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OCHBA - The Ottawa-Carleton Home Builders' Association

If the Tarion Home Owner's Warranty Programme was established to protect New Home Buyers, OCHBA (Ottawa-Carleton Home Builders' Association) was founded to protect and support Home Builders. It is the biggest residential construction industry association in Canada. As well as home builders, it is the official body that represents renovation professionals and designers, trade contractors, suppliers, and related financial institutions. While OCHBA is an association of Home Builders, since the stated goal of it's members is to "provide quality housing for Canadians", the primary beneficiaries of OCHBA's services are actually Home Owners themselves. 1.  To support the professionalism of members and provide affordability, quality, and choice for customers;
2.  To achieve a stable business environment for members;
3.  Commitment to a fair and competitive marketplace where all members have the opportunity to operate their business profitably;
4.  To provide members with opportunities to learn and grow;
5.  To promote and protect the interests of consumers;
6.  To work with area municipalities in order to reduce development charges. The 2005/6 President is Giuseppe Castrucci, VP Sales & Marketing of Laurysen Kitchens *, and the Executive Officer is John Herbert. * Presidents are elected annually by members. In short, membership - dignified by the OCHBA symbol - is a seal of approval for any home builder. That includes also home builders constructing homes in such Ontario locations as Almonte, Arnprior, Kemptville, Brockville, Carleton Place, Perth, Smiths Falls, Greely, Embrun , Rockland, Cumberland, Aylmer, Hull and Gatineau (all part of the National Capital Region). Home Buyers can log on to OCHBA.com to view a list of home builders and renovators endorsed by the Association.  In supporting and strengthening the professionalism of its members, OCHBA also helps to ensure that the design and construction of new homes is undertaken in a professional manner.  Their endorsement focuses on members' skills, experience and integrity. OCHBA members are responsible for approximately 95% of all new homes built in Ottawa.  They number 350, including sub-contractors and suppliers of all kinds of materials, products and services. The Association's committees include industry professionals accociated with Land Developers, Custom-Home Builders and Renovators.  They deliberate on a wide range of issues such as Customer Service, Sales & Marketing, Construction Safety, Small Builders' issues, Builder & Trade Interests, and other facets of the industry that arise from time to time. OCHBA have prepared a number of fact sheets to guide home buyers through the process. They include the following subjects:

Benefits of New Homes

Building Homes Better

Healthier Homes

New versus Used Homes

Canadian Housing: What's Different

Finding the Right Home for You

How to Search

Understanding Specifications and Options

Housing Terminology

Condominiums

Building on Your Own Lot

Choosing a Builder

Financing Your Home

Government Home Purchasing Programmes

Role of Conveyancing Lawyers

Signing a Contract

Warranty & After-Sales Service

Inspecting Your New Home

New Home Warranty

After-Sales Service

Hiring a Contractor

Winter Home Protection

 

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