(NC) A recent survey found that over two-thirds of Ontarians did not know that, to legally build a new home in the province, a builder must first be registered with Tarion. If not registered, the builder is operating illegally.

Using a registered builder provides new home buyers with a host of protections and peace of mind for one of life's biggest investments. Here are five good reasons to use a registered builder to construct your home:

1. When you use a registered builder, it means they have met the necessary technical requirements to build a home that meets Ontario's Building Code.

2. A registered builder must also meet financial tests to maintain their registration. This means they must have sufficient financial resources to build and sell homes.

3. A registered builder must follow occupational health and safety laws on the construction site, relieving the purchaser of any liability should an accident occur during construction.

4. A registered builder is required to finish the home according to the terms in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, and to provide the statutory warranty that all new home buyers are entitled to in Ontario.

5. A registered builder will inform the buyer of their rights and responsibilities under the Ontario new home warranty program. The program consists of a package of warranties that provide significant protections to consumers, including water penetration through the basement or foundation walls; defects in the electrical, plumbing and heating systems; and major structural damage.

You can check to see if your builder is registered by looking them up in the Ontario Builder Directory at www.tarion.com.

Attention editors: This article is for distribution in Ontario only.

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