Managing Your Common Elements Warranty

When moving into a new condominium, the Board of Directors is responsible for conducting a performance audit of the common elements to identify any deficiencies covered by the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act. Common elements are protected by one-, two-, and seven-year warranties. The performance audit should be conducted within six to ten months of the condominium's registration, and the results should be submitted to Tarion before the first anniversary of registration. The corporation can assign a Designate to manage the warranty resolution process during the Initial Builder Repair Period, which lasts for eighteen months from the first anniversary of registration. Periodic updates are required during this period to review and respond to repairs completed by the builder. If there are unresolved deficiencies after the Initial Builder Repair Period, the corporation may request conciliation from Tarion to determine warranty coverage for the remaining items. The conciliation process involves inspection and resolution of outstanding warrantable items. Edison, a professional engineering and project management firm specializing in building repair and restoration, can assist with the performance audit and warranty processes for condominiums.