From signing to seven years: Tarion and your warranty have you covered

The new home warranty supports you before you get the keys and years after you move in.

When it comes to choosing what kind of new home to buy, many individuals and families in Ontario opt for newly constructed homes. Their decision may be based on a number of different factors: affordability, energy efficiency, the ability to customize their home the way they want or avoiding the need for renovations or possible repairs right away.

New home buyers also benefit from the most comprehensive builder warranty in Canada – one that’s backed by Tarion. It starts before you take possession and continues after you move in, with coverage available for up to seven years.

When you sign your Agreement of Purchase and Sale

Buying a new home is a big step, and you should get professional advice – realtors, real estate lawyers and financial advisors can all help prepare you before you sign an agreement. There is also a lot of information available on Tarion’s website regarding your warranty coverage and the steps to take on your homebuying journey.

The warranty on your new home actually starts working for you even before you get the keys. If the sale is not completed — and the builder must return your deposit but does not — your coverage includes deposit protection up to specific limits based on the type and price of the home.

Once you’ve signed your purchase agreement, an important step is to register your purchase with Tarion. This allows us to confirm your deposit coverage (which can be worth up to $100,000) as well as confirm your purchase is legal and allow Tarion to provide you with helpful and timely information about the warranty process.

Before you move in

As part of their obligations under the warranty, your builder is required to give you a “pre-delivery” inspection (PDI) of your new home before you move in. This is a great opportunity to learn about the systems in your home and identify any issues which the builder may be able to address before you take possession. Check out Tarion’s website for more information about what to look for in a PDI, including instructional videos and a helpful PDI checklist.

After you move in

Once you move into your home, the construction warranties begin.

In the first year, coverage includes defects in workmanship and materials throughout the home, any unauthorized substitutions made by the builder, and ensures your home is built in accordance with the Ontario Building Code.

As you settle in and begin enjoying your home, your coverage continues into the second year. This includes defects in major systems such as plumbing, electrical and heating, as well as certain water penetration issues and building code violations that affect health and safety.

Over the longer term, the warranty extends up to seven years to cover major structural defects. This ensures you remain protected during this time against significant issues which could impact the use or function of your home.

Register with the Tarion MyHome portal and you will receive step-by-step guidance on the warranty timelines, how to file warranty service requests, and get help from Tarion when you need it.

The role of your builder and Tarion

The warranty process is designed to work alongside your builder’s responsibilities.

Your builder is responsible for delivering the home that was promised, explaining how it works during the pre-delivery inspection, and addressing warranty issues after closing.

Tarion’s role is to support homeowners by helping them understand their coverage and assisting with the claims process if needed. If issues arise and are not resolved, Tarion can help assess the situation and, if the builder has not fulfilled their obligations, resolve the issue directly with the homeowner.

Knowing what to expect

There’s a lot you need to keep track of on move-in day — unpacking boxes, arranging furniture and getting settled. It helps to know your warranty is already in place during this time.

Understanding how it works early on can make buying and settling into your home easier. It helps you have confidence in your new home purchase knowing what is covered, what your builder is responsible for, and what steps to take if something needs attention.

A newly built home offers a great opportunity for homebuyers. In Ontario, this includes the most comprehensive warranty coverage in Canada, offering peace of mind from the time you sign to years after you move in.

To register your new home purchase and make informed decisions at every stage of your new home journey, find helpful resources online.