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Your Guide to the Ontario Builder Directory

July 17, 2025

In Ontario, all new home builders and sellers are required by law to be licensed by the Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA).

Hosted by the HCRA, the Ontario Builder Directory provides background information on more than 7,000 builders and sellers across the province, including licensing status, years of activity, number of homes built, and whether they’ve been subject to regulatory action by the HCRA — including any charges or convictions.

Discover what to look for in the Ontario Builder Directory, explore new enhancements that make it easy to access key information, and learn how to navigate the directory to help you choose a licensed builder with confidence.

Key Details in the Ontario Builder Directory

Each builder’s profile provides essential facts to help you evaluate their experience, track record, and licensing status. These include: 

Licensing Status 

Builders in Ontario must be licensed by the HCRA to operate legally. A valid licence means the builder has demonstrated the required professional standards to build and sell new homes. Buying from an unlicensed builder carries serious risks, as they are operating outside the law. If a builder isn’t listed, they may not be licensed and you should not work with them. If in doubt, contact the HCRA for more information.

Experience and History 

The Builder Directory shows how long a builder has been operating and how many homes they’ve built — including condo projects. Condo-specific information, such as cancellations and the reasons behind them, is available under the Condo Projects tab. Reviewing a builder’s track record can help you assess their experience and reliability — important factors to consider when choosing a licensed builder.

NEW! Search for Regulatory Activities & Enforcement 

A new feature in the Builder Directory allows you to better search for regulatory actions taken by the HCRA — including court charges, Registrar decisions (such as compliance orders, conditions on licences, licence suspensions and revocations), and Discipline Committee proceedings and outcomes. This consolidated search makes it easier to access enforcement information and identify builders facing legal or regulatory challenges.

You can also find this information in a builder’s profile. Check the tabs on the left side of the builder’s profile (as seen in the first image) to view Notices & Orders, Disciplinary Activities, and Court Charges and/or Convictions. As a homebuyer, you should expect respectful, honest, and professional service — with zero tolerance for harassment, discrimination, or misconduct. 

How to Use the Ontario Builder Directory

Find a Builder 

If you already have a builder in mind, you can search the Builder Directory by Builder Name, Licence Number, or the name of someone in their leadership — such as a Principal, Director, or Officer. You can further filter results by Builder Licence Status to view only licensed builders. 

The HCRA continues to enhance the Ontario Builder Directory to give homebuyers deeper insight when researching builders and sellers. You can now filter results by Insolvency Status to identify those facing financial difficulties — such as bankruptcy or receivership — which is a key risk indicator when evaluating potential builders. 

Keep in mind: the Builder Directory is an informative resource, but it’s not a rating system. Instead, it provides factual, up-to-date information about a builder’s licensing status, history, and regulatory actions taken by the HCRA — helping you make more informed, confident decisions during the home-buying process. 

Confirm Your Home’s Warranty 

Most new homes in Ontario come with a warranty that lasts up to seven years — and that warranty stays with the home, regardless of who owns it. 

If you’re buying a newly built or resale home that’s less than seven years old, use the Confirm Your Home’s Warranty search bar on the Builder Directory homepage to see whether any warranty coverage still applies. Just note that homes built more than seven years ago may no longer be listed or covered under warranty. 

Each builder profile also includes a Tarion Warranty Overview section, with data provided directly by Tarion. This section outlines how much a builder has paid in warranty claims, along with other claims-related details. 

For more insight, you can also view the Properties tab to see claims associated with specific homes. A high number of claims may indicate recurring construction or service issues — an important consideration when evaluating a builder’s reliability. 

Verify Before You Buy 

The Ontario Builder Directory is your best tool for confirming whether a builder or seller is licensed — an essential first step when buying a new home. If a builder isn’t listed, they may be operating illegally, putting you at risk of financial loss, limited warranty protection, and dishonest practices. 

By using the Builder Directory, you’re not just checking a box — you’re taking an active role in protecting your future home.