Take Full Advantage of Your Builder
by Amit Paul
I recently purchased a new home, and I soon realized that arguably the most important thinking, planning, and initiative you can take happens after you’ve already purchased!
The Tarion warranty, which protects new homebuyers in Ontario, continues to do its part to make the home buying process as comfortable as possible. In fact, Tarion recently announced that all buyers with a possession date of July 1, 2006, or later will have their coverage doubled from $150,000 to $300,000. It’s important that you do your part to ensure that you get the most from your new home and builder.
Your first real opportunity to make sure that everything is as perfect as it can be is during your pre-delivery inspection (PDI). During this process, you should note on the official PDI form, available at www.tarion.com, everything that is missing, not functioning, damaged, or otherwise problematic.
This form stipulates that these problems existed prior to closing and, therefore, will be taken care of with maximum urgency. Be as meticulous as you can.
After you move in, you have a 30-day period to cover any items missed on the PDI. Again, the official Tarion form should be used for maximum protection.
Finally, the year-end report, also to be completed through Tarion, represents your final chance to ensure that your builder completes any major outstanding issues or deficiencies in your new home. This information should be read in its entiretyand it’s important that as each period passes, the specifics of what’s left on your forms are fewer.
Aside from knowing the facts, the way you carry out the process is crucial. Have one person handle all communication with your builder. Complete any and all lists together with a fine-toothed comb. If you go over everything as carefully as possible the first time, there will be no need to carry out the process repeatedly—a task that is neither pleasant nor easy. Put everything in writing. Send a copy of all documentation to your office representative, construction representative, and lawyer. Make yourself available to your builder so that your co-operation is never an issue. Your builder appreciates your warranty and coverage, but you should appreciate the work your builder does to carry out that coverage.
With my own new home, I will be approaching year end soon. I have managed to stay connected with my builder throughout the months, even after the necessary corrections were made. Offering water on a hot day, a coffee and doughnut drop-in, or just a friendly hello to the workers in your area goes a long way. Maintain your relationship with your builder long after the initial hello. They will remember you and treat you with the same kindness that you’ve shown them.
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