Frequently Asked Questions
"Just prior to the drywall being installed, Barr homes takes the client through the home so they can get
a feel for the room sizes and to make any changes the customer may require."
Also see Tarion's Top Ten Tips for New Home Buyers
- Are my telephone & cable lines finished off?
Yes, your telephone and cable lines are finished off with proper plates. The connecting ends are terminated where the
underground services come in so connections of both of these services are quick and easy.
- When is the landscaping finished with my new home?
Landscaping and sod are done as weather and conditions of the subdivision allow. We try to get it done as soon as possible
but there are sometimes delays.
- What do you do to help control squeaks in my new floor?
During construction we use 3 methods to help control squeaks. We use plywood sub-floors, we glue each sheet down and then finally we screw each sheet down while the glue is still tacky so there is a better connection. Even though we follow all these steps to help control noise issues, due to the Canadian climate and drying out of lumber it is not always possible to obtain a squeak free floor and they are a natural part of our Canadian climate.
- How do I set up my postal service & get my postal code?
Please contact Canada Post at www.canadapost.ca
- What system do you use for waterproofing the foundation?
We use the BullDog Waterproofing system, which is not a “damp” proofing but an actual water proofing system.
- Can I customize my house?
Absolutely. We can accommodate small changes or complete customization of your new home. For more information on that
please contact us at info@barrhomes.ca
- My windows have condensation on them. What should I do?
If your house has an HRV installed just use your controls to lower the humidity in the house. If not, please click here for helpful tips to prevent condensation.
If warm moist air inside the house comes in contact with the window glazing on a cold day, moisture may condense on the
windowpane at the edges of the glass near the frame. On very cold days, condensation may freeze, forming ice. You need to ensure
moist air in your home is removed at its source. Run the HRV or bathroom fan on high for 15 minutes after a shower and use
the range hood when stovetop cooking to lower humidity levels.
- Why if the foundation cracked?
As is the case with floor slabs, concrete foundation walls crack as a result of shrinkage and/or
settlement. Generally cracks do not indicate a defect, and do not leak. If you detect leakage at a
foundation crack, contact the Service Department.
- Why is the garage floor or porch floor starting to flake?
Salt, combined with the winter freeze/thaw cycles, can cause serious erosion to concrete surfaces. Most often the front edge
of the garage floor is affected. It is important to keep these areas clean and to
apply a suitable sealer to the concrete once
a
year to prevent salt damage.
- Air Conditioning:
My air conditioner does not work. The house is not cooling down.
Ensure that you check the following before calling:
- Thermostat is set to “cool” and at least 5 degrees below the house temperature.
- Breaker switch is fully in the “on” position.
- Exterior wall switch (located near the A/C unit) is on.
If the unit still does not start up, please contact your service rep. Remember that the air conditioner takes time to cool off the house.
Sustained high outdoor temperatures will cause the indoor temperature to rise temporarily. You can save on cooling costs
by closing window coverings during the
day.
- Fireplace:
Why is the fireplace giving off a burning smell?
The burning smell is normal for a new fireplace. It is the oil left on the unit from the manufacturing
process and it needs to burn off. The best thing to do is leave your fireplace on for six hours
continuously to burn the oil off. You may need to open some windows to keep the smoke alarms from
sounding.
The fireplace pilot light went out and I can’t get it to light.
The proper instructions for relighting the pilot light are located
on a plate behind the lower grille of the
fireplace.
- Electrical:
Why are the outside plugs not working?
The Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) has probably tripped. The GFCI outlet is located by the front door or in the garage.
Reset it by pushing the small reset button on the outlet. If the GFCI is not tripped,
check the circuit breaker in the main electrical panel.
Why is the plug not working in the Main Bathroom or Ensuite Bathroom?
The GFCI in the powder room has probably tripped. The reset button needs to be pushed to restore
power to all three bathroom plugs.
Why is the ESA sticker on the breaker panel not signed?
Once the Final Electrical Inspection has passed, the ESA will forward the paperwork to Barr Homes’s
electrician. The sticker on the panel is not normally signed as part of this process.
- Foundation:
Why has the front porch slab (basement floor slab, garage floor slab) cracked?
As the concrete cures and hardens, it shrinks and may crack. Settlement and changes in temperature
also contribute to cracking.
Generally cracks do not indicate a defect and do not require repair. Floor
slabs are not a structural component of your home.
- Exterior:
Why has my front walkway sunk down a few inches after the snow melted?
This is due to the normal settlement of the backfill around the house. Barr Homes will repair this type of settlement, once, at the
time of the year-end service repairs. If your year-end repairs happen during a
winter month, the repair will be delayed until the
following spring.
Why are there no survey pegs on my lot?
Survey markings may no longer be visible after the lot is graded and landscaped. Please do not use
wooden stakes as evidence
of lot lines. A survey certificate, included in your Sales Agreement, may be helpful. Alternatively a surveyor can accurately mark
out your lot lines.
- Closing Day:
Where do I get my house keys?
Keys will be available from your lawyer on closing day. You will also need to bring the Certificate of
Completion
and Possession
(Tarion Warranty Certificate) given to you at the Pre‐Delivery Inspection.
Where are my garage door keys?
If your lawyer did not give them to you, they are hanging on a nail inside the garage beside the door.
Can I schedule things such as movers, phone connection, appliances etc. for closing day?
We recommend that you do not. The closing process and transfer of the keys normally happens in the
afternoon of closing day. It may save you time and money to schedule these things a day or more later.
Where do I pick up my mail?
Canada Post will provide you with this information on their web site or by calling them at 1‐866‐607‐
6301.
Where can I get a set of plans or blueprints for my house?
Barr Homes does not provide working drawings or house plans. If you require this type of information, plans are available
for your viewing at the sales office.
- Repairs:
I just moved in and the repairs from my Pre-Delivery List are not complete. When will they be
rectified?
Unless they are of an emergency nature, we would prefer to wait until you submit your 30 day list.
If I want to hire a Private Home Inspector, whom should I get?
Selecting a home inspector is an important decision. We suggest you to select someone registered with the Ontario Association
of Home Inspectors who is trained and carries proper insurance. The OAHI sets qualification requirements, regulates its members
and grants the “Registered Home Inspector” designation to qualified inspectors. Registered members of the OAHI have achieved the
highest standard of training, education, and expertise in the home inspection industry. A list of qualified home inspectors is on their
website at www.oahi.com.
- Interior:
Why are there gaps between the hardwood floorboards?
Hardwood is a natural wood product and changes in dimension with changes in humidity. Lower humidity levels may cause the
boards to visibly shrink.
Why are the hardwood boards puckering and showing ridges?
Hardwood is a natural wood product and expands in width when the environment is humid. If the boards do not have room
to expand, they push upward with a visible pucker or cupping. Proper control of the indoor humidity levels will prevent this from happening.
Who should I call if I have questions about the construction or service at my house?
Your primary contact is always your Customer Care Representative at 613-542-4922.
Why is there no air return duct in all the bedrooms?
The KVAC Contractor calculates the size and location of the supply ducts and air return vents after the floor plans are drawn
up by the architect. The location and number of actually installed vents does not always correspond to what is show on the
architect’s floor plans.
- Construction:
Can I visit the house during construction?
No. For safety and insurance reasons this is not allowed. You will have an opportunity to visit the home
with our site supervisor prior to installation of the drywall, and again with our inspector prior to closing.
There does not seem to be any progress on the construction of our house lately. Why?
Construction progress is affected by factors such as permit availability, trade schedules, material delivery, and weather.
There may be times when progress appears to be at a standstill, and other times
when a lot of progress is made very quickly.
When Can I pave my driveway?
The backfill around the house needs time to settle. It is best to wait for close to a year before paving in order to avoid future
settlement problems. Normally, driveway paving begins in the month of June each year and finishes by October.
|
