Keep in touch with your builder

You just signed on the dotted line. You are wondering if you have made the right decision. You are wondering if you asked the salesperson all the right questions.

If you are having any of these feelings you are not alone. Buying a new home is both an exciting and hectic time.

The Ontario New Home Warranty Program (ONHWP) has some helpful suggestions that will help put your mind at ease.

	Once you have signed the Agreement of Purchase and Sale you will want to know what happens next. Ask your builder's representative if you will continue to deal with them on colour selections or with someone else.
	Ask for your builder's policy on visiting the site during construction. While your home is being constructed you are a visitor on site. Your builder is responsible for your health and safety while you are on site and must adhere to strict safety guidelines. Your builder will also be working hard to ensure that your new home is completed on time. Most builders will make every effort to schedule supervised visits, although maybe not until construction is almost completed . Please respect and abide by your builder's policy on site visitation.
	What should you do if you spot problems with the home during the construction process? Ask your builder how and who you should contact if you have questions or concerns regarding the construction of your new home.
	Ask about the rules around flexibility of move-in dates. There may be occasions when the builder needs to extend your closing date. You should become familiar with when and how the builder must notify you of any changes to the closing date, or in the case of condominiums, the occupancy date.
	Ask when you will be contacted to make selections for interior colours, floor finishes and exterior finishes, etc. Each builder has a different policy for finalizing selections so that construction is not delayed.
	Ask if and when your builder will consider changes to the design layout. Do not be disappointed because it was too late to make a change. Don't assume that a change will be made just because you have requested it. Most builders will have to review your request and send back confirmation in writing that they have accepted your change. There is also the potential for additional costs associated with changes and/or upgrades. Understand your builder's policy on these issues. To avoid disagreements later on, always document requests in writing and ensure that it is signed by you and your builder.
	Ask for an explanation of any short forms or abbreviations that you may not understand and for any printed information your builder may have that you could be reading while your new home is under construction. Forging excellent communication links with your builder right from the start will put your mind at ease and it will make the entire process of moving from purchaser to owner so much more pleasant for you