Buyers in Ottawa are now being encouraged by a national organization to seriously ensure that their properties are built properly, as reported by CBC News.
The initiative came into existence after building code violations were found in no less than nine homes in the Cardinal Creek neighbourhood after owners had already settled. While the units didn't pass the minimum standards for health and safety, people were still allowed to move in.
Karen Somerville, co-founder of Canadians for Properly Built Homes, pointed out that there is a problem in the way the City of Ottawa handles such matters.
She said that the Cardinal Creek incident is an example where the flaws of both the City of Ottawa's building inspection process and the province's new home warranty programs can be observed.
"You can't rely on those safety nets and you really need to do your own research and invest your own time," Somerville said.
To avoid compromising situations, the following measures were suggested. First, buyers must try not to let excitement get ahead of them, and must ensure that the property is carefully inspected before moving in.
To do so, Homeowners were recommended to hire both a lawyer with experience in purchasing new homes and a building inspector who can find building code violations.
Another essential: include a condition in the contract which permits a home inspector to check in on the construction from time to time.
Finally, should a building code violation be identified, ensure that it gets fixed before fully taking ownership of (or moving into) the home.
