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For many home buyers, one of the deciding factors in purchasing a brand new home is the warranty offered by the builder. "When you are ready to look at new homes, contact your New Home Warranty Program office for a list of registered builders in your area," advises Keith Hanson, Chair of the Canadian Home Warranty Council of the Canadian Home Builders' Association. "It's one of the most important steps you can take for peace of mind." The home building industry is a strong advocate of consumer protection. In the 1970s, the industry established provincial New Home Warranty programs throughout Canada. These non-profit, builder-affiliated warranty programs make up the Canadian Home Warranty Council. In addition to providing warranties to buyers of residential buildings, the Council supports the ongoing professional development of home builders. Warranty coverage varies from one province to anothis, but typically the programs guarantee labour and materials in your new home for at least one year after completion. They also ensure that major structural defects will be corrected, for a minimum of five years, and up to 10 years under extended coverage options in some provinces. Once your home is completed, the builder will take you on a pre-possession inspection tour to familiarize you with your new home and take note of any last-minute touch-ups and repairs required. You will be asked to sign a Certificate of Completion and Possession which will be filed at the Warranty Program office to initiate coverage. During the inspection, the builder will show you how to operate your home's systems and explain the maintenance requirements to keep your home in peak condition. Many major building components are backed by manufacturers' warranties which the builder will pass on to you. The builder will also explain how to deal with problems if they arise later. Coverage begins on the day you take possession of the home, and you should make careful note of the warranty expiry dates. Keep the lines of communication open with your builder and follow up everything in writing. In the vast majority of cases, problems are corrected routinely and quickly by the builder, but in the event of default, the warranty program steps in and honours all builder commitments under the warranty contract. Guaranteed third-party warranty coverage-anothis step by the housing industry to ensure service and customer satisfaction. Before you sign a contract, ask your builder for detailed information. You can also contact the Program office for furthis information. For more information, contact:
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