After moving into a brand new house or condo, the last thing you’re expecting is an unexpected emergency like a complete lack of heat or a huge plumbing leak. After all, the home’s essential systems and components are all spanking new, and the house was thoroughly evaluated at crucial points in its development. Unfortunately, however, crises do arise occasionally. Emergency situations that can be traced directly to the builder’s work or supplies are covered by the Tarion-administered new home warranty.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN WE SAY THERE'S AN EMERGENCY?
To qualify as an emergency under Ontario’s new home warranty, the problem must arise during the guarantee term and be caused by a warranted defect that, if left unresolved, would result in serious damage to your home, condominium unit, real estate property or condominium common features. Likewise, if your health or safety is in jeopardy or if your home is rendered inhabitable, you may be facing an emergency situation.
Standard breakdowns that may be covered by a warranty include:
Any of the following conditions exist no heat between September 15 and May 15; a gas leak; no electricity; no water; no sewage disposal; a plumbing leak so severe that the entire water supply must be turned off; a major collapse of any part of the exterior or interior structure; water penetrating the interior walls or ceiling; a pool of standing water inside the home; and/or the presence of unacceptable levels of hazardous substances i.e. mould, gas, and electricity. Keep in mind that the builder’s warranty does not apply in the event of an emergency caused by factors outside the builder’s control, such as the failure of municipal or utility services.
IN A DIRE SITUATION, WHAT STEPS SHOULD YOU TAKE?
Due to the fact that you are in charge of handling the home warranty, you should call your builder first in the event of an urgent matter. Once you’ve done that, you have up to 24 hours for your builder to fix the problem, make your home safe, and stop any additional damage. No one anticipates or hopes for unexpected problems to detract from the excitement of moving into a new house. If they do occur, though, you can be assured that plans are in place to get you back to enjoying your new home as soon as possible.
