Inspections and New Homes

All new homes are subject to a pre-delivery inspection by a licensed building official, which complies with the National Building Code (NBC). In large they don’t usually check every single aspect of every single unit, and instead spot check. Therefore, hiring your own home inspector, who will perform a more thorough evaluation, is still beneficial.

Many builders keep doing things the way they used to without stopping to investigate the new systems and the impact one single component has on other components and the system as a whole. Doing things the way they’ve always been done is a poor excuse for not thinking and a recipe for disaster in new housing.

Most builder contracts will have a defect clause, meaning that if the property contains faults then the builder must fix them within a reasonable period of time. This ties in with the new home warranty program, which is province-specific in Canada, but aims to reach the same goal: to protect the buyer. Under this warranty, the buyer usually has one year to notice any defects in the property.

According to the marketing body for the National Home Warranty program, it’s important to ensure the builder is registered with a certified warrantor, and to get a qualified professional to examine the home so that you’re protected. Remember: a home is a hand made product, and there will always be a problem.

Experts suggest having a home inspection 30 days after moving in, then again after 11 months. That way, you will have lived in the home throughout all four seasons, while still covered by the new home warranty.

Those first time home buyers who are considering buying a Calgary Condo should check out this Calgary Condos information page from a local Calgary Realtor.

New versus Resale Homes

There are advantages and disadvantages to both new and resale homes. Here are some of the characteristics of both that may help you make your choice.

New Homes

Advantages

• You may be able to upgrade or choose certain items such as siding, finish materials, flooring, cabinets, plumbing and electrical fixtures.
• The latest building code, electrical and energy-efficient standards will apply.
• A builder warranty is usually available in all provinces. This can be important if a major system, such as the plumbing or heating, breaks down.
• Unless you are a builder, warranties do not apply to homes you build yourself.

Disadvantages

• Neighbourhood amenities, like schools or shopping, may not be complete if the house is in a new development.
• There may be construction noise and traffic.
• There may be little to no landscaping or trees.
• The 7% GST applies to new housing. However, there is a rebate that covers homes to a maximum of 2.5% if the home is less than $450,000.

Resale Homes

Advantages

• It will probably be in an established neighbourhood.
• Landscaping is usually done and fencing installed.
• It may have upgrades such as a built-in swimming pool or finished basement.
• Tere is no GST unless the house has been renovated substantially, and then the tax is applied as if it were a new house.

Disadvantages

• Maintenance costs will likely be higher than for a new house.
• You may require a professional home inspector to check for structural or other problems, such as a leaky basement or faulty roof.
• You may need to redecorate, or even renovate.

If you’re thinking about renovating Fort McMurray homes, it’s a good idea to speak with a savvy Fort McMurray Realtor to make sure you understand which home renos will over the highest return on your investment.