PRE-RECEPTION INSPECTION
(For the buyer of a new home)
Becoming the happy owner of a new home is a very exciting experience. But before taking possession of the keys and moving in, you must not neglect a crucial step: the pre-reception inspection.
The Guarantee Plan for New Residential Buildings covers all houses and a large number of new co-ownerships (“condos”). Established in 1999 by the government of Quebec, it is managed by three administrators authorized by the Régie du logement du Québec (RBQ) and arises fromRegulation respecting the guarantee plan for new residential buildings. In addition, the warranty is transferable to any subsequent purchaser. To benefit from it, you must do business with a general contractor holding an RBQ license with subcategory 1.1.1 or 1.1.2 and accredited by a guarantee plan administrator.
However, a good number of consumers have denounced the lack of impartiality in the processing of their complaint file. As the first obligation of construction contractor associations is the protection of their members, being both judge and party does not combine well with the role of consumer protection involved in managing a guarantee plan. . The provincial government, aware of the shortcomings of existing guarantee plans, has decided to withdraw management from contractor associations and to introduce a new Regulation on the guarantee plan for new residential buildings.
This new Residential Construction Guarantee applies to properties purchased on or after January 1, 2015 and replaces the three other plans that have caused much discussion in recent years. There were three guarantee plans: the two plans administered by the Provincial Association of Home Builders of Quebec (APCHQ), namely the guarantee for new houses (GMN) and the Abritat guarantee, as well as the Quality Housing guarantee of the Quebec Construction Association (ACQ).
Quebec has therefore tasked the Régie du logement du Québec (RBQ) with putting things in order and ensuring compliance with the new rules. The RBQ has created a non-profit organization (NPO), the Residential Construction Guarantee (GCR), which will regulate the guarantee plan. It plans to pursue clear and transparent policies to protect consumers, but also to improve quality in construction.
Regardless of the type of new residence you are purchasing, the builder and you, the buyer, are required to conduct a pre-acceptance inspection together. You will be able to identify any apparent defects in the house and record the work to be corrected or completed in order to protect your rights and mark the start of certain guarantees. This inspection is carried out using a pre-established list of items to check that the contractor must give you. It is your right to be accompanied by a building inspector.
(www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca/fileadmin/medias/pdf/Formulaires/francais/inspection-prereception-batiment-non-detenu.pdf) (www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca/fileadmin/medias/pdf/Formulaires/anglais/checklist-private-portions-co-ownership.pdf)
This step is crucial because an independent home inspection completed by a qualified inspector often reveals deficiencies overlooked by the contractor. In addition, if imperfections are not noted at this time, the buyer only has three days to add them to the list of work to be corrected or completed, and only if he has not yet moved into the property. house or condo. After this period, apparent defects which have not been noted will beexcluded of a warranty claim. The house will then be considered to have been viewed and accepted as is. Once the list is completed, you must sign it and keep your copy safe.
Your contractor will then have to complete and correct the work indicated on this list.
Having a building inspector accompany you for this very important step is the best thing to do. This reduces your risk of unexpected surprises. By accompanying the building inspector, you will have a front-row seat to observe the shortcomings of your future home and assert your rights.
As a future owner, a pre-reception inspection:
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Guarantees that all work agreed in writing with the contractor of the newly built house is completed and that the house is ready for occupancy.
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Highlights health and safety issues.
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Allows you to identify all the problems and deficiencies observed which must be corrected as part of the Guarantee Plan for New Residential Buildings.
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Allows you to complete in accordance with the pre-established inspection list of elements to be checked approved by the Régie du Bâtiment du Québec (www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca/)
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Identifies in order of priority the defects that a house may have.