What Tarion Warranty Covers on Your Windrose Home
Builders & Quality · ~6 min read · Updated 2026
Every new home at Windrose comes with Tarion warranty coverage — Ontario's mandatory new-home warranty program. Tarion protects buyers with coverage on workmanship, systems, and structure, plus deposit protection and delayed-closing compensation. Here's what your Windrose home is covered for and how the claims process works.
What each coverage tier means
| Tier | Duration from possession | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Workmanship & materials | 1 year | Defects in work and materials per Ontario Building Code and standards |
| Major systems | 2 years | Electrical, plumbing, heating; water penetration; violations of Building Code affecting health & safety |
| Major structural defects | 7 years | Defects in load-bearing structure that materially and adversely affect use |
| Deposit protection | Ongoing | Deposits up to program limits |
| Delayed-closing / delayed-occupancy | Per program rules | Compensation for eligible builder-caused delays |
The claims process, in outline
Tarion runs on defined claim windows. You submit forms to Tarion at specific milestones: 30-day after possession, at the one-year mark (year-end), at the second-year mark, and any time within the seven-year structural window. The builder addresses items within their period; Tarion adjudicates disputes. Keep detailed records — photos, correspondence, dates.
The Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI)
Before you take possession, you complete a PDI with the builder. This is your formal chance to document existing defects and incomplete items. Take it seriously — bring a checklist, allow enough time (typically two hours or more), and get everything in writing. Anything not documented is harder to claim later.
What Tarion doesn't cover
Deposit protection specifically
Freehold home deposits paid to a Tarion-registered builder are protected up to program limits. That protection kicks in if the builder becomes insolvent or fails to close per contract, subject to specific rules. Confirm current limits with Tarion directly.
Delayed-closing rules
If the builder delays closing beyond the dates specified in your Agreement of Purchase and Sale, Tarion's delayed-closing rules may provide compensation. Rules differ for freehold vs condo homes. Read the specific addendum in your APS with your lawyer.
How to make the most of your warranty
Read the Tarion Statutory Warranty Guide once you have possession. Note the claim windows. Submit issues in writing to the builder first, then escalate to Tarion if needed. Follow the deadlines carefully — missing a claim window can mean losing coverage on specific items.
For the broader closing-costs picture
See /blog/tarion-warranty-closing-costs-new-homes for the full warranty-and-closing-costs summary. For the builder profiles, see /blog/yorkwood-homes-builder-profile and /blog/laurier-homes-builder-profile.
Frequently asked questions
- Does every Windrose home have Tarion coverage?
- Yes — all new homes built by Tarion-registered builders in Ontario are covered. Yorkwood and Laurier are both registered.
- Does the warranty transfer if I sell?
- The warranty follows the home for the full coverage period, not the original owner — subsequent owners benefit from any remaining coverage.
- How much does Tarion cost?
- The Tarion enrollment fee is typically included in the purchase price. Confirm on your pricelist and with your lawyer.
- What if the builder disputes my claim?
- Tarion adjudicates disputes between owners and builders through their conciliation process.
- Can I file claims myself, or do I need a lawyer?
- Owners file claims directly with Tarion. A lawyer isn't required, but keep documentation carefully and follow deadlines.