Let’s be real, building a new home in Canada is no joke. There are months of sweat, blood and tears that go into the project. With unforeseen delays and expenses that pile up, you can’t wait for it to be over.
When the dust finally settles, you start to see your construction take shape. You know it’s almost time to step into your newly built home. An exciting fresh start to look forward to. Everything is in pristine condition, and you’ll be making the first-ever memories in the new space.
Unlike older homes, moving into a new build comes with its own set of considerations that aren’t always obvious. Things like inspecting for defects, understanding your new home warranty, and testing appliances, just to name a few.
This guide outlines the top things you need to do before moving into your new build in Canada. It’s super important to safeguard your investment (because let’s be real, you’ve put a lot of cash into it).
This walkthrough is also known as a Pre-Possession or Pre-Delivery Inspection.
This is your chance to walk through the home and inspect everything carefully with the contractor or site supervisor.
Go room by room and document:
Tip: Take lots of photos and make detailed notes. It helps determine what your contractor is responsible for post-move-in.
Canadian new home warranties are often referred to as “1-2-5-10” or “2-5-10”. This signifies that the warranties cover different parts of the home over the following set time periods.
Coverage is mandatory in B.C. and Alberta and available in all provinces and territories.
Top tip: Stay organised by filing all manuals, warranties, and contacts for appliances and systems. Pencil in the deadlines for submitting repair requests or any deficiencies within the home.
Before you move in, you are going to want to do the following so that your home is fully functioning by the time you get there:
You’ll thank yourself later for doing these tasks ahead of time.
Go around the entire building and do a full sweep. Document anything that doesn’t work properly while you’re still under warranty.
There’s a good chance that many people would have had access to the home already, including builders, tradespeople, and realtors.
If you are concerned about security, then consider:
Some of the dust caused by home construction (especially drywall) is incredibly fine. It can linger even after a post-construction clean. Debris has a way of sneaking into nooks and crannies and is easy to miss. You'll certainly need to give the inside of your cabinetry, baseboards, vents and light fixtures special attention.
If you are short on time, hire a professional cleaner to do a thorough move-in deep clean. Otherwise, set aside some time to tackle it yourself.
Use our eco-friendly move-out cleaning tips to get the job done.
This is where the fun and creativity begin. It's your chance to dive into interior decorating. Most new homes don’t include blinds or curtains. This means you can choose colours, fabrics and designs that suit your individual tastes. Here are a few things you'll need to do before moving in:
Pro tip: Look for retailers who offer installation bundles for the entire homes. You'll need to book this in advance.
You'll need to make sure that rainwater flows away from the foundation when moving into your newly constructed home. Walk the perimeter of your home and spray water near the foundation. Look for:
If you find any drainage issues, report them to the contractor immediately. Poor grading is a warranty issue and can cause long-term damage if left unchecked.
Even though everything is new, maintenance starts now. Creating a home maintenance schedule goes a long way in ensuring you regularly maintain your home. It also helps protect your home warranty and resale value.
Make sure your checklist includes:
When the major construction is done, it's time to add some personal finishing touches to make it feel like home. Here you can get a bit more creative choosing paint colours, finishes, hardware and landscape design. Take time and care to think about these details.
You may want to use the principles of Vasta Shastra to design the spaces in your new home or take a Feng Shui approach to set up your space.
Tip: Hold off on any major design decisions in the first year as the building “settles and shifts”.
Once you start making these renovations and upgrades, remember to document and save your receipts. This information can be used for future resale or potential warranty implications.
Moving into a brand new home is an exciting milestone, but it comes with added responsibilities. Take the time to check important details and establish maintenance routines. This will protect your investment and keep your home feeling safe and comfortable. This isn't a process to be rushed. Make sure to settle in mindfully and with care. This way, you can avoid future headaches and enjoy a solid functioning home for years to come.
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