CFC Covers: Concepts and Definitions from the CMHC Reports
A “start” for the purposes of the Starts and Completions Survey, is defined as the beginning of construction work on a building, usually when the concrete has been poured for the whole of the footing around the structure, or an equivalent stage where a basement will not be part of the structure.
A “completion” is defined as the stage at which all proposed construction work on the building has been performed, although under some circumstances a building may be counted as completed where up to 10 percent of the proposed work remains to be done.
For multiple-dwelling structures, the definition of a Start or a Completion applies to the structure rather than to the individual dwelling units therein.
The number of units “under construction” as at the end of the period shown, takes into account certain adjustments which are necessary for various reasons. For example, after a start on a dwelling has commenced construction may cease, or a structure when completed may contain more or fewer dwelling units than were reported at start.
A dwelling is defined as being “absorbed” when a binding, non-conditional agreement is made to buy or rent the dwelling.
Only new self-contained dwelling units are enumerated in the Starts and Completions Survey, such units being designed for non-transient and year-round occupancy.