Do your homework - Globe and Mail- Topic: Home Owner Warranty

Since my recent column on new-home pre-delivery inspections (PDI), I’ve had people ask why I recommend that a qualified house inspector or contractor be present for them even though the municipality has issued an occupancy permit. The name “occupancy permit” suggests that a home is “fit for occupancy,” but it means only that the dwelling generally meets minimum building code standards, and that it has passed inspections during the main stages of construction. An occupancy permit had been issued, but it looked like there was a big problem with the house — the entire basement was covered in what appeared to be black mould. If you talk to anyone who has tried to use their warranty — and consider the cost involved and effort it takes to put in a claim — you might conclude it’s wiser to just pretend the warranty doesn’t exist. When the leak came back a third time — which, of course, it was bound to do since the reason for the leak was never addressed — the warranty period was over and the homeowner had to pay a licensed plumber to get it fixed properly. read more

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