Years ago when I first became president of the Greater Toronto Home Builders’ Association, I used to say that people spent more time picking out a pair of shoes than buying a home. That was before the Internet became such a big part of our lives and made it easy to research builders through Tarion Warranty Corporation. I thought this flow of information had created a generation of more educated, savvy home purchasers. But I was surprised recently to learn it’s not always the case, when I met with some new home purchasers whose builder made promises and then backed out on them. When I asked what research about the builder the buyers had done prior to their purchase, they replied “None.”

I was shocked, because for most Canadians, a home is the biggest financial investment they’ll ever make. Why trust hundreds of thousands of dollars to an unknown entity? Check out your builder – this is a message that needs to be communicated over and over. The builder’s reputation and track record should be TREMENDOUSLY IMPORTANT in your purchase decision. Know who you’re buying from.

Of course, every builder today faces challenges with labour and material shortages, unexpected delays with municipal approvals, etc., and even good builders make occasional mistakes. It’s the nature of this business. But responsible, reliable builders will make their homeowners aware of shortfalls, and will do everything possible to amend the situation.

It’s easy to be swayed by emotion when you’re standing in a sales office looking at attractive renderings and interesting floorplans, and perhaps touring a beautifully decorated model home or suite. The community may be situated in a great location close to amenities, and you can envision your life there. But before you sign on the dotted line, do your research. Anyone can claim to be the best, but make sure there is substance behind the words.

Ask where the builder has built before, then drive through those completed communities and take a good look around. Do you like the architecture? Are the streetscapes attractive? Does the community’s design work? Knock on doors and ask current homeowners how they like their homes and how the builder was to deal with. If they’re happy, they’ll be glad to tell you. And if they’re not, they’ll be even more anxious to share their experiences.

Of course, you shouldn’t make your decision based on just one or two people’s opinions. Gather your information from several sources. Inquire with Tarion as to that company’s track record with the New Home Warranty program. Has Tarion had to resort to conciliations to resolve warranty complaints against a company? (Conciliations are on-site inspections by a qualified warranty representative conducted in a case in which a resolution cannot be negotiated between a builder and a homeowner.)

You can even approach the building department in the municipality you’re thinking of living in and find out whether the builder’s plans for the community are being accurately represented.

The dollar value of new homes is increasing every day, and as I said, a home purchase is a substantial financial investment. If you haven’t looked into the builder’s reputation, what else might you be overlooking that may cause you to regret your decision? Above all, before you sign your Agreement of Purchase and Sale, take it to a lawyer who specializes in real estate law and make sure you know exactly what your responsibilities are, and what you are entitled to. Avoid the temptation to use a lawyer who is a friend or family member, but who has no experience in real estate law.

Buying a home should be fun and exciting – but making the right decision for you requires homework. A little studying before your purchase will help you make a decision and buy a home that will stand the test of time.

Hugh Heron is Principal and Partner in the Heron Group of Companies, President of Heathwood Homes and a Member of the Board of Directors of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, as well as a Past President of the Toronto Home Builders’ Association and the Ontario Home Builders’ Association.