Ryan McCann and Associates | Realtors in Edmonton, Alberta

new home buyer's checklist.

to preclude a developer from using buyers’ funds to finance a project still under construction, the purchase contract should provide deposits to be held in a trust fund.
investigate integrity and financial stability of the builder. how long has he/she been in the business? does he/she have ample capital to complete the project if it is still under construction? check with your banker or Better Business Bureau. the best protection is a bond guaranteeing completion of construction.
is the builder a member of the local home builder’s association? if there is a home owner’s warranty available in your area, is your builder participating in this program?
if at all possible, look at other homes or check out other subdivisions constructed by your builder. talk to owners about quality of construction, complaints, and promptness in correcting defects.
obtain comprehensive listing of items, which are standard and which are optional.
when ordering extras, obtain written work orders with price quotations signed by a responsible person. remember, extras are less expensive if installed during construction rather than after completion.
are the appliances, carpets, draperies, etc. identical to those shown in the model unit?
check the expiration dates of manufacturers’ warranties covering the appliances and equipment. the equipment may have been in the builder’s storeroom for some time, cutting down on the warranty period.
check on the completion date of your unit. does the contract provide for delay penalties to the builder or developer?
inspect the unit prior to closing. have a written report prepared, signed by you and the builder or developer, stipulating what work, if any, is still to be performed and within how many days.
if there are still problems after you move in, put all complaints to the builder in writing. if he fails to respond in a satisfactory manner, subsequent letters should note that a record of the complaint is being sent to the local building inspector, consumer agencies, and the home owner’s warranty corporation.

so what's next?

click here to tell us what you're looking for in your next home.
call us direct - 780.669.1554
or return to the buyers page