If you did not have your new home inspected during construction, I strongly recommend arranging an independent Year-End Tarion Warranty Inspection before your first-year warranty deadline, ideally around the eleventh month. A Year-End Tarion Warranty Inspection (one-year warranty inspection) is similar to a PDI (Pre-Delivery Home Inspection), except that it takes place near the end of the first-year warranty period.
A Year-End Tarion Warranty Inspection (one-year warranty inspection) is a comprehensive visual inspection of accessible components and systems, including the roof structure and shingles, foundation, electrical system, plumbing system and fixtures, heating and air conditioning systems, built-in home equipment, windows and doors, brick facade and other siding, insulation and roof ventilation, fireplaces, garage, interior walls, ceilings and floors. For pools and spas, we assess only visible and accessible physical surfaces and structural features; pool and spa equipment, sprinkler systems and septic systems are not inspected.
We also check whether previously reported PDI or initial warranty inspection issues have been resolved and document any apparent outstanding defects. Further issues may become apparent during the first year as the house settles. The inspection reflects conditions observed at the date and time of inspection; weather and access can limit what can be assessed.
A Year-End Tarion Warranty Inspection (one-year warranty inspection) is an ideal opportunity for another comprehensive home inspection to check for issues that may have been missed or developed during the first year. It is an important opportunity to report defects covered by the one-year warranty before the applicable deadline; eligible items may have different coverage under the two-year warranty and the seven-year major structural defect warranty. The inspection should be carried out thoroughly, with enough time for you to review the findings and record the appropriate items in your Tarion MyHome account before submission.
If any major defects are found, we will take digital photographs to document them. We recommend that you attend the home inspection, or at least be present toward the end, so that we can discuss any defects found. This helps you identify the reported issues and determine whether your builder has addressed them. We can return to your home on request to check visible repairs for an additional fee.
Afshin Eftekhari, of NewTrendHome Inspection Inc., is a qualified home inspector and conducts his home inspections in accordance with InterNACHI’s Standards of Practice.