If you're buying a new build in London, St. Thomas or anywhere in Ontario, the warranty is part of what you're paying for. It only protects you fully if you know its deadlines, because most of it runs on forms you submit at specific times.
| Coverage | How long | In short |
|---|---|---|
| One-year warranty | The first year | Defects in work and materials, Building Code issues, and a home fit to live in |
| Two-year warranty | The first two years | Water penetration through the basement, foundation or building envelope; defects in the electrical, plumbing and heating systems; failing exterior cladding; Building Code health and safety violations |
| Seven-year warranty | Years one to seven | Major structural defects |
Buying New Construction?
I will help you compare builders, read the agreement and keep track of your warranty deadlines
548 490 4577What is the PDI?
Before you take possession, the builder walks you through the home in a pre-delivery inspection (PDI). What you note on the PDI form records the home's condition on day one. Take your time, test what you can, photograph everything, and note chips, scratches and damage that would be hard to prove later. You can bring someone with you, including a home inspector.
Which forms do I need to submit, and when?
Submit your 30-Day Form in the first 30 days after you take possession, and your Year-End Form in the last 30 days of your first year. You can only submit one 30-Day Form, so list everything on it. The builder then has a set period to fix the items; if they don't, you can ask Tarion to step in. Second-year items go on a Second-Year Form in the last 30 days of year two.
Are my deposits protected?
Tarion protects deposits up to set limits, which differ for freehold homes and condominiums, and provides compensation if a builder delays your closing without proper notice. The limits have changed over the years, so check the current figures on tarion.com against the date of your agreement. On a pre-construction condo, deposits beyond Tarion's coverage must be held in trust or otherwise secured under Ontario's Condominium Act.
How do I check a builder before I sign?
Ontario's Home Construction Regulatory Authority licenses new home builders and sellers. Its Ontario Builder Directory shows a builder's licence status, homes enrolled and warranty claim history. Look up any builder before you sign a pre-construction agreement.
What doesn't Tarion cover?
- Normal wear and tear
- Damage caused by the owner, a tenant or another contractor
- Work or materials you supplied yourself
- Normal shrinkage and settling within acceptable tolerances
Frequently asked questions
Does the Tarion warranty transfer if I buy a resale home?
Yes, for whatever time is left. If you buy a home that is three years old, about four years of the seven-year structural coverage remain, and they transfer to you automatically.
Is Tarion coverage optional?
No. It's required by law for new homes built for sale in Ontario, and the enrolment fee is normally built into the builder's price.
Should I still get a home inspection on a new build?
Yes. An independent inspector before your 30-day or year-end deadline can find items you'd miss, while the builder is still responsible for fixing them.
