1|Page
BC Owner Builder Authorization 2025 – Permit
Requirements, Course Guide & Application Process
Learn everything you need to know about the BC Owner Builder Authorization in 2025 —
including permit requirements, eligibility, exemptions, and the online course from BC
Housing. Step-by-step guidance for homeowners planning to build or renovate their own home
legally in British Columbia.
BC Owner Builder,
BC Owner Builder Authorization,
BC Housing Owner Builder course,
Owner Builder permit BC,
What is the maximum allowable rise for a stair in a dwelling unit?
a. 180mm
b. 200mm
c. 150mm
d. 210mm - ANSWER-b
Which of the following is acceptable for a single subcontractor to perform?
a. To manage and pay all sub trades involved in the construction of the owner-built
b. To complete the entire build if they provided their references and have experience
c. To manage and complete all structural components of the newly built home
d. To complete the foundation, framing, roofing, cladding, windows, door, not interior - ANSWER-c
,2|Page
If a room is 12m x 9m, what diagonal measurement confirms the room is square?
a. 15m
b. 12m
c. 9m
d. 13m - ANSWER-a
Which of the following statements is false regarding pellet stoves?
a. Can operate without electric or battery power
b. One of cleanest forms combustion, very low emissions
c. Require little attention as pellets fed into stove automatically
d. Typically more efficient than traditional wood stove - ANSWER-a
When is the plumbing supply inspection called?
a. Before supply plumbing is concealed
b. At time of supply plumbing pressure test
c. Immediately after fixtures are installed
d. While work is being completed - ANSWER-a
What is not within the authority of a compliance officer when conducting site visit?
a. Question any person about any matter that relates to licensing
b. Question any person about the work performed by construction workers
c. Question any person about the cost of materials and labour
d. Question any person about the qualifications of workers - ANSWER-c
Minimum strengths (in Mpa) for concrete footings, walls, and foundations are?
a. 15
b. 20
c. 25
,3|Page
d. 12 - ANSWER-a
Minimum strengths (in Mpa) for interior flatwork?
a. 15
b. 25
c. 20
d. 12 - ANSWER-c
Minimum strengths (in Mpa) for garages, carports, exteriors?
a. 40
b. 25
c. 32
d. 30 - ANSWER-c
What is the purpose of the slope of a flat roof/deck?
a. To stop water from pooling on deck
b. To direct water away from the building
c. To direct water to a drain
d. To reduce the amount of vegetation buildup - ANSWER-a
Why is it advisable to maintain a clean work site?
a. To minimize the risk of errors during inspections
b. To minimize the chance of a WorkSafe BC safety officer visit
c. To allow overall jobsite safety and efficient access for inspectors
d. To comply with the liability insurance requirements - ANSWER-c
How are step flashings installed on a
, 4|Page
shingled roof?
a. In pieces overlapping like shingles
b. A continuous single piece under shingles
c. Top edge of flashing let into a kerf
d. A continuous single piece over shingles - ANSWER-a
What is the result if end closers are not installed on a concrete tile roof?
a. Snow and moisture would enter the structure
b. It would detract from aesthetics
c. It would reduce the fire-retardant classification
d. Ventilation needs would be surpassed - ANSWER-a
Which statement regarding general contracting activities is false?
a. Owner builders can select and hire construction workers for the project
b. Owner builders can hire family members to work on construction projects
c. Owner builders can delegate this role to licensed residential home builder
d. Owner builders are expected to manage all or substantially all construction - ANSWER-c
At what depth of excavation is a ladder required to be provided?
a. 8 ft
b. 4 ft
c. 16 ft
d. 25 ft - ANSWER-b
What kind of window has a side attachment/hinge?
a. Sash
b. Casement
c. Awning
BC Owner Builder Authorization 2025 – Permit
Requirements, Course Guide & Application Process
Learn everything you need to know about the BC Owner Builder Authorization in 2025 —
including permit requirements, eligibility, exemptions, and the online course from BC
Housing. Step-by-step guidance for homeowners planning to build or renovate their own home
legally in British Columbia.
BC Owner Builder,
BC Owner Builder Authorization,
BC Housing Owner Builder course,
Owner Builder permit BC,
What is the maximum allowable rise for a stair in a dwelling unit?
a. 180mm
b. 200mm
c. 150mm
d. 210mm - ANSWER-b
Which of the following is acceptable for a single subcontractor to perform?
a. To manage and pay all sub trades involved in the construction of the owner-built
b. To complete the entire build if they provided their references and have experience
c. To manage and complete all structural components of the newly built home
d. To complete the foundation, framing, roofing, cladding, windows, door, not interior - ANSWER-c
,2|Page
If a room is 12m x 9m, what diagonal measurement confirms the room is square?
a. 15m
b. 12m
c. 9m
d. 13m - ANSWER-a
Which of the following statements is false regarding pellet stoves?
a. Can operate without electric or battery power
b. One of cleanest forms combustion, very low emissions
c. Require little attention as pellets fed into stove automatically
d. Typically more efficient than traditional wood stove - ANSWER-a
When is the plumbing supply inspection called?
a. Before supply plumbing is concealed
b. At time of supply plumbing pressure test
c. Immediately after fixtures are installed
d. While work is being completed - ANSWER-a
What is not within the authority of a compliance officer when conducting site visit?
a. Question any person about any matter that relates to licensing
b. Question any person about the work performed by construction workers
c. Question any person about the cost of materials and labour
d. Question any person about the qualifications of workers - ANSWER-c
Minimum strengths (in Mpa) for concrete footings, walls, and foundations are?
a. 15
b. 20
c. 25
,3|Page
d. 12 - ANSWER-a
Minimum strengths (in Mpa) for interior flatwork?
a. 15
b. 25
c. 20
d. 12 - ANSWER-c
Minimum strengths (in Mpa) for garages, carports, exteriors?
a. 40
b. 25
c. 32
d. 30 - ANSWER-c
What is the purpose of the slope of a flat roof/deck?
a. To stop water from pooling on deck
b. To direct water away from the building
c. To direct water to a drain
d. To reduce the amount of vegetation buildup - ANSWER-a
Why is it advisable to maintain a clean work site?
a. To minimize the risk of errors during inspections
b. To minimize the chance of a WorkSafe BC safety officer visit
c. To allow overall jobsite safety and efficient access for inspectors
d. To comply with the liability insurance requirements - ANSWER-c
How are step flashings installed on a
, 4|Page
shingled roof?
a. In pieces overlapping like shingles
b. A continuous single piece under shingles
c. Top edge of flashing let into a kerf
d. A continuous single piece over shingles - ANSWER-a
What is the result if end closers are not installed on a concrete tile roof?
a. Snow and moisture would enter the structure
b. It would detract from aesthetics
c. It would reduce the fire-retardant classification
d. Ventilation needs would be surpassed - ANSWER-a
Which statement regarding general contracting activities is false?
a. Owner builders can select and hire construction workers for the project
b. Owner builders can hire family members to work on construction projects
c. Owner builders can delegate this role to licensed residential home builder
d. Owner builders are expected to manage all or substantially all construction - ANSWER-c
At what depth of excavation is a ladder required to be provided?
a. 8 ft
b. 4 ft
c. 16 ft
d. 25 ft - ANSWER-b
What kind of window has a side attachment/hinge?
a. Sash
b. Casement
c. Awning
