5 Tips to getting the most from your new home warranty
By on Oct 29, 2010
New Home Spotlight:
You’ve just purchased your new home and you’re over the moon. There’s new furniture to be bought, kids to settle in, and boxes to unpack, or hide. But what’s that large envelope you tucked away in the kitchen drawer? That’s your new home warranty and used properly it is one of the greatest assets you’ve purchased.
Every new home built in Ontario comes with specific warranty coverage provided by your builder and backed by Tarion.
As a homeowner there are a few things you must do to protect your warranty. Doing so will help ensure that you have a successful new home experience. Failing to do so could put your home’s warranty in jeopardy.
Let’s take a look at the most common issues that arise and discuss some simple maintenance tips to avoid them.
Tip#1 – Sign-up for Tarion MyHome
Get instant personalized online access to your important warranty information. Submit claim forms and receive alerts and updates for important deadlines by email.
Tip#2 – Control Humidity
Prevent moisture damage to structural materials and wood flooring by ensuring that your home ventilation system is working properly. Install a Humidex to measure humidity levels and ensure that your home stays within the recommended safe range.
Tip#3 – Inspect for Cracking
All foundations produce a small amount of normal cracking as they dry. Make sure you know how to recognize the signs of a more serious structural issue by contacting Tarion.
Tip#4 – Inspect Caulking
Fix the caulking around windows, doors and on the roof if it becomes cracked or separated.
Tip #5 – Complete the 30-Day Form
Protect your warranty by submitting a 30-Day Form to notify Tarion of outstanding warranty items during the first 30 days of possession of your new home. For more information on the warranty watch our online educational seminars at Tarion.com.
Following these easy tips will help you enjoy your new home trouble and stress free.
Protecting Ontario’s new home buyers for over 30 years
As the regulator of Ontario’s new home building industry, Tarion Warranty Corporation registers new home builders and vendors, enrols new homes for warranty coverage, investigates illegal building practices, resolves warranty disputes between builders/vendors and homeowners, and promotes high standards of construction among Ontario’s new home builders.
For further information contact Tarion at www.tarion.com or 1-877-982-7466.
