New homes look perfect online. Modern layouts, energy efficiency and a move-in-ready feel are appealing. Yet many issues we see surface in homes built five to ten years ago, and those problems rarely show in an MLS listing.
If you are buying in London, Ilderton, Thorndale or Lucan, keep these five realities in mind:
- Build quality is not obvious from photos. Listings cannot show workmanship. We have seen issues like incorrect water service or missing final permits. Bring a buyer’s agent who knows new builds and attends your final walk-through.
- Model homes show upgrades. Base price usually covers standard finishes and essentials. Items like premium flooring, stone counters, wider staircases, fencing or central air are often extras. Always ask for the “included features” list and confirm every upgrade in writing.
- Warranties have limits and deadlines. In Ontario the one-year warranty covers defects in work and materials, the two-year warranty covers items like plumbing, electrical and building-envelope issues, and the seven-year warranty covers major structural defects. Cosmetic wear is usually not covered, and missed reporting windows void claims.
- Construction around you may continue. Streets, sidewalks and driveways may be unfinished. Final grading approvals can delay fencing, decks and sheds. Ask timelines for grading, sidewalks and driveway paving before you commit.
- Location can look better than it lives. Many new subdivisions have narrower lots, fewer mature trees and limited overflow parking. A quiet dead-end can become a through street in a later phase. Visit at different times, and review the subdivision plan.
New builds can be a great choice when you go in with clear expectations and the right plan.
We guide buyers across London and nearby small towns through feature sheets, upgrade lists and warranty files so nothing gets missed. Ready for a straight-talk walkthrough of your options? Give Shawn and Angela a Call to discuss.
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