New Home Inspection for Tarion Home Warranty Claims

Why hiring a certified Ottawa home inspector matters

When you purchase a new home from a builder registered with the Ontario Tarion Home Warranty program, you’ll have several key milestones where you can identify issues for your builder to resolve. Your Tarion warranty provides strong protection against technical and construction deficiencies—but only if those issues are properly identified and documented.

A certified Ottawa home inspector can help you uncover deficiencies early, provide a clear report, and support you throughout your Tarion warranty claims process.

What Does Tarion Home Warranty Coverage Include?

1-Year Warranty

The first-year warranty ensures your home is:

• Constructed in a workmanlike manner and free from material defects

• Without Ontario Building Code violations

• Fit for habitation

• Delivered without unauthorized substitutions

• Covered for one year from the date of possession (even if sold)

2-Year Warranty

The two-year warranty protects against:

• Water penetration through basement or foundation walls

• Water intrusion through the building envelope

• Defects in materials or workmanship causing detachment/deterioration of exterior cladding

• Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC delivery defects

• Ontario Building Code violations affecting health or safety

• Coverage extends two years from possession

7-Year Major Structural Damage (MSD) Warranty

Covers significant structural failures, including:

• Major cracks or movement in foundation walls

• Soil movement

• Chemical failure of materials

• Excessive radon or other harmful environmental substances

• Collapse or serious distortion of structural components, including roof structure

Your Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI)

Before possession, you’ll complete a Pre-Delivery Inspection with your builder’s representative. This walkthrough focuses mainly on cosmetic issues and verifying that finishes and selections match what you ordered.

Although you can bring a home inspector to the PDI, it’s usually more effective to wait until after possession. A full, independent inspection is more thorough and won’t be rushed by the builder rep.

30-Day New Home Inspection

The 30-Day Form is one of the most important Tarion milestones. A certified Ottawa home inspector can complete a full new-home inspection and provide a detailed report that you can attach directly to your Tarion submission.

After you move in, pay close attention to how builder-installed appliances and systems operate—installation-related issues are covered under the first-year warranty.

During a 30-day inspection, a competent inspector will check:

• Proper installation of roofing and exterior finishes

• Signs of mold in the basement (often from wet construction periods)

• Installation and operation of windows, doors, and garage doors

• Functionality of air intakes/exhausts and presence of screens to prevent pests

• Visible structural, plumbing, or electrical deficiencies

• Condition and operation of furnace, AC, hot water heater, and electrical panel

• Air circulation through ductwork and air returns

• Hot/cold water supply, drainage, and waterproofing at tubs/showers

• Attic insulation depth and installation quality

Why Schedule a New Home Inspection After the First Year?

Before your 2-year warranty expires, consider scheduling another inspection. While the checklist is similar, the main focus becomes moisture intrusion—the most common and costly issue in new homes.

A certified Ottawa home inspector will look for:

• Water entry through foundation walls

• Moisture behind cladding

• Poor or missing flashing details

• Window and door installation issues

• Hidden moisture risks that appear over time

Catching water-related issues early ensures they can be addressed before the 2-year deadline.

How to Document Warranty Issues Properly

To prepare strong warranty submissions:

1. Review the Tarion Construction Performance Guidelines—they explain how Tarion evaluates defects.

2. Use the guidelines to frame your concerns in measurable, standards-based language.

3. Attach your certified inspector’s report as a clear, third-party assessment.

This combination gives you the strongest foundation for a successful claim.

Looking for a Certified Ottawa Home Inspector?

Book your new home inspection to protect your Tarion warranty and ensure your home is performing as it should.

Gaps between exterior finishes

Electrical wires should not touch ducts

Foundation crack

Frequently Asked Questions About Tarion New Home Inspections

1. Do I need a home inspector for my Tarion warranty?

While it’s not required, hiring a certified Ottawa home inspector helps identify deficiencies early and provides documentation to support your claim.

2. Should I bring an inspector to the PDI?

You can, but a post-possession inspection is more thorough and not influenced by the builder representative.

3. What does a 30-day inspection include?

Your inspector examines roofing, exterior finishes, windows, doors, HVAC, electrical systems, insulation, drainage, and more.

4. Why schedule another inspection before the 2-year mark?

The 2-year warranty focuses heavily on water penetration. Moisture issues may appear months later and are best caught before coverage ends.

5. What happens if my inspector finds a defect?

Include photos and attach your inspector’s report to your Tarion form. Third-party documentation strengthens your claim.

6. Are cosmetic issues covered?

Generally, cosmetic issues are addressed during the PDI only. Structural, systems, and moisture-related issues fall under the 1- and 2-year warranties.

7. What documents should I attach to my Tarion forms?

Tarion recommends including your notes, photos, and any third-party inspection reports.