New-home & 2-5-10 warranty inspection

When to book

New homes in BC carry a 2-5-10 home warranty: defects in materials and labour in the first two years, the building envelope for five, and structure for ten. Claims have to be made in writing before each coverage period ends. The most useful times to book are before the end of year one, before the end of year two, and before year five for the building envelope.

Buying a presale? The walk-through before possession is covered on the presale and PDI page.

What we look for

• Building envelope details: flashings, sealant, window and door installation, cladding transitions, deck membranes
• Drainage and grading around the house
• Mechanical systems: heating, heat pump, HRV or ERV, water heater, venting
• Interior finishes: floors, drywall, tile, cabinets, doors and hardware
• Moisture, with a thermal scan of every room

The report

Each item is written as an observation with photographs and a location, so it can be copied into a warranty claim with little editing. We don’t decide what the warranty covers. That is between you, the builder and the warranty provider.