Top 3 headaches of new home owners

New homes and condos are not perfect. The home building process is the work of craftsmanship, where many tradespeople collaborate to bring your new home to life. This is why it's common for a new home to have some imperfections. While an imperfection in a new home is no cause for concern, a defect in construction is something your builder should repair.

All new homes in Ontario come with a warranty that lasts seven years from the date of the first possession, guaranteed by Tarion. The warranty was created to ensure homeowners receive a new home that is constructed in a workmanlike manner, is free from defects in material, is fit for habitation and is constructed in accordance with the Ontario Building Code.

Let’s have a look at the most common issues that homeowners are concerned about, and whether they are considered defects that fall within the new home warranty coverage.

Flooring

One of the most common concerns raised by homeowners is issues with flooring. Homeowners mention uneven finishes, visible gaps between boards, scratches, crowning or cupping (creating an uneven floor).

Hardwood floor problems can arise from defects in material or poor installation. Often, however, deficiencies can be traced back to moisture content. Builders can avoid such problems by acclimatizing the wood and ensuring that the subfloor is not wet before installation. Homeowners also need to do their part to ensure that hardwood flooring problems do not arise because of excessive or insufficient humidity levels in the home. Maintaining a proper interior climate is essential to the health of your hardwood floor. If your new home includes hardwood flooring, I encourage you to speak to your builder and visit Tarion’s website to view our videos on how to control the moisture levels in your home.

If you notice any flooring deficiencies or damage during your Pre-Delivery Inspection (also known as the PDI), note them in the PDI Form. If deficiencies become apparent later, contact your builder as soon as possible. It is also a good idea to keep photographic records with date and time stamps if you start to see damage on your floors after you move into your new home.

Interior finishing

New-home owners commonly complain about paint – streaks and brush marks, poor quality paint, poor workmanship and drips and splatters. Generally, paint is covered under the one-year warranty. Where paint finish is specified, exposed surfaces are to be properly painted.

Doors are another common issue with new-home owners. The most common complaints include doors that are inadequately installed, sticking or improperly finished. Defects in doors and improper installations are covered under the one-year warranty.

Climate control

Controlling a home’s moisture level is an essential part of keeping your new home healthy. Today's energy-efficient homes are built tightly to seal out the cold weather in winter and keep in the air conditioning in summer. However, lack of proper ventilation or humidity control by the homeowner can lead to damage that would not be covered by the statutory warranty.

The good news is that as a homeowner, you can follow some simple steps to keep your interior climate healthy. At your PDI, it is a good idea to ask your builder how to maintain proper moisture levels in your home. As a general rule, the healthy range is 30 to 50 per cent. You can also visit Tarion’s website to view videos on how to control moisture, and tips on how to maintain your new home.

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New homes in Ontario come with a new home warranty