Warranty Information
Below is an overview of the warranty timeframes, along with what is covered within each designated period. Please feel free to contact us directly if you have any questions regarding warranties with a new build.
THE ONE YEAR WARRANTY
Your home’s statutory one year warranty coverage begins on the date you take possession of the home and ends on the day before the first anniversary of this date. For example, if your home’s date of possession is October 23, 2020, the one year warranty begins on October 23, 2020 and ends on October 22, 2021.
The one year warranty is provided by your builder and it requires that the home be:
Constructed in a workmanlike manner and free from defects in material
Fit for habitation
Constructed in accordance with the Ontario Building Code
Free of major structural defects
THE TWO YEAR WARRANTY
Your home’s two year statutory warranty coverage begins on the date you take possession of the home and ends on the day before the second anniversary of this date. For example, if your home’s date of possession is October 23, 2020, the two year warranty begins on October 23, 2020 and ends on October 22, 2022.
The two year warranty is provided by your builder and covers:
Water penetration through the basement or foundation walls
Defects in materials, including windows, doors and caulking, or defects in work that result in water penetration into the building envelope
Defects in work or materials in the electrical, plumbing and heating delivery and distribution systems
Defects in work or materials which result in the detachment, displacement or deterioration of exterior cladding (such as brickwork, aluminum or vinyl siding)
Violations of the Ontario Building Code affecting health and safety (including, but not limited to, violations relating to fire safety and the structural adequacy of the home)
Major structural defects. (Major structural defects are specifically defined in the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act and discussed in more detail in the Seven Year Warranty section.)
THE SEVEN YEAR WARRANTY
Your home’s seven year warranty covers major structural defects (MSD) and begins on the date you take possession of the home and ends on the day before the seventh anniversary of that date. For example, if your home’s date of possession is October 23, 2020, the seven year MSD warranty begins on October 23, 2020 and remains in effect until and including October 22, 2027.
A major structural defect is defined in the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act as:
Any defect in work or materials that results in the failure of a load-bearing part of the home’s structure or materially and adversely affects its load-bearing function; or
Any defect in work or materials that materially and adversely affects the use of the building as a home.
The seven year MSD warranty includes significant damage due to soil movement*, major cracks in basement walls, collapse or serious distortion of joints or roof structure and chemical failure of materials. In addition to the general exclusions, the seven year MSD warranty specifically excludes: dampness not arising from failure of a load-bearing portion of the building; damage to drains or services; and damage to finishes.
Troubleshooting Tips
Today’s low-maintenance building products have eliminated a lot of time-consuming and often tedious home upkeep. However, no home is trouble-free. These troubleshooting tips can help you quickly resolve your technical issues.
ELECTRICAL TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
No power to exterior plugs?
The GFCI receptacle may have tripped. The reset button is located on the receptacle itself. The receptacles can be found at the back or by the front porch. Check breaker on main electrical panel.
No power to bathrooms?
Reset GFCI located on receptacles. Generally found in Powder room. Check breaker on main electrical panel.
No power to the kitchen?
Reset GFCI located on receptacles on wall in kitchen.
No power to the Whirlpool tub?
Reset GFCI located in basement. Can be found above electrical panel. Check breaker on main electrical panel.
Light fixture not working?
If light is on a 2 way switch, try both switches. Replace light bulb.
Switch to living room does not work?
This switch is intended to power one receptacle for a lamp. Switch operates either the top or bottom section of the electrical outlet.
Plugs and switches do not work?
Inspect breaker(s) on main electrical panel.
Complete power loss?
Check with your local utility company.
PLUMBING TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
Sump pump malfunction?
Make sure your sump “pit” is clean of debris that may have accumulated and may be blocking the outlet pipe.
Sound emanates through out house when exterior hose bibs are turned on?
The backflow preventer needs replacing.
Toilet appears not to flush properly?
In order to preserve water consumption, the industry is required to install low flush toilets. A good tip is to hold down the lever for a few extra moments when flushing.
Toilet runs on?
Lift tank lid and inspect that the chain or cord to the valve flapper has not come loose.
Ticking sounds coming from walls?
This is created from drain pipes which expand and contract when heating up or cooling down. This is a common occurrence.
Leak in Plumbing Water lines (Plastic Pipes)?
The kitchen sink and toilets have shut-off valves. Turn off water valve where necessary and if this is not effective, follow the recommended procedure. Cold water line leak – shut off valve at water meter. Hot water line leak – shut off valve at hot water tank.
Leak in Plumbing Drain lines?
Discontinue use of that particular fixture until repaired.
HEATING TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
Furnace will not turn on?
Check thermostat to ensure it is properly set to heat. Ensure circuit breaker is set to on. check that gas valve is turned on. Check that the neutralizer is not obstructed. This is located at base of furnace and has a drain tube attached. Make sure switch located above furnace is turned on. Inspect exterior vent for blockage.
If you have a digital thermostat, the battery may need replacing.
Water heater will not turn on?
Ensure the power vent is plugged in. Check that the gas valve and blue dial is turned on. This appliance is generally a rental unit. if all fails, call your rental supplier for service.
Certain areas do not heat/cool like other areas throughout the house?
Inspect the furnace filter. Clean or replace if necessary. Perform a heat balance by regulating air flow throughout the home by adjusting the dampers located inside the floor registers to direct more air flow as required.
Air conditioner Freezing up or not cooling effectively?
Check for dirty or clogged filters. Thermostat may be set too low resulting in condenser freeze-up. If you are using a programmable thermostat do not have temperature settings vary by more than two degrees.
BASEMENT TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
Moisture around perimeter walls?
More often than not, this is caused from condensation. Running a dehumidifier and using your ventilating fan located in your main bathroom will alleviate this situation.
Water has penetrated into basement?
Check foundation walls for cracks. Inspect that outside grading is sloping away from the wall. Ensure down-pipe spout is diverting water away from foundation. inspect irrigation system. Water should not be directed against the building.
Cracks on basement floor?
This is very normal as concrete shrinks. Cracks greater than 6mm in width should be brought to our attention.
Finished basements?
We recommend that you do not finish your basement within the first year of your possession date. Access is required to service your home during the warranty period.
Cold cellar does not cool in summer?
This is normal. Keep door open to allow cooler air to enter into room. Inspect air vent for blockage.
INTERIORS TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
Condensation on windows?
This is a common occurrence. Check relative humidity level. If moisture is excessive, review the following:
Ensure the dryer vent is fastened properly to exterior vent;
Use ventilating fan to remove moist air;
It might be necessary during the first few years to use a dehumidifier;
Lower or turn off Humidifier;
Run the range hood and bathroom fans;
Don’t keep your window coverings closed on your windows; they should be slightly open to allow the air to circulate around the window and not trap air. Quickly remove any moisture that accumulates on window sills.
Hardwood floors are creaking, buckling or gapping?
The humidity level in your home is not desirable. Low levels cause shrinkage gaps and creaks – typically in winter or dry months. High humidity in the summer months causes the flooring to swell and buckle. Maintain humidity at a consistent level. You may need to acquire a hygrometer (humidity gauge). Do not allow your electronic thermostat to operate at a wide range.
Gas Fireplace does not turn on?
Check to see if gas line is turned on. Make sure pilot flame is on. If problem persists, call for service as it is common for spiders to block burner orifice.
Service Guide
Customer Care For Your Home
Homes by John Bruce Robinson’s Service Guide will help you see available warranty options for issues that may appear in your new home. Click on the link below to view the Tarion performance construction guide line.
Tarion Construction Performance Guidelines
The Guidelines provide objective and uniform criteria that set out the minimum performance required in the construction of new homes in Ontario . They relate to work and materials deficiencies and complement the Ontario Building Code. In any case where a guideline is not consistent with a provision of the Ontario Building Code, the Ontario Building Code will prevail.
VIEW TARION CONSTRUCTION PERFORMACE GUIDELINES
Tarion Warranty Information
Tarion Warranty Corporation is in place to protect new home buyers and regulate new home builders. The New Home Warranties Plan Act outlines the warranty protection that new home builders must provide to their customers. Tarion helps ensure that builders follow the legislation put in place and protect customers when builders fail to fulfill their warranty obligations.
VIEW TARION WARRANTY INFORMATION
Maintenance Checklist
Routine home maintenance is a simple way to keep your new home functioning properly and problem free. You can also find more tips online, at Tarion.com.
Controlling the moisture in your new home is very important. New homes are built with special care to seal out the cold weather in the winter and keep in the cool air in the summer. There are guidelines for properly ventilating your home. Excess moisture in your new home can cause damage that would not be covered by the warranty. We recommend using your home’s ventilation system to control moisture, bathroom fans; kitchen range hoods also help control moisture levels.
Your home warranty covers problems related directly to the construction of your home. An issue that may arise from a lack of regular maintenance is not covered. A clean home, inside and out, can increase the longevity of your home.
Spring
MARCH
Clean furnace filter and heat recovery ventilator (HRV if installed)
Check attic
Check sump pump (if installed)
Clean humidifier
Remove snow and ice from overhang and vents
Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
APRIL
Check eaves troughs and downspouts
Clean furnace filter and HRV
Clean humidifier
Inspect basement or crawl spaces
Check roof for loose or cracked shingles
Check driveways and walks for frost damage
Check water heater for leaks
Turn on exterior water supply
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
MAY
Inspect fences
Check caulking for air and water leaks
Lubricate weatherstripping
Check exterior finishes
Check windows and screens are operating properly
Check and reset GFCI
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
Summer
JUNE
Inspect air conditioning (if installed)
Check roof
Check sheds and garages
Check sealing around windows and doors
Fertilize lawn
Check water heater
Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
JULY
Air out damp basements on dry, sunny day
Clean air conditioner (if installed)
Check exhaust fans
Check water heater for leaks
Check and reset GFCI
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
AUGUST
Clean air conditioner (if installed)
Air out damp basements on dry, sunny days
Inspect driveways and walks
Inspect doors and locks
Check and reset GFCI
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
Fall
SEPTEMBER
Check exterior finishes
Check garage door tracks and lubricate bearings
Check caulking for air and water leaks
Plant new lawn
Check fireplace and chimney
Check basement or crawl spaces
Have humidifier, furnace and HRV serviced
Check clothes dryer vent
Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
OCTOBER
Check windows and screens
Drain exterior water lines
Check roof including shingles, flashing and vents
Check weatherstripping
Check sealing around windows and doors
Winterize landscaping and remove leaves
Clean furnace filter and HRV
Clean water heater
Shut off exterior water supply
Check eaves troughs and downspouts
Clean humidifier
Check and reset GFCI
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
NOVEMBER
Inspect furnace filter. Clean or replace as necessary.
Check water heater for leaks.
Inspect humidifier and set control to appropriate setting.
Check range hood filter and clean if necessary.
Clear lint from clothes dryer exterior vent.
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
Winter
DECEMBER
Check air ducts
Check for excessive snow on roof
Clean furnace filter and heat recovery ventilator (HRV)
Clean humidifier
Check and reset ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
JANUARY
Clean furnace filter and HRV
Check furnace fan belt
Check water heater
Check exhaust fans
Clean humidifier
Remove snow and ice from roof overhang/vents
Check and reset GFCI
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
FEBRUARY
Clean furnace filter and HRV
Check inside surfaces
Remove snow and ice from roof overhang/vents
Check and reset GFCI