Understanding Tarion
Assuming that newly built homes in Ottawa don’t require professional inspections is a common misconception. Understanding the importance & honesty is what keeps me busy as a inspector. I give you the hard truths of crooked people in this industry, not the soft lies that builders give you.
In the past, new construction inspections were primarily handled by local code enforcement agencies. However, as construction practices, materials, and installation techniques have evolved over time, home inspection and safety experts now strongly recommend that new build buyers get a new build home inspection done by a 3rd party home inspection professional.
I was informed by realtors, Bent Nails is the ONLY inspector with 17+ years construction experience in Ottawa.
I’ve hands-on built too many homes, I know the ins & outs too well. Others are labeled as “textbook inspectors” what the textbook tells them, thats all they know.
Code Inspections Only Cover the Basics
At Bent Nails Inspections, I believe that master inspectors with extensive construction experience for new new builds are very essential. Brand new homes have issues and safety concerns. Contractors and construction workers often have other jobs to complete and may operate on tight timelines. This can lead to shortcuts in the construction process. To ensure that your investment goes beyond the bare minimum outlined by basic legal codes, you should only consider a 3rd party comprehensive inspection.
Code inspections are typically & legally required for new construction homes. Unfortunately builders in their PDI’s & the city inspectors don’t meet or follow the codes to proper standards. However, they only provide minimal insight into the systems, structures, and overall construction processes of your new home. Even though your home may meet local code requirements, it can still have hidden issues that affect its safety and functionality.
Bent Nails goes above the standards and gives you 100% all the deficiencies. Some warrantable and some shoddy work. Being a former contractor for 17+ years, they can’t put poor workmanship past me. If I say it’s an issue, then I don’t accept that work they did for you.
I don’t just say “that’s fine, that’s code or thats not code” like the builders employees, that’s inexperience talking. I explain situations & deficiencies to you. I prefer to NEVER rush, if my inspection takes longer I can walk away knowing your mind is at ease.
Thats why I’m loved by homeowners and hated in the building community.
I don’t work for any suit with tie builder, any warranty company, or a realtor, I only work for the home owner. Why? You your family with kids live there, I will only be there for 3 hours so I have to make a great impression. The more issues I can find brings a bigger smile on my face.
This is why Bent Nails Inspections’ New Build or Tarion Inspection are designed to offer extensive information about the critical aspects of your home.
New Property Construction Inspection Checklist
Bent Nails Inspections provides and recommends two inspections:
- Pre-Dry Wall Inspection – This is the first time we look over the home before the walls are enclosed with drywall and when we inspect the framing and systems installation. Key components such as site and grading, structure, foundation, framing, roof, plumbing, HVAC and electrical are included in this new construction inspection. This inspection happens after the entire frame has been built, the roof is on and the windows are installed, but before the sheetrock has been put into place. At this stage, we are checking things like the wiring, plumbing, window flashing, and other elements that are generally hidden behind the walls. If any problems crop up, the builder can repair them after the inspection and before going further with the project.
- Final Walk-Thru Inspection – This final inspection builders don’t allow me on the property to do a full inspection, only a partial! I’m not allowed in the attic, not allowed to open the furnace, not allowed to open the electric panel & to make it irritating I have to stay with the group. I’m called a “insurance claim” they don’t want. This is where you being the homeowner plays a HUGE role. I need you to be the PICKIEST person with the green painters tape! When you’re done creating polkadot alley, step back and take a photo of 20+ areas in only 1 picture. You have only the PDI, maybe your 30 day to claim paint deficiencies, anything after & they point the finger at you. Saying you must have did this while moving, the only area you’ll be covered with is the ceiling.
- The reason why I told you about taking a picture of the areas with tape, painters & workers are well known for removing multiple pieces of tape.
- This is conducted right before the new, happy homeowners are to do their final walk thru. All appliances and components are in the home and it is “Move In Ready,” per the builder. Homebuyers can add any issues we find to their final punch list and request that their builder complete them all prior to handing over the keys and moving in. I’m trained to notice details that escape the unpracticed eye. At this stage, I inspect items such as roof, chimney, gutters, doors, windows, exterior items, garage, foundation, basements, and crawl spaces, HVAC systems (including the thermostat), plumbing, electrical, attic insulation, ventilation and appliances. You have 0 worries with Bent Nails, I’m there to relieve your stress not give you more!
Why Hire Bent Nails For a New Build?
When buying an existing home, a home inspection is a no-brainer. It safeguards you from unexpected problems and expenses. However, the decision to get a new construction home inspection may not be as obvious, you may have been fed just enough lies to make your home feel like nothing will ever be wrong. They made you feel like a King & Queen until you signed of the contract. Don’t believe me? Ask your neighbours I’ve recently helped.
While you may trust your contractor and believe that everything has been constructed to your specifications, a home inspection for new construction can still be beneficial. It provides a 100% peace of mind by confirming that there are many cosmetic issues. These issues happily start out as a $5-20 fix, but if left alone over time they can turn into $100’s to a $1,000 to repair. If the inspector does find significant problems, it’s better to know about them before closing on the home.
The qualifications I have for you to remember you’re in good hands.
Is a New Build Home Inspection Included in the Contract?
In most cases, a final walk-through is included in the contract when buying new construction, but a professional home inspection is less likely to be included. If it’s not part of your sales agreement, consider adding it as a contingency to protect your interests in case the inspector uncovers issues. The “inspector” they provide you for you PDI, is just Joe or Katie that works in the office looking for extra hours on their paycheque. The ONLY issues they’ll find for you is what you see, they don’t have proper knowledge.
Think of it this way, if the builder had a trained inspector. If they found 40+ big item deficiencies, how would it make that builder look? I can guarantee that inspector would inspect only 2 homes, and then be on the unemployment line.
Independent Inspections Are a Wise Decision
Even though your new home may appear perfect at first glance, investing in a 3rd party professional new construction inspection from Bent Nails can provide you with peace of mind and help you uncover potential issues that may require attention. Don’t skip this crucial step in ensuring the safety and quality of your new Ottawa home.
Bent Nails Inspections offers new construction inspections internationally, check bentnails.ca for areas I serve. Give me a call today at (613)355-0021 to learn how my property inspections can help protect your investment, and/or check out my services page to learn more.
