Do I tell my builder before filing a Tarion claim in Kanata?

Yes, you notify your builder first. Tarion says: "Before you make a claim to Tarion, it's important that you notify your builder."

The process works in two stages. You record items on the appropriate Tarion warranty form, which goes to your builder as the first step. If the builder does not respond or the response is unsatisfactory, you can then involve Tarion directly, including requesting a conciliation inspection. The warranty form you use depends on where you are in the possession timeline: the Initial Form covers items from day one of possession and is automatically submitted on day 41; the Mid-Year Form runs from day 42 and is submitted on day 183; the Year-End Form is your final opportunity to report items under the one-year warranty and is automatically submitted on day 365, with a 10-day grace period; the Second-Year Form covers the second year of possession; and the Major Structural Defect Form can be submitted any time after the second year but no later than seven years from possession.

The warranty itself runs across three periods. The one-year warranty covers items such as defects in work and material and unauthorized substitutions. The two-year warranty covers items such as water penetration, heating and electrical. The seven-year warranty covers major structural defects and runs from the date of possession to the seventh anniversary.

A couple of things worth keeping in mind for a Kanata new build. If you purchased the home from another homeowner and it is under seven years old, Tarion says you may still be eligible for warranty coverage. Also, the Pre-Delivery Inspection form you completed with your builder before receiving the keys is not a warranty claim, but Tarion describes it as a useful piece of evidence if a conciliation inspection ever takes place.

For the PDI itself, Tarion places no restriction on who you bring, so a home inspector you hire can attend with you or go in your place as your designate, provided you give the builder written authority if you are sending someone instead of attending yourself.

If you are thinking about having a home inspector attend your PDI or a one-year warranty walk-through, a useful question to put to them first is: what will you document on the PDI Form, and how does your written report support a warranty submission to the builder?