New Build Home Inspection Ottawa

Builders work with multiple subcontractors under tight schedules, and construction shortcuts — in grading, insulation, mechanical connections, and finishing details — are more common than most buyers expect. We commonly do new build inspections on newly built homes in Orleans, Westboro, Kanata, and Barrhaven, four of Ottawa's most active areas for new construction, and a third-party inspection gives you an independent professional assessment before possession, not after.

What's included

Pre-possession walkthrough of all accessible systems and components — independent of the builder's own PDI coordinator
Assessment of workmanship quality, code compliance, and installation standards across structure, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and envelope systems
Identification of grading and drainage issues that are easiest to correct before landscaping and driveways are finalized
Documentation of any deficiencies to support your Tarion PDI and 30-day warranty claim from day one
Ottawa-specific review of foundation and drainage conditions — critical in our clay-heavy soil where improper grading at possession becomes a foundation problem within a few seasons

Common areas we inspect new construction

New subdivisions in Kanata and Barrhaven, infill and larger new builds in Westboro, and new developments across Orleans make up a large share of our new build inspections. Each area has its own mix of production builders and custom builds, but the same underlying risk applies everywhere: a brand-new home has never been tested by a full season, and workmanship issues don't announce themselves until something fails.

The builder's inspector is not your inspector. Municipal building inspectors verify Ontario Building Code compliance — they do not represent your interests or assess quality of workmanship beyond minimum legal standards. The builder's own walkthrough coordinator has an inherent conflict of interest. A third-party inspection gives you an unbiased assessment of what you are actually taking possession of, with a written record that supports any Tarion claims that follow.

Book a New Build Inspection

Multiple

subcontractors working under tight timelines means mistakes happen at every stage — even in new construction

Code ≠ Quality

municipal inspectors check for Ontario Building Code compliance only — not workmanship quality or your interests as the buyer

Day 1

is the best time to document deficiencies — before possession locks in your baseline and Tarion deadlines begin

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a new build inspection different from a PDI?

Yes. Your PDI is led by the builder and is typically a brief walkthrough of visible items. A new build inspection is an independent, more thorough assessment of workmanship, systems, and code compliance, performed by a third party who represents your interests, not the builder's.

When should I book a new build inspection?

As close to your possession date as possible, ideally before or alongside your builder's PDI, so any findings are documented from day one and support your 30-day Tarion warranty claim if needed.

Do new builds really need an inspection if they're covered by Tarion?

Yes. Tarion coverage only protects you if defects are identified and reported within strict deadlines. An inspection is what actually finds and documents those defects — the warranty doesn't do that on its own.

Which areas do you inspect new construction in?

We commonly inspect newly built homes in Orleans, Westboro, Kanata, and Barrhaven, in addition to Ottawa and the surrounding area.

Already in your Tarion warranty period? See our Tarion Warranty & PDI Inspections page for the full 1, 2, and 7-year coverage breakdown.

New Build Home Inspection

What's included

Common areas we inspect new construction

Frequently Asked Questions

Don't Take Possession Without an Independent Look