If you want your custom-built new home in Ontario to be covered by the province’s new home warranty programme, you must hire a contractor or builder registered with the province as a new home builder and seller.
Do you plan to construct your ideal home in 2023? If so, you could have already begun seeking a contractor to help you realise your vision. It is important to protect yourself from things like construction flaws, scams, and more. Therefore, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with the standards governing new house construction before you get too deep into the design phase.
Included here is everything that your custom home builder must do. Beginning from the time they break ground to the time you move in. When interviewing potential builders for your project, it is important to take the time. Ensure to go over these points to ensure you are speaking with the correct person
Get a registered builder and supplier of new houses
The Home Construction Regulatory Authority is responsible for issuing licences to home builders and real estate agents in Ontario (HCRA). Your builder needs a licence before he can sign a contract with you. Checking a builder’s licencing status and warranty history is easy with the help of the Ontario Builder Directory.
Tarion registration is a must
All new homes in Ontario must, with rare exceptions, be registered with the Tarion warranty programme before construction can begin. Enrolling your home in a warranty programme gives you access to benefits. This include financial reimbursement for losses if your builder fails to deliver as promised before the home is finished. You can verify your home’s enrollment with Tarion through the HCRA’s Ontario Builder Directory as well.
Have a legally binding contract drawn up, including any applicable warranties
Your new home purchase agreement should contain a Warranty Information Sheet that summarises the coverage provided by the builder and any additional warranties you may purchase. Before signing any real estate transaction, it is wise to have it evaluated by an attorney
Have a last walkthrough before the scheduled delivery date
Pre-delivery inspections (or PDIs) are conducted before a home is officially handed over to the buyer. This is done to document any issues with the home’s condition prior to delivery, such as items that are missing, incomplete, damaged, or not functioning as they should. You can also get answers to your inquiries concerning the care and maintenance of household goods at this time. At this point, you should also receive a copy of your warranty certificate from your builder.
Provide a warranty on the new construction
After you accept ownership, you have seven years to make a claim on the builder’s workmanship and materials warranty. Coverage for items like code violations and major structural flaws is included. Your builder must promptly investigate and resolve any issues you bring to their attention that are covered by the warranty.
The time, effort, and resources required to construct a bespoke home are substantial. Your chances of having a successful building project increase significantly if you are familiar with the regulations in advance and check to see that your builder is adhering to them.