Making standards work for builders and renovators

The residential construction industry is a critical driver of Canada’s economy, and a key source of employment. Canada is also facing a housing affordability crisis, making it critical that all codes and standards development ensures affordability is a key consideration. Indeed, CHBA recommends that proving there will be no negative impact on affordability must be a mandatory approval step in the development of all codes and standards related to residential construction. We need to make sure that standards work for builders and renovators, and for consumers, so that the residential sector can operate as it should, supporting Canada’s economy, and consumers can access quality housing at a price they can afford.

Standards play an important role in Canada’s construction system, helping builders, developers, renovators and their clients decide what should be built, avoid errors and assure desired levels of performance. If developed properly, standards can streamline approval processes, paving the way for innovation and access to domestic and global markets. If done without consideration for buildability, enforceability, affordability, or other key issues, they can also be a detriment to the time and cost of construction, eroding housing affordability for Canadians.

The web of codes, standards and regulations that we operate in is complex and continues to become more and more so, and the long-term effect of the COVID-19 pandemic is becoming more evident. We need to make sure that standardization is effective and efficient, so that the industry can continue to support Canadians’ aspirations for a safe and secure home that meets their budget and their needs, and support Canada’s economic recovery and overall economic stability.

The small-business lens

CHBA members and staff are heavily engaged in standards development activities, contributing significant expertise and countless volunteer hours to the work of standards development committees. But builder and renovators are often under-represented on standards committees, and the effect of standards on the industry may not be fully understood.

Committees developing standards intended for regulation should apply a small-business lens through comprehensive consultation with the residential construction industry before finalizing proposed requirements. 

Streamlining standards and regulations in residential construction

CHBA has been a long-time participant in and supporter of Canada’s standards development system. CHBA is also a champion of red-tape reduction. Post-COVID economic pressures on small businesses in the residential construction industry make it more important than ever for governments to find ways to achieve their desired policy outcomes with less regulation.

All standards applied to residential construction should be mapped and their cumulative cost and administrative burden should be assessed. Codes and standards development should seek to streamline the regulatory process and lessen red tape.

More scrutiny for standards used in regulation

CHBA recognizes the value provided by the Standards Council of Canada and standards development organizations (SDOs) in developing voluntary standards and working towards harmonized standards. However, CHBA is increasingly concerned with the number of guidelines and voluntary standards earmarked for use in regulations and codes—essentially “code by other means”. When standards are developed without consideration of being referenced in Canada’s code development system, there is a danger that the principles of smart regulation may not be applied, potential policy outcomes may not be fully considered, and comprehensive impact analysis may not be conducted.

All standards intended for regulation should follow rigorous, science- and evidence-based processes such as those of Canada’s code development system early in the process—this is critical to avoiding unintended consequences from silo-based development.

No-fee access

The cost of standards impedes the residential construction industry’s effective use and application of standards, especially when standards are referenced in codes.

Standards referenced in building and safety codes and other regulations should be made available at no fee to builders, renovators and other industry professionals.