What Tarion Coverage Includes
Tarion warranty covers defects in workmanship and materials, unauthorized substitutions, and issues like water penetration for a set period after closing. Different components of your home have different coverage lengths, with some items covered for one year and structural issues covered for much longer.
Key Warranty Timelines
Generally there is a one year warranty covering most defects, a two year warranty covering things like windows and electrical issues, and a seven year warranty specifically for major structural defects. Knowing which timeline applies to your issue determines how you file a claim.
- One year general coverage
- Two year specific items
- Seven year major structural defects
How to File a Claim
You typically submit a form to your builder first, and if unresolved, escalate to Tarion directly within specific reporting windows. Keeping records, photos, and dates of when you first noticed an issue strengthens your claim, so document problems as soon as you spot them.
What Is Not Covered
Normal wear and tear, damage from your own renovations, and cosmetic issues not reported within the required window generally are not covered. Reading your warranty booklet carefully when you take possession helps you understand the boundaries of coverage.
Why This Matters for Financing
While Tarion coverage does not directly affect your mortgage, protecting your investment in a new build matters for long term value and resale. Buyers financing new construction should factor potential future repair timelines into their overall homeownership budget, even with warranty protection in place.
Frequently asked questions
- Does Tarion cover condos as well as houses?
- Yes, new condo units are covered under similar warranty principles, though common elements of the building are typically the responsibility of the condo corporation to pursue.
- What if my builder does not respond to a warranty claim?
- You can escalate unresolved issues directly to Tarion within the applicable reporting period, and they will investigate and mediate the claim.
- Do I need to pay for Tarion coverage separately?
- No, the warranty is included as part of buying a new home in Ontario and the enrollment is handled by the builder, though the cost is generally built into the home's price.