Get ready to take the first step

Some home builders call it the possession inspection, and others may call it an occupancy inspection, or pre-occupancy inspection. Your new home inspection is the first step towards receiving the keys to your new home — this is your opportunity to confirm that work on your new home is complete and satisfactory or to identify any outstanding items. 

As you conduct your new home inspection, you and your builder will look for deficiencies. Note deficiencies identified and agreed by you and your builder during this inspection must be repaired or completed to fulfill the agreements in your contract.  

Another purpose of the inspection is to orient you to your new home and all its features, including demonstrations of equipment and useful information on homeowner maintenance and upkeep. 

A thorough inspection and comprehensive orientation of your new home can take several hours and require full attention. 

Look for deficiencies and become familiar with your heating and ventilation system 

During your new home inspection, you and your builder will focus on two main subjects: 

  1. Identifying Deficiencies:
    Deficiencies are those items in the home that are missing, incomplete, damaged or not working. They can include cosmetic issues associated with fit, finish, or appearance that require additional work to meet the quality standard.
  2. Becoming familiar with your HVAC system:
    Todays new homes must have properly designed and maintained heating and ventilation systems to provide the neccessary comfort, control of humidity and clean fresh air into the home. To ensure your new home continues to operate as designed, becoming familiar with the proper operation and maintenance is a very important step in new home ownership.

Note: damage identifed after you have taken possession of the home is not covered under your new home warranty. Take the neccessary time to thoroughly inspect each room or space during your pre-possession Inspection

Conduct your new home inspection 

We strongly recommend that you note any deficiencies on a Pre-possession Walkthrough Form signed by both you and your builder. Be sure to keep a copy of the signed inspection documents. Your builder should respond to every item noted on the form within a reasonable timeframe. 

During your new home inspection, pay close attention to: 

  • Sinks, tubs and plumbing fixtures 
  • Countertops and cabinets 
  • Windows and screens 
  • Doors, trim and hardware 
  • Tile, carpet, hardwood floors and resilient flooring 
  • Paint and drywall 
  • Tile, carpet, hardwood floors and resilient flooring 
  • Appliances (function and finish) 

 If poor weather hampers your exterior inspection, arrange with your builder to complete the exterior inspection at another time. 

Be sure to note any damage and arrange it with your builder to have it repaired. Damage is not considered a defect or deficiency and is not covered under your new home warranty. 

Your inspection sign-off 

You’re responsible for approving the overall finish of your home by signing the appropriate documents and noting any items that need to be completed or repaired. Other items not readily apparent during the inspection but identified after possession, are covered by the builder’s warranty and backed by the Alberta New Home Warranty Program. Notify your builder if there are new deficiencies identified after possession and be sure to review your coverage dates on your New Home Warranty Policy. You can reach out to us anytime to discuss your concerns or get more information on making a claim.