Homeowners on hook for problems

Re: Ottawa’s shortage of building inspectors leaves city at risk for flawed houses, April 10.

This issue of some homes being delivered to homeowners with Ontario Building Code violations is a longstanding one. For instance, in the early 2000s there was a building boom in Ottawa, and some new housing developments experienced very serious problems. Canadians for Properly Built Homes (CPBH) has heard regularly about municipal inspection problems — in Ottawa and across the province — since our organization was founded.

The main risks are typically shouldered by the homeowners. In addition to the safety risks noted by David Reevely, there are also financial risks for the homeowners. Sometimes the municipality or the Tarion Warranty Corporation will address these issues, but often only after a long, difficult fight with the homeowner. But far too often, homeowners are left to fend for themselves. Litigation is out of the question as most homeowners do not have the strength to withstand a multi-year lawsuit against a deep-pocketed municipality.

CPBH has been reporting these issues to the Ontario government for more than a decade, requesting new legislation with teeth. Dr. Karen Somerville, President, Canadians for Properly Built Homes