Mike Holmes brings out the problems – scary when you think about it.

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Mike Holmes.

Kind of a household name now.  The MAN to go to with the house problem(s).

I watched a few of his shows lately – I do find the problems he uncovers interesting, and noticed he really took a hit on the House Inspectors.  Yes, he tore apart the builders and renovators but it seemed every house inspector who did the initial job was unprofessional.  I know the world isn’t perfect but I hope his comments don’t cause people to turn away from house inspectors.

One point they don’t mention, but is quite obvious, is that Holmes has the LUXURY of being able to spot a problem and then dissect the house to find the cause.  Most house inspectors don’t have that option.  And, if they spot a problem but can’t really prove it, they may be reluctant to place such an observation in their report, have someone destroy a wall and, find nothing.  Potential lawsuit there.

Even builders will not listen to an observation.  I observed in my house that the front bay window did not have insulation.  The Mattamy rep told me that they would open it up but if it had insulation I’d pay the freight for the repair.  Something I could not financially afford at the time.  Later, when window repairs were necessary due to shoddy window installation, I found out I was right.  Lately the original window installers have been busy in the area and are distancing themselves from the original installers. Hmmm…..

So, make sure you hire a PROFESSIONAL HOUSE INSPECTOR and get references from people you know.  Even in the forums I lurk in I have seen good recommendations for house inspectors and, they participate and give good advice.  Look for them.

But, one thing is sure.  Holmes has shown a need for someone to check up on the builders.  In a re-sale, you have the right to have a house inspector written into the purchase agreement.  If they don’t agree, you can back out.  Try that with a builder.  Mattamy has even banned one inspector and makes others sign a form to stay quiet during a PDI.  Lot of help that is.

Holmes did a bit on a 7-year-old home and it had problems.  We know he did a show on a Mattamy and it had problems.  He doesn’t name the builders or renovators but, those in the area can certainly recognize the models and see what the issues are and compare with their own house.

But, it is too late once the walls are up.  Major reno time then – just watch Holmes’ show to see just how much work is needed.  And, the real sore point is that you already paid to have a good house and now have to pay to fix what they did wrong.  Having a house inspector monitor construction would alleviate most problems or, future problems on re-sales.  Imagine buying some of these new houses, Mattamy or otherwise, now that you know they weren’t perfect to begin with.  Some people prefer re-sales as they think the issues are corrected but now we know – not all are.

I’m watching another Holmes show – the one about the addition.  It is scary that this can happen and, you can’t depend on a building inspector to really help you.  Yes, they charge you for the permit but, you’re on your own when it comes to quality.  In my case, the building inspector passed a furnace wired to the house next door.  Town of Oakville quality I guess.

All I can say is, keep watching the Holmes shows and get an education on what can happen.  It will help you to determine if your house inspector is up to snuff.  It would be nice if the industry was licenced and I know those who are professionals would like to see some certification.

And, for changing the law to protect you.  Don’t count on it.  Remember, our politicians get most of their donations from the building industry (contractors, developers and real estate).

Your voice is way down there.

Me, I got the bully boys from Mattamy who tried to deal with me.  They did look buff in their Mattamy T-Shirts.

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* The above is intended to show the reader examples of how to obtain a house inspector, no matter which builder you buy from. Remember, awards and advertising are designed to make you buy, not ensure you quality. We’ve shown that awards are not the standard on which to base your decision on. My use of my experiences are not made to embarass Mattamy Homes or Peter Gilgan but, are used because they are based on fact and show the larger picture that a house inspector is a requirement when buying a house, new or old from any builder. My experience only shows that in fact it can happen and is a fact of life. Your experiences with Mattamy may have differed.

Do you know your TARION GUIDELINES? Fail them and it is big money.

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If you are a new homebuyer (of a brand new home or one that has been built recently) there is one thing you had better get under your belt and that is – TARION WARRANTY GUIDELINES & TIMELINES.

If you screw up on those, you might as well kiss your butt goodbye if there is any kind of warranty issue.  Yes, there are some builders who might bend the timeline a bit and help out but if you are counting on that, I’ve got some swampland that Mattamy missed for you to buy.

You know that I highly recommend you hire a professional house inspector to protect your interest.  They will have a good idea of the timelines and what needs to be done.  As well, a bit if surfing the net will lead you to various homeowner forums where you can get advice on this. 

But remember, when it comes down to the rubber hitting the road, you’ve only got yourself to trust when it comes to crunch time.  So, make sure you are fully aware of the Tarion Guidelines BEFORE YOU PURCHASE THE HOME.

Yes, before, so you can be an educated buyer and this reduces the chance of a less than honest sales person trying to sell you the farm when you only want a house.  Remember – their sole task is to separate you from a large sum of money with a promise that they will build you a palace.  If you have read any of my blog you will realize that you are not really guaranteed a properly finished home.  Even Tarion has its own issues.  Don’t forget, most of their directors are involved in the building industry – they are policing their own. 

After taking possession of their new home, homeowners should note the specific anniversary dates of the first, second and seven year warranties. For example, if the possession date of a home is August 5, 2003 the first year warranty would expire at midnight on August 4, 2004; the second year warranty would expire at midnight on August 4, 2005; and the seven year warranty would expire at midnight on August 4, 2010. Tarion cannot respond to complaints unless there is written proof that the problem was reported to us within the applicable warranty period.

http://www.tarion.com/Warranty-Protection/Warranty-Coverage/Pages/default.aspx

Go to the following link for the full Tarion treatment and make sure you understand how it will affect you.  If you don’t understand some of the legal stuff, consult your lawyer – let them work for that money you are paying them for the house.

Tarion: http://www.tarion.com/Pages/default.aspx

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What’s it all about Mattamy – Aftercare – can you spell the word?

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No home is perfect – no matter what builder you have.  That is why you should even hire a house inspector for homes other than Mattamy Homes.  I just use them as an example as they seem to prove my point – hire a house inspector to protect your home/investment.

But, to separate the professional from the non-professonional builder, the cutsey ad builder from the dedicated and the proof is in the pudding customer oriented builder, it comes down to the fact that they recognize there will be mistakes and do all they can to ensure all is put right.  Hey, you are the homebuyer, the customer and, the ultimate critic of the house who is stuck in the end with what you have got.  Speculators just want to turn a house and make a profit so they address problems with a quick paint job.  You, a homebuilder, want a home that will last, look good to your friends and be as minimal with the maintenance as possible.  Who likes to start off in a new house having to do major maintenance.  Especially at the prices they are soaking you with today.

Linda Zuber in Milton is still waiting 7 years later for Mattamy to respond in a professional manner.

Here is her story:

New Home Purchase Purchased my home 7 years ago and still waiting for outstanding issues to be addressed. They won’t be I’m sure – until I go to the press! Multiple supervisors, workers, vendors acknowledged a major issue with the HVAC system, finally acknowledging that duct work issues prevailed. Architectural drawings in hand two Mattamy representatives finally showed me where ducts were to be that were never installed and described the process to repair. Walls would have to be removed and duct work fixed/replaced. I approved only to have them try to convince me it would be a lot of work and messy. Not my problem – fix it, repair it, replace it and clean up after yourselves I said. But alas, all these years later I awake with nose bleeds; a furnace that isn’t vented properly, an air conditioner they installed that runs 24/7 without cooling, etc. etc. So I finally have an HVAC company determine the extent of work and price and find myself faced with many thousands of dollars worth of work to be carried out. Well Mattamy, I’ve got news for you. I’m not paying for the shabby workmanship carried out by your sub-contractors. You’ll be given a final chance to respond to me and make good or I’ll see what attention I can garner through the press. In this highly competitive yet slowing housing market I’m sure this isn’t the type of press you seek.

Oh and the warped doors that you attempted to repair rather than replace – they too require replacement now including the door leading to the garage from the house – the entire frame has cracked and buckled, cold air is seeping through and I can no longer lock the door! Not only am I losing heat but now feel unsafe. I had to add a screen door to the entrance off the kitchen too – you see when I stood on a cold snowy day by the door that Mattamy installed I would become covered in a dusting of snow! Seriously! They came by and saw this and determined that by simply shaving down the door jam my problem would be fixed. I still wrap this door every winter to help avoid the heat loss and snow accumulation.

Go with a smaller builder, one that earns your trust and money. Bigger is not better. Unless of course they choose to fulfill their promise of after sales service. Better late than never!

And what about C B in Mississauga:

We have been very pleased with our home thus far. My only problem is that, it seems that the builder will do anything for you up to the day you close. After that, they’ll fix certain things because they have to, or if you bug them enough. Believe me, after one year, the less they can do and get away with is their motto, it seems. In my view, I think that we’ve made the biggest purchase of our lives and the builder should do better to help you address any issues that come up.

– – – – – – –  

Both have issues with aftercare.  You might get the perfect home at first but once you live there, the faults start showing up. 

Maybe after you have filled in the J.D. Power and Associates survey for them giving them first place. 

Just how much can you discover on a short PDI, especially when Mattamy stops you from having a house inspector.  Why would they either stop or make it hard to have a professional accompany you on a fact-finding PDI?  Thank god, once you own the place, you can bring in the heavy weights to help you in what might be a bit of a battle in terms of aftercare. 

And don’t forget to document,document and document along with follow the timelines and get your lawyer in early.

And ask the question. 

Why would Peter Gilgan’s old Edgemere home have to be torn down after only 15 years?  Poor aftercare maybe?  🙂

I forgot – he probably wasn’t the builder.

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Thanks to all my readers

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As we go into 2011 I am sure that Mattamy and the other builders will give me lots to write about. It is a shame that instead of fixing some of the problems, they continue to work in the same old way. Even Mattamy didn’t learn their lesson in Ottawa and I understand continue to sell homes even though they don’t have final approval. I think the lawyers for the buyers should be more creative in preparing the purchase offers so as to protect them.

And, I understand it is a booming business for house inspectors. A number of years ago, it would have been unthinkable that you would hire a house inspector for a new build. Builders like Mattamy only have themselves to blame for this trend – a trend that will protect future homebuyers from less than perfect builders. Maybe Peter Gilgan will start a new business – Mattamy House Inspections. He certainly knows the problems. 🙂  

I wonder if he would sign the same form Mattamy forces house inspectors to sign.  Only someone afraid of what might be found would try to control a hired house inspector through some legal flim flam paperwork.

Well, I got my year end stats from WordPress and, I must say thank you to all those who have taken the time to visit my blog.

Oakville Homes was in the WOW category!!!!

I only hope that the information in this blog has stimulated people to protect themselves when buying a new or, old home.  Make sure you have a qualified lawyer (real estate not criminal), a knowledgeable real estate agent if buying resale and most of all, a professional house inspector that will guide you through the process and ensure you are not only aware of the issues in your house, but give you advice on how to proceed to protect your investment.  If you can afford the upgrade, you can afford the house inspector.  In fact, you can’t afford to not hire a house inspector. 

Take care and all the best in 2011

May 2011 be better than 2010 and not as good as 2012

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Mattamy still not up to snuff according to some.

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It is disheartening to still read about people who have been exposed to the Mattamy treatment.  Not the one you see advertised but the one experienced in the “Mattamy Reality Show”.  Instead of believing the surveys, which seem to be fixed according to some, you would think they would try to build a home with minimal problems.  For some reason, a search of the internet shows fewer problems with other builders.  Either the people who buy from other builders don’t complain as much or, they in fact do get a better build or better after-sale warranty work.  Either way, Mattamy seems to have most of the complaints.

Here’s a couple from a forum in the Milton area:

“I’ve heard good things about Northstar as well and they usually build pretty upscale homes so we’re excited to see the interior/exterior quality. We’re moving from a Mattamy home in the escarpment area and I had nothing but disappointment with their build quality.”

AND:

“Yes I’ve heard Mattamy has been slacking in quality of build…a friend of mine just moved into her new mattamy home in April and already had problems with water leaks when it rains.”

Instead of trying to make himself look good in the press with the donations, Peter Gilgan should invest in some good post-sale warranty work and try and make some homeowners happy.  He tried the bully boy tactics on me.  Maybe building a quality home might be better.
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If you hate Tarion – read this……..

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One of my links on the side blogroll is for “Canadians for Properly Built Homes”.  A group formed to advocate on behalf of homeowners against  what I will call “Cowboy Builders”.  You know – those builders who promise you the world and move you into “Hells Kitchen, Bathroom, Living Room, etc”.

I just got an email from them asking me to support a petition in support of an Ontario Bill – Bill 98, a private bill put forward by MPP Andrea Horwath.  The short story is that this bill will amend the“Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act” to give oversight of Tarion and the power to deal with unresolved complaints t the Ombudsman of Ontario.  

In other words, if you have a complaint that Tarion hasn’t been looking after YOU, the homeowner, you can lodge a complaint with the Ombudsman regarding Tarion and the builder.

If you feel that this is important to support go to this link, print out the petition, give it to friends and relatives and any one abused by a builder or Tarion and send it to:  MPP Andrea Horwath, Rm. 114, Main Building, Queen’s Park, Toronto, ON  M7A 1A5  (416) 325-2777.  And remember, the postage is FREE……..

For the CBC story on this go to this link.

Here is the basis for this petition and it reflects complaints from YOU, the homeowner.

WHEREAS homeowners have purchased a newly built home in good faith and often soon find  they are victims of construction defects, often including Ontario Building Code violations, such as faulty heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, leaking roofs, cracked foundations, etc. ,

 WHEREAS often when homeowners seek restitution and repairs from the builder and  the Tarion Warranty Corporation, they encounter an unwieldy and bureaucratic system that often fails to compensate them for the high cost of repairing these construction defects, while the builder often escapes with impunity,

 WHEREAS  the Tarion Warranty Corporation is supposed to be an important part of consumer protection system in Ontario related to newly built homes,

 WHEREAS the government to date has ignored calls to make its Tarion agency truly accountable to consumers,

 BE IT RESOLVED that we the undersigned support MPP Cheri DiNovo’s private members bill which calls for the Ombudsman to be given oversight of Tarion and the power to deal with unresolved complaints

Lets see some support for MPP Andrea Horwath and hopefully we will get some support against builders like Mattamy, who have seen fit to just forget about us, the homeowner and our desire to have a quality home.  Unless you like to pay big bucks for sub-standard homes.
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Pssst, want a bargain?….. Mattamy’s flogging houses in Brampton cheap…….

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The ads scream that Mattamy will give you up to $15,000 to close early on a house.  Close early?  Mattamy?  Isn’t this the same company that causes traffic jams with the people lining up the night before to buy a house and brags they all get sold out in a day?  Guess not….

Mattamy ads in today’s Toronto Star and Toronto Sun are stating if you buy in Brampton (Mount Pleasant Village) you can close early on a house.  And what about those people who stood in line and bought?  They just saw their new next door neighbour save $15,000 by waiting.  I guess Mattamy must have some excess stock.  Sales not going as planned?

But what must really burn is that Mattamy will undercut their price to flog some stock yet, those people in Ottawa who had their deposits held for 2 years and never got a home just got their money back, sans any interest.  Nothing else, no apology and just an excuse blaming Ottawa.  A city that was doing its job protecting the environment.  Something Mattamy has been shown to be a little forgetful at times.   Must be nice to hold onto that kind of money for that long and give nothing for it while, you reduce prices on homes in an area shortly after shafting others with the higher prices.  Nice way to build community spirit Mattamy.  Maybe donate something up in Brampton and make people forget.

I also noticed in the Sun ad there is no mention of the J.D. Power awards, just the minor BILD awards.  In the Star they mention the BILD and point out they were in the top 3 for five years running in the J.D. Power award.  They don’t mention last place in Ottawa though.  Isn’t there something about truth in advertising and showing the whole picture?  Or are we playing selective truths?
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Mr. Gilgan, why would I hire a house inspector?

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Yes, why would I hire a house inspector, considering it is a new home built by a professional builder and obviously inspected by municipal inspectors.  What more do I need?

For those who have read my blog about Mattamy, I am sure by now you understand that even builders like Mattamy don’t always treat you the homeowner with respect or professionally. 

Do I need say “illegal wiring” or “donation”?

Well, here is an article that should show you what you are up against.  Now, if you are totally confident that you can best a builder in the battle for a properly built house, don’t bother wasting your time reading this but, I’d suggest you find a good lawyer to help you later.

Inspections: If these walls could talk

January 03, 2009

Tracy Hanes

Toronto Star

After almost a year of living in their new townhouse in Uxbridge, Libby McCready and her husband figured there was little wrong with their home. But Libby’s parents, who had bought several new houses over the years, urged them to take the time to fill out the Tarion new home warranty program’s one-year report listing any issues.

As neither Libby nor her husband had much knowledge or experience with home building or repairs, they hired home inspector Brian Daley to have a look.

“We wanted to make sure we caught everything but we’re not handy,” says McCready. “Brian found a number of things we never would have noticed. The stuff he found came as a surprise.”

The most significant defect Daley found was that the clothes dryer hadn’t been vented properly, thus was not blowing outdoors but into insulation, which could have eventually caused a moisture and mould issue. He also noted that the plumbing to a toilet in a seldom-used second bathroom wasn’t on the right angle for flushing, that a promised rough-in for an electrical fan for the fireplace was not completed and that attic insulation had been flattened in places.

Armed with Daley’s report and digital photos, the McCreadys filled out the Tarion Warranty Corp. forms by the one-year deadline and as a result, those issues are covered. If they hadn’t submitted the report in time, their builder would not have been obligated to repair the defects.

“Although everything turned out fine, I’d never move in to a brand-new house again without having a home inspection done right away,” says McCready. “I would have rather had a comprehensive list of the problems from the start, as we’d lived here for almost a year and some of the issues could have caused problems. The inspection was totally worthwhile.”

Unfortunately, most new homebuyers mistakenly “believe their new house is perfect,” says Daley, when that’s seldom the case. That’s why Daley and Charters Kenny, both registered home inspectors (RHI), have launched New Home Inspections, a company that specializes exclusively in new home warranty inspections in the GTA and beyond.

Other home inspectors, such as Milton RHI and engineering technologist Martin Sweeney of A Home Inspection Company Inc. have also started offering warranty inspections in addition to their regular inspections of resale homes. Sweeney began doing new home inspections and preparing Tarion documents for homeowners as new development boomed in Halton Region.

New homes in Ontario are covered by the Tarion warranty for deposit insurance, protection against defects in work and materials, against unauthorized substitutions and against delayed closings and occupancies without proper notice. The most common claims relate to defects in work and materials, which require homeowners to submit a list of deficiencies at 30-day and one-year deadlines.

While builders provide a pre-delivery inspection (PDI) for buyers to note defects, Daley and Sweeney say these are more geared to cosmetic issues, such as nicks in drywall and whether the right flooring, cabinetry, etc. are provided. Those inspections usually don’t include checks of the attic, of heating and cooling systems or an in-depth exploration of the house’s structure and systems. And while independent third-party inspections take about three hours, PDI inspections are usually far briefer.

Daley says outside a new home, his company checks drainage and grading, looks for foundation defects, checks installation of siding and brickwork, roof installation and venting. Inside, they inspect walls, windows, floors, ceilings and doors for structural issues, check that stairs are properly supported, plumbing fixtures and fittings properly installed, that insulation in attics, basements, etc. is sufficient and will see if the heating system is distributing air properly.

“I often find insulation is insufficient or missing in attics,” says Sweeney. “Sometimes, vapour barrier hasn’t been installed, and on the roof I might find that nail heads haven’t been caulked and sealed, which will eventually cause moisture to seep in.”

He says it’s difficult for the average homeowner to have knowledge of the systems and techniques used to build a house. For example, the new tankless hot water heaters and heat recovery ventilators are “really sophisticated pieces of equipment.” He often finds HRV units haven’t been correctly installed.

Daley says his company finds an average of 30 defect items during a warranty inspection and Sweeney says his list usually includes 20 to 30. J.D. Power and Associates’ 2008 survey of GTA new home buyers found that the proportion of homes delivered “defect-free” in the GTA market was 12 per cent in 2008 (which means 88 per cent had defects). The total number of construction problems noted by buyers was down to 21 per home in 2008 from 23 per home in the previous year, according to the J.D. Power study, which includes only large volume GTA builders.

“It’s not because most builders aren’t doing a good job or are taking shortcuts,” says Daley, but because homebuilding involves numerous complex systems.

Most large builders rely on sub-trades and as many as 30 different trades can be involved in the building of a home, says Daley – and it’s unlikely all were supervised during the building process. Because they are piece workers, saving time and money is their No. 1 goal, says Daley, which may compromise quality.

Municipal building inspectors are responsible for checking every aspect of a house as it is being built, but it’s virtually impossible to do this effectively in a subdivision, says Daley.

“What generally happens is they check a small percentage of homes in hopes the builders will follow their requirements for the rest of the homes.”

While a builder may offer to provide one of his own reps for a warranty inspection, “it is not in the builders’ interest to find fault in their own work.” Daley says some builders have the best intentions, but it’s more likely that their inspector will find fewer defects than a third-party professional.

Daley’s company charges $375 per inspection and Sweeney charges $340 to $400, depending on the size of the house. Inspectors from both companies can help fill out Tarion warranty forms.

Anyone considering hiring a home inspector should call at least three different companies before making a decision, Daley suggests. Those with RHI designation have extensive training and are insured. A good place to start a search for a home inspector is with the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors.
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*** my blog does not endorse any individual house inspector but does endorse the hiring of same for a new home purchase.  Check with neighbours, internet forums, etc for references.  Ensure your inspector has done professional jobs in the past.

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Mattamy Homes listens to Andy Shaw, Halton Home Inspection

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<Mattamy Homes, like most builders, I am sure is capable of building a quality home.  My first home, built by Townwood Homes, had some issues – issues that were dealt with quickly and professionally by the builder.  In my case with Mattamy, it was quite the opposite.  But, as I read in one forum, they seem to impress some people.

” I think sometimes the people complaining are the ones that go into this with unrealistic ideas in their mind. We are not talking about a small thing here they are building a house and a ton of things can prevent them from getting it done on time. Lets be real here, they get no benefit from delaying things at all, its in thier best interest to get things done on time or as close as possible to it.

And personally i havent found any other builder with floor plans as fantastic as theirs! ”

This lead to another forum at this link where quality issues were discussed.  

Some of the problems discussed were:  

– a number of issues with the roof such as wrong direction of starter strip at all eaves, overhanging shingles at eave, etc. – quite wide cracks in the brick;

– HRV intake vent is installed too low above grade (which I know is very common in Mattamy homes)

– loose basements stair rail

Problems with Mattamy, Tarion, the trades, inspectors, etc, etc, etc.  The usual problems that seem to revolve around Mattamy homes.  What was interesting was that a home inspector, Andy Shaw of Halton Home Inspection Service, took it upon himself to meet with Mattamy officials and discuss the problem of people trying to have work done and being put off by warranty people. 

I quote the following:

“As a result of this meeting, I will be providing my clients with a form to fill in when a person gives you excuses regarding a legitimate issue or if they deny code issues.

You will need to have –

1) date and time of the conversation.

2) the issue.

3) the full name and phone number of the warranty person.

4) and, the exact reason / excuse that they say they will not fix it. ”

Something you should keep in mind when dealing with these issues during your PDI and other times.  Myself, I’d take a picture of the issue as well for proof. 

I’m not sure if this will work, and I use my case as an example.  I took all this down, a picture of the permit and even took the complaint to then mayor Ann Mulvale and nothing happened.  Nada.

But, having read Andy Shaw’s viewpoint on builders, I am sure he will make a go of this.  Good luck and remember all – the above recording of an event is good advice.  Kind of thing to you can throw at Tarion as well.

And one closing question for those who feel they can do their own inspections.  Do you know about starter strips?  I doubt if most do.

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Do you know how to do a PDI or house inspection?

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As previously noted, a builder might not want you to have a house inspector with you on your PDI and, some inspectors prefer to come at a later date so they have more time to get into the construction of your home.  So, what should you do on your PDI if you are alone or accompanied with your spouse, favourite uncle, etc.

One, bring your own paper, pen and digital camera to make notes and document anything you bring up.  Just because the builder has an impressive clipboard and pad of paper doesn’t mean all what you note will be recorded.  And remember, don’t be put off by the builder who states that cosmetic issues are not part of the TARION PDI.  You want all this stuff on record for future reference and, you don’t want the builder saying you caused the scratches, damage etc.  I know someone who had beautiful wood floors that were damaged by the movers.  But, what if the scratches were there before the movers and you have no documentation.  Then you are caught between a rock and a hard place.

DOCUMENT EVERYTHING VIA PAPER AND PICTURE AND DON’T LET THEM PUSH YOU.

Here is a NON-INCLUSIVE listing from Tarion on what to check on your PDI.

DAMAGED, INCOMPLETE OR MISSING and OPERATING CONDITION
• Windows, side lights and other glazing. Window
and door screens
• Windows, interior and exterior doors (including
garage overhead door). Door locks
• Bathtubs, sinks and toilets • Faucets: kitchen, bathroom, laundry room
• Bathroom accessories, if provided • Exhaust fans (kitchen, bathrooms), if provided
• Mirrors, countertops and cabinetry • Electrical outlets and fixtures
• Flooring (hardwood, vinyl, ceramic tiles, carpeting) • Gas fireplaces, incl. circulation fans, if provided
• Interior finishes and trim carpentry • Heat Recovery Ventilation system, if provided
• Furnace • Heating system
• Hot water heater, if provided (not a rental) • Hot water heater, if provided (not a rental)
• Exterior finishes, driveways, walkways, decks and
landscaping are complete
• Air conditioning system, if provided and if
conditions permit

Of course, look at cosmetic issues and Tarion does recommend checking these off as the builder may/will blame the movers or you once you move in.

Now, here is a list from a house inspector.  With them, you get a much more in-depth inspection but, it can wait for the 30 day, as long as you do your homework on the PDI.

structural components including foundation and framing, including probing a representative number of structural
components where deterioration is suspected or where clear indications of possible deterioration exist.

exterior wall covering, flashing and trim.                                       

exterior doors.

attached decks, balconies, stoops, steps, porches, and their associated railings.       

eaves, soffits, and fascias where accessible from the ground level.

vegetation, grading, surface drainage, and retaining walls on the property when any of these are likely to
adversely affect the building.

walkways, patios, and driveways leading to dwelling entrances.

roof covering.     

roof drainage systems.           

roof flashings.       

skylights, chimneys, and roof penetrations

interior water supply and distribution systems including all fixtures and faucets.

drain, waste and vent systems including all fixtures.                       

water heating equipment.

vent systems, flues, and chimneys.                               

fuel storage and fuel distribution systems.

drainage sumps, sump pumps, and related piping.

electrical service drop.                                               

electrical service entrance conductors, cables, and raceways.

electrical service equipment and main disconnects.                       

electrical service grounding.

interior components of electrical service panels and sub panels.       

electrical conductors.

electrical overcurrent protection devices.                  

a representative number of installed lighting fixtures, switches, and receptacles.       

ground fault circuit interrupters.

installed heating equipment.       

heating vent systems, flues, and chimneys

installed central and through-wall cooling equipment.

interior walls, ceilings, and floors.                                

steps, stairways, and railings.

countertops and a representative number of installed cabinets.       

a representative number of doors and windows.

garage doors and garage door operators.

insulation and vapor retarders in unfinished spaces.       

ventilation of attics and foundation areas.

mechanical ventilation systems.

fireplace system components.       

fireplace vent systems, flues, and chimney

and, the list doesn’t stop here but, I ran out of space..
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