization recognized by the Standards Council of Canada or an approval label (Silver Label) granted by Technical Safety BC.
If your prefabricated house lacks an approved certification mark or Silver Label, you must have it inspected by a competent electrical contractor. (You may find out what your electrical contractor is looking for here.)
Following that, a Technical Safety BC safety officer will conduct a site assessment (inspection) to ensure that all standards are satisfied. If you have such constructions that require approval, please consult with your municipality.
When do prefabricated house permits need to be obtained?
A Technical Safety BC permit for gas and electricity is required:
- before connecting the certified mobile home to the gas supply;
- before connecting the certified manufactured home to the utility or park infrastructure;
- When a licensed contractor does regulated work within a manufactured home or an addition linked to the manufactured home.
If you have an issue with a mobile home for sales in BC, please contact Blackstone Homes.
Justin Sobers is the author of this article. For more details about Modular Homes for Sale BC visit our website: pg.blackstonehomes.net
Canada Star Secondary School is a British Columbia co-educational independent day school founded in 2013 offering the British Columbia Grade 8-12 curriculum, Academic English preparation, a Top University Bridge Program, and all other services that international students may require.
