The Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA) has secured multiple convictions against unlicensed builder James Lischkoff and his company, Lischkoff Build Design Ltd., for operating illegally in Ontario’s housing market. Lischkoff was fined $75,000 for building homes without an HCRA licence — a legal requirement for all new home builders in Ontario — and for failing to enrol the homes in the province’s mandatory new home warranty plan. Additionally, he was ordered to pay $130,000 in restitution to a homebuyer impacted by his unlawful activities.

The convictions stem from two projects in Grey County, where Lischkoff attempted to sidestep licensing obligations by presenting himself as a “construction manager.” However, HCRA investigators determined that he was acting as a builder under the New Home Construction Licensing Act, 2017, since he exercised full control of the projects and provided all building materials.

“These laws exist to protect homebuyers and uphold professional standards,” said Wendy Moir, HCRA Chief Executive Officer and Registrar. “Builders who break the rules will be held accountable. Cracking down on illegal builders and sellers is one of the HCRA’s highest priorities.”

The HCRA emphasized that complaints about illegal construction are taken seriously and that enforcement efforts go beyond job titles to assess actual roles and responsibilities. This ensures that unlicensed individuals cannot evade accountability through misleading descriptions.

To help protect consumers, the HCRA urges prospective buyers to verify that their builder is licensed by consulting the Ontario Builder Directory before making any financial commitments. This resource provides transparency and helps homebuyers avoid risks associated with illegal building.

The case underscores the importance of licensing and warranty compliance in Ontario’s homebuilding industry. Licensing helps ensure builders meet professional standards, while the warranty plan provides financial protection and peace of mind for homeowners. By enforcing these rules, the HCRA continues its mission to safeguard buyers, strengthen industry integrity, and deter unlawful practices.

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