Frequently Asked Questions
A house is constructed using various materials, including wood, sand, and water. Since most homes are sold and occupied shortly after construction, they often lack sufficient time to settle and acclimatize to the seasonal changes we experience here in Canada. The significant fluctuations in weather can significantly impact the settlement and shrinkage of your new home.
Interestingly, approximately 30 litres of moisture are released daily from the home. This underscores the importance of homeowner maintenance in preserving the integrity and longevity of your residence.
Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) you may have about your home:
With a Condo townhouse, you only own the interior of the home and will be required to pay monthly condominium fees., With a Freehold townhouse, you own the interior and exterior of the home and the land it sits on.
Interim Occupancy refers to the time period between your Occupancy Date and the Final Closing Date for condominiums. Please click here to read Tarion’s Guide to Interim Occupancy.
An Occupancy Fee is a monthly amount that is paid to the builder during the Occupancy Period. The Occupancy Period is the period of time commencing on the Occupancy Date to the Closing Date.
The Occupancy Fees include interest calculated on a monthly basis on the unpaid balance of the Purchase Price, an amount reasonably estimated on a monthly basis for realty taxes attributable to the Unit, and the projected monthly common expense contribution for that unit.
The PDI is an opportunity for us to educate you about how to operate your new home to ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently and become familiar with your new home. For more information about PDI’s, click here.
The CCP, or Certificate of Completion and Possession, is issued to you after your Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) by an Ironstone representative. This document includes important information such as your home’s enrollment number with Tarion, the Vendor Builder number, and the occupancy date, which marks the commencement of your home’s statutory warranty. You will need this document to submit your warranty request to Tarion.
It is best practice to enroll with Tarion after your Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI). To enroll, please visit www.tarion.com and click on the “My Home” link in the top banner. Then select “Register” and follow the prompts. Once registered, you will be able to manage, organize, and submit your requests and claims easily.
Your Tarion Enrollment # and the “Vendor/Builder # are located on the PDI Form and the CCP Form, both of which will be provided to you by an Ironstone Representative. Each warranty period starts on the date of possession.
NOTE: If for any reason you elect to sell your home during the warranty period, the coverage will transfer to the new owner. The start date will remain as the original possession date from the original sale
You register and submit your Tarion forms through the MyHome Portal through the Tarion website. Click here for access to the MyHome Portal.
After you complete your Pre-Delivery Inspection appointment, we will send you an email detailing how to set up your utilities. To prevent any potential disconnections, please ensure that all utility accounts are registered in your name and activated by the day of your closing / occupancy.
You will need to contact the following providers: Hydro (Electricity and Water), Gas, Water Heater Rental, Phone, Internet, and Cable.
Additionally, be sure to connect with Canada Post to confirm the location of your mailbox and obtain your mailbox key.
Recycling bins may be available through your local municipal offices, or can be purchased at most hardware stores.
For the City of London, please click here.
For the City of Kitchener, please click here.
Registration on each development varies. Please note that subsequent to our submission, we do not know when the City of London will approve our registration which would allow us to proceed with unit closings. If registration is delayed by the City and/or the Land Registry Office we will be required to resolve any items identified. Once we obtain our Registration, you will be notified by your lawyer. Your lawyer will also advise you of your Final Closing date.
Concrete is composed of water and sand, and over time the water will evaporate and be released. This process is normal and anticipated. Shrinkage cracks measuring less than 6mm in width are not covered under warranty. Only cracks that exceed 6mm will be eligible for repair within one year.
Shrinkage and settlement of the house are normal processes, which may lead to visible nail pops. While nail pops are not warrantable, they will be repaired at year-end (painting excluded).
Seasonal items include driveways, exterior paint, sod, and grading. Depending on when your home is being constructed and when you take possession, there may be outstanding seasonal items for your property. These items will be documented during your Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) and PDI Sign-Off. The Ironstone Building Company strives to complete all seasonal work as promptly as possible; however, timelines may be affected by weather conditions, construction on neighboring homes, and the rotation of work in the area. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this process.
The Ironstone Building Company installs sod in blocks of homes, which means that installation may not align precisely with individual closing dates. This approach ensures that all blocks are graded collectively, effectively directing water drainage away from each home. Sod installation occurs seasonally, typically between May and October.
Tarion Tip: Once you have taken ownership of your new home, it becomes your responsibility to maintain the sod. Ensure that you are familiar with proper care techniques. We will provide a care guide for this purpose.
