New HomeChek
Buying or building a new home represents a significant financial investment. Consumers should be able to make that investment with confidence that their home will be free of unforeseen expenses to repair defects once they have moved in.
Alberta’s New Home Buyer Protection Act (NHBPA) came into effect on February 1, 2014 to protect the interests of home buyers, home builders, and new home warranty providers alike. The NHBPA established a requirement that all new homes built for sale or under a construction contract must be covered by a home warranty insurance meeting the following minimum terms:
1) defects in materials and labour for at least 1 year after the commencement date of the home warranty insurance policy,
2) defects in materials and labour related to delivery and distribution systems for at least 2 years after the commencement date of the home warranty insurance policy,
3) defects in the building envelope, including those resulting in water penetration, for at least 5 years after the commencement date of the home warranty insurance policy, and
4) structural defects for at least 10 years after the commencement date of the home warranty insurance policy.
The Construction Performance Guide for New Home Warranty in Alberta is one of a number of resources created to support the implementation of the NHBPA by providing information and guidance to the general public, as well as homeowners, home buyers, builders, warranty providers, and other stakeholders involved in the construction and sale of homes. This guide covers approximately 300 issues that could arise during the term of the home warranty insurance policy.
New HomeChek is designed for the homeowner in mind but benefits all stakeholders involved because it is a pro-active approach to the upkeep and maintenance of your new home. An example would be a loose toilet, if it is not tightened in a timely manner it could cause the wax seal to break, effluent to leak out causing discoloration of the flooring, sub floor and ceiling damage and possibly mould growth. If repaired on time it costs a bit of sweat equity, if not, it could cost the builder or owner thousands of dollars on repairs plus the angst associated.
What we provide are four pre-scheduled inspections as follows:
1) Pre-Occupany Inspection is important to receive before transferring your purchase payment. Did you know that when the property title transfers your repairs become a warranty issue and your issues might not be repaired to the same degree as before title transfer! We inspect the systems and components such as the surface grading and drainage, roofing, exterior, basement, foundation and structure, heating and cooling, plumbing, electrical, fireplace, attic, insulation and ventilation, doors, windows and the interior. We provide a written report for you and with your permission will forward it to the builder.
We give you full support on how to maintain and operate the systems in your home. All serial and reference numbers of the homes components and appliances will be documented and the manuals, if available will be stored online for future reference.
2) 11 Month Inspection is generally provided just before the 1st year commencement date of the Workmanship & Materials Warranty. Should we notice neglect of maintenance and/or upkeep we will provide advice & tips.
3) Third Inspection is generally provided just before the 2nd year commencement date of the Delivery and Distribution Systems. At this point we do not inspect for workmanship and material defects as that time line is past but should we notice neglect of maintenance and/or upkeep we will provide advice & tips.
4) Fourth Inspection would be provided just before the commencement of the 5th year Building Envelope warranty. At that point we would give your home a complete inspection and report any issues that have arisen in your home.
Give us a call or text for one of the above inspections or let us schedule them all for you. We will give you a notice when its time for the next inspection and inspect accordingly.