Buying a new home in Ottawa is exciting, but it's not uncommon for new builds to have deficiencies — imperfections, incomplete work, or items that don't meet the builder's specifications or the Ontario Building Code. In fact, the typical new Ottawa home has 50–150 deficiency items at the time of possession. Deficiencies range from minor cosmetic issues (paint touch-ups, drywall imperfections, scratched fixtures) to serious concerns (grading issues, HVAC problems, plumbing leaks, window installa...
The PDI is your walkthrough with the builder before taking possession. Here's what to check room by room: **Exterior:** - Grading slopes away from foundation on all sides - Driveway is even and properly finished (no cracks or pooling areas) - Garage door operates smoothly and seals properly - All exterior caulking is complete (windows, doors, trim) - Siding/brick is uniform with no damage or missing mortar - Soffit and fascia are properly installed - Eavestrough and downspouts are complete and ...
**Kitchen:** - All cabinets are level, plumb, and aligned - Cabinet doors close properly and are uniformly spaced - Drawers slide smoothly and close fully - Countertops are level with no chips or visible seams - Backsplash is properly grouted with no gaps - Sink has no scratches; faucet operates in all modes - Disposal operates correctly (if included) - Dishwasher runs through a full cycle with no leaks - Range hood vents to exterior and functions properly - All appliances operate correctly - Un...
Beyond visual inspection, test every system in your new home: **HVAC:** - Furnace operates in heating mode - Air conditioning produces cold air (if season allows testing) - All registers deliver airflow - HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) operates and is balanced - Thermostat controls heating and cooling correctly - No unusual sounds from furnace or ductwork - Filter location is accessible **Electrical:** - All light switches operate the correct fixtures - All outlets provide power (use a plug-in...
Every new home in Ontario is covered by the Tarion warranty. Understanding the coverage periods is essential for protecting your investment. **Year One — Comprehensive Coverage:** Covers defects in workmanship and materials, including: - Unauthorized substitution of materials - Work not meeting Ontario Building Code - Defects in workmanship and materials - Incomplete work as per purchase agreement **Year-One Submission Deadlines:** - 30-Day Form: Submit within 30 days of possession for initial...
Documenting deficiencies is only half the battle — getting them fixed requires persistence and strategy. **Documentation Best Practices:** - Photograph every deficiency with a reference object for scale - Use a consistent labelling system (Room-Item-Issue, e.g., 'MB-Window1-ScratchedGlass') - Rate severity: Safety (urgent), Functional (affects use), Cosmetic (appearance only) - Create a spreadsheet tracking each item, submission date, builder response, and resolution **Communication Strategy:*...
A typical new Ottawa home has 50–150 deficiency items at possession. Most are minor cosmetic issues (paint, drywall, caulking), with 5–15 being functional or more significant items requiring attention.
Yes, strongly recommended. A professional new-home inspector ($400–$700) has specialized tools and building code knowledge that typically identifies $5,000–$15,000 worth of deficiencies that homeowners would miss.
You have two main submission windows in the first year: the 30-Day Form (within 30 days of possession) and the Year-End Form (between days 345–365). Don't miss these deadlines as late submissions may void coverage.
Submit a formal Tarion warranty claim. Tarion will mediate between you and the builder. If mediation fails, request a conciliation inspection ($200–$400). Tarion's decision is binding on the builder. For major issues, consult a construction lawyer.
Yes, very common. Ottawa's clay soils settle significantly in the first 1–3 years. Negative grading (water pooling toward the foundation) is a warranty item. Builders are typically required to address grading within the first two years.