Inspecting Your New Home
Written by Administrator
Monday, 04 May 2009 11:31
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Once you have a firm contract and you have selected the features that will go into your new home, it is time for the builder to turn your dream into reality.

You will undoubtedly want to visit the building site from time to time during construction to check the progress of your home. Professional builders welcome your participation and enthusiasm; however, for safety reasons you should not enter the actual construction site unless by special appointment an unauthorized site visit may also contravene the local labour code with respect to construction safety and the builder's liability.

Questions or concerns arising from a site visit or a drive-by should be addressed directly to the builder. The tradespeople on the site each have their own area of expertise and will not be able to discuss your home's progress with you. Nor are they able to make changes without the approval of the builder.

Before you take possession of your new home, the builder will invite you to "walk through" the house to conduct a pre-occupancy inspection. Three to five days before closing is best when construction is substantially complete but there is still time for the builder to remedy any minor imperfections. Anything that is not to your satisfaction should be noted on the pre-delivery inspection report, called a Certificate of Completion and Possession (CCP), a form of the Ontario New Home Warranty Program. Minor items such as scratches and incomplete paint work will be rectified before your move-in day. Other items will be corrected after you are settled. Be precise and thorough when your are doing your inspection. Take your time and write down any defects with as much detail as possible. Should you find any problems in your home, especially damaged finishes, the CCP is an important piece of evidence, proving that the damage did in fact occur before you moved in.

The following list will help you to inspect your new home.

EXTERIOR

  • Grading should be sloping gently away from the house

  • Sod was it rolled when laid?

  • Wood, vinyl or aluminum siding should be even and nailed securely to the walls

  • Brick should be evenly laid and clean, with weep holes clean and open

  • Caulking check around windows, doors, garage door, electrical outlets and fixtures

  • Paint and stains inspect for even coverage and proper colour

  • Trim, shutters, fascia and soffit must be proper colour, of good quality and securely fastened

  • Shingles are they clean, of proper colour and with no lifting corners? Do the shingles extend about 2 cm over the roof edge and over eavestrough?

  • Garage should feature non-combustible materials on the wall adjoining the house (for instance, gypsum board with sealed joints); the garage door should open and close properly

INTERIOR

  • Basement should be clean; no cracks in the walls; a floor drain in the lowest part; "healthy" looking wooden joists (a minimum of splitting); with instructions and warranty cards for equipment (furnace, heater, HRV, etc.)

  • Doors must be well-fitted and well-hung; secure locks for outside doors and door stops

  • Windows must open smoothly; lockable

  • Walls should be smooth and even; no cracks, visible seams or nail-pops; right colour; even paint coverage; no gaps at electrical switches and plugs

  • Floors minimum of squeaks and "spring"; smooth seams on carpet and other floor covering; even grouting between ceramic tiles

  • Plumbing fixtures no chips or scratches; faucets operating properly; caulking around counter tops and fixtures

  • Upgrades and options correct materials and quality; proper installation; right colours

  • General state of cleanliness no construction debris; clean heating ducts; etc.

You might want to hire a private building inspector to conduct the inspection for you. The Province of Ontario designates the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors as the governing body allowing registration of home inspectors. Registered Home Inspectors adhere to a highly professional Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. When choosing a home inspector, look for members of the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI). Home inspection firms may be found in the Yellow Pages under "Building Inspection Service", or call the Greater Ottawa Home Builders' Association for referrals.

Ask your builder for information on the steps to follow if problems with your new home arise at a later date. (Your builder should provide this information to you in writing.) The majority of problems will be corrected routinely and quickly by the builder; in some cases you may need to contact the Ontario New Home Warranty Program directly.
Last Updated ( Monday, 04 May 2009 11:32 )
 
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