Why More Buyers Are Choosing New Builds Over Resale

Walk into any Ontario neighbourhood, and you’ll notice a shift. Homebuyers increasingly prefer new builds over resale properties, and it’s about more than just looks. Homeowners are considering savings on renovation costs, energy-efficient products, and the peace of mind that comes with a warranty. Newly built homes offer long-term advantages that are hard to ignore.

At Sally Creek Lifestyle Homes, we’ve helped many buyers transition into homes that reflect their current needs, not outdated layouts from decades past. And in doing so, we’ve seen firsthand how choosing new builds is helping homeowners simplify their move, enjoy modern living, and invest wisely. Here’s a closer look at why this trend continues to grow across Ontario.

Move-In Ready Convenience

One of the biggest draws of a new build is the fact that it’s ready when you are. There’s no long list of repairs to manage, no unexpected maintenance costs, and no renovations to plan before you can settle in. Everything, from the floors and walls to the appliances and fixtures, is brand-new and built to today’s standards.

This makes the transition much smoother, especially for families juggling school or work schedules, or buyers coming from out of town. You can move in and start living without the need for contractors or a renovation contingency fund. For homeowners, this is about saving time, energy, and money right from the beginning.

Modern Design and Energy Efficiency

Today’s buyers expect more from their homes. Open-concept layouts, functional kitchens, walk-in closets, smart thermostats, and energy-efficient appliances are essential features now, not just upgrades. New builds are designed to meet these expectations.

Beyond style, modern homes also offer significant energy savings. With upgraded insulation, better windows, and efficient HVAC systems, a new home can reduce your monthly energy bills while improving year-round comfort. Many of these features are hard or expensive to retrofit into older homes, making new builds the smarter option over the long term.

Plus, as energy standards continue to evolve, buying new ensures you’re already ahead of the curve and helps reduce your environmental impact.

Customization Options

Another major benefit of buying new is the ability to personalize your home before you even move in. At Sally Creek Lifestyle Homes, we offer a curated selection of thoughtfully designed layouts, finish packages, and upgrade options, so you can find a home that matches your lifestyle without starting from scratch.

Want hardwood in the main living areas? Prefer a freestanding tub in the ensuite or a bright, open-concept kitchen? These features can be chosen early in the process based on the home model that fits you best.

Instead of taking on the cost and hassle of renovating a resale home to suit your needs, you can step into a home that feels like yours from the beginning, with less stress, fewer compromises, and no surprise projects after moving in.

Builder Warranties and Peace of Mind

When you buy a resale home, you accept it as-is, and any future repairs, large or small, are your responsibility. New builds, however, come with the protection of a Tarion Warranty, which safeguards your investment from the very beginning.

This coverage includes protection for workmanship and materials, essential systems like plumbing and HVAC, and even major structural defects. It gives homeowners the confidence that if something goes wrong due to how the home was built, there’s a process to address it.

Sally Creek Lifestyle Homes is a registered Tarion builder dedicated to ensuring your home meets or exceeds all quality and performance standards. That means fewer surprises, more transparency, and support if you ever have questions or concerns.

Community Planning and Amenities

New builds today are often found in thoughtfully planned communities, and Sally Creek Lifestyle Homes is proud to be part of two of the most well-rounded and connected areas in Southern Ontario: Plattsville and Woodstock.

Each of our communities is designed to support more than just day-to-day living. From green spaces and recreation to schools, shopping, and walkability, our neighbourhoods are built with real life in mind, whether you’re raising a family, downsizing, or simply looking for peace and convenience.

Living in Plattsville, Ontario

Located just 30 minutes from Kitchener-Waterloo and about 90 minutes from Toronto, Plattsville Estates combines small-town charm with modern access. It’s an ideal spot for those who value community connection but still want proximity to major amenities.

In Plattsville, you’ll find:

  • Spacious homes with generous lot sizes at a more affordable price point
  • Easy access to the 401, Waterloo’s Boardwalk district, and New Hamburg’s everyday conveniences
  • Top-rated schools like Plattsville & District Public School
  • Parks, trails, and the Plattsville Arena & Community Centre for active living
  • A growing list of local shops, restaurants, and annual events that add to the town’s friendly, close-knit feel

Whether you’re commuting, starting a family, or retiring, Plattsville delivers the balance of quiet rural living and urban connectivity, all surrounded by the natural beauty of Oxford County.

Life in Woodstock: The Sally Creek Master-Planned Community

Our homes in Woodstock, including Masters Edge, Garden Ridge, and Greenside Views, are part of a well-established master-planned community in the city’s scenic north end. Here, lifestyle and location come together with ease.

  • Surrounded by the Sally Creek Golf Club, lush green spaces, and walking trails
  • Minutes from schools, local shops, healthcare, and essential services
  • 8 minutes from Highway 403 for quick access to London, Hamilton, and the GTA
  • Just 12 minutes to Pittock Dam Conservation Area for boating, hiking, and more
  • Less than 30 minutes to the vibrant downtown core of Woodstock

Woodstock itself offers small-town living with big-city amenities, and with over 46,000 residents and growing, it’s a community on the rise. With easy access to the 401 and 403, it’s also a commuter’s dream for those working in nearby urban centres.

At Sally Creek, we provide communities that offer a lifestyle focused on nature, comfort, and connection, more than just a house.

Long-Term Value and Smart Investment

A solid home in a developing community provides both comfort and long-term financial value. New builds are often appreciated more consistently, thanks to their energy efficiency, modern features, and lower maintenance needs.

They’re also more appealing when it comes time to sell. Buyers are drawn to homes with newer systems, contemporary layouts, and that “move-in ready” appeal. Whether you plan to stay for five years or twenty, buying new can give you a stronger return on your investment.

For younger buyers, it’s about starting right. For retirees or downsizers, it’s about simplifying. For everyone in between, it’s about value that grows with you.

Why New Builds Make Sense

Choosing a new build instead of a resale home reflects buyers’ actual needs and values, not just a trend. From lower maintenance and utility costs to personalization and warranty protection, new homes are built to support modern living.

At Sally Creek Lifestyle Homes, we’ve helped families, professionals, and retirees step into homes that are beautiful, functional, and built to last. We believe the process should be clear, the house should reflect your lifestyle, and the investment should feel worthwhile.

Curious what’s possible with a new home? Contact us today to explore our current communities and discover how a thoughtfully designed new build can meet your goals, today and for years to come.

Understanding Tarion Warranty: Protecting Your Investment

Tarion Warranty

Tarion Warranty

Buying a new home should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Between choosing your layout, picking finishes, and imagining furniture placement, it’s easy to overlook the “less glamorous” stuff, like warranties. But here’s the thing: your new home warranty matters just as much as your kitchen backsplash.

If you’re building or moving into a brand-new home in Ontario, there’s one name you’ll want to get familiar with: Tarion. At Sally Creek Lifestyle Homes, we don’t just hand over the keys and say goodbye. We walk with you through the entire homeownership journey, including helping you understand what Tarion is and why it protects your future.

So grab a snack, and let’s walk through how Tarion helps protect one of your biggest life investments, your home.

What is Tarion?

Imagine yourself in this situation: You’ve just moved into your dream home. The light is perfect in the living room, your boxes are finally unpacked, and life is good. Then, something unexpected happens. A leak in the ceiling. A window that doesn’t close right. A weird rattle from the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning).

This is where Tarion comes in.

Tarion is the organization that administers Ontario’s new home warranty program. It’s been around since 1976 and exists to make sure builders meet the high standards set by the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act. Think of Tarion as your safety net; it’s there to protect your rights and hold your builder accountable for their work.

Tarion helps ensure that every newly built home meets provincial building codes and performance standards. It also steps in to help resolve disputes between homeowners and builders, which can be a huge relief if something goes sideways and you’re not sure what to do next.

Key Coverage Periods Under Tarion

The Tarion warranty isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s designed in layers, with different protections kicking in before and after you move in. Let’s walk through the stages and what’s included.

 

Coverage and Claims Before You Move In

Your warranty protection actually begins before you take possession of your new home. During this period, Tarion provides:

  • Deposit protection, in case your builder cannot complete the home
  • Delayed closing or occupancy compensation, if your home isn’t ready by the agreed-upon date
  • Financial loss coverage for contract homes, such as homes built on your own land

These protections offer reassurance while your home is being completed, making sure your investment is safe even before you move in. You can learn more about each of these by visiting Tarion’s detailed breakdown of pre-possession coverage.

 

The Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI)

Before you officially take possession, you’ll participate in a Pre-Delivery Inspection—often referred to as the PDI. This is a detailed walkthrough of your new home, led by your builder.

 

The purpose of this inspection is to document anything that’s missing, incomplete, damaged, or not functioning properly. These items are recorded on the PDI Form to show that the issue existed before you moved in. It’s an important step in protecting your warranty rights and making sure everything is in order from the start.

 

Not sure how to prepare? Tarion’s website has great resources on what to look for and how to get ready for your inspection day.

1-Year Warranty 

This kicks in the moment you take possession of your home. It covers:

  • Requires a home is constructed in a workman-like manner and free from defects in material
  • Protects against Ontario Building Code violations
  • Applies for one year, beginning on the home’s date of possession even if the home is sold
  • Protects against unauthorized substitutions
  • Requires the home to be fit for habitation


This is your “get settled in” period. If something obvious isn’t working the way it should, you can (and should) report it.

2-Year Warranty

The second year goes a little deeper. Coverage includes:

  • Protects against water penetration through the basement or foundation walls
  • Protects against defects in work or materials that result in water penetration into the building envelope

  • Covers defects in work or materials that result in the detachment, displacement or deterioration of exterior cladding (such as brickwork, aluminum or vinyl siding)
  • Covers defects in work or materials in the electrical, plumbing and heating delivery and distribution systems
  • Applies for two years, beginning on the home’s date of possession
  • Protects against violations of the Ontario Building Code that affect health and safety

While this coverage includes major systems like your plumbing and HVAC, it’s important to note that Tarion is not an emergency repair service. If your furnace stops working in January, for example, you’ll need to call a qualified service technician first to restore heat, not Tarion. Any issues related to workmanship or defects can then be followed up through Tarion’s claims process if applicable.

This stage of coverage is about ensuring the essential systems in your home were properly installed and meet provincial standards, not about handling urgent repairs in real time.

7-Year Warranty 

Major structural defect is any defect in work or materials in respect of a building, including a crack, distortion or displacement of a structural load-bearing element of the building, if it:

  • results in failure of a structural load-bearing element of the building;
  • materially and adversely affects the ability of a structural load-bearing element of the building to carry, bear and resist applicable structural loads for the usual and ordinary service life of the element; or
  • materially and adversely affects the use of a significant portion of the building for usual and ordinary purposes of a residential dwelling and having regard to any specific use provisions set out in the purchase agreement for the home.

You might not see these issues right away, which is why this extended coverage exists. It’s peace of mind that lasts well beyond the excitement of move-in day.

What’s Not Covered (and That’s Okay!)

While Tarion has your back, it’s not a catch-all for every little ding or scratch. Here are a few things the warranty doesn’t cover:

  • Normal wear and tear – Think scuffed floors or paint chips
  • Damage from neglect or misuse – Skipping seasonal maintenance can contribute to these factors.
  • Appliances and fixtures – Most come with their manufacturer’s warranties, so make sure you register those separately.

Owning a home also means learning a bit of homeowner TLC, cleaning eavestroughs, sealing windows, and all the stuff HGTV glosses over.

Why This All Matters

Imagine moving into your new home only to discover something’s wrong, and then learning you’re stuck with the repair bill. Tarion protects you from exactly that and makes the whole process less stressful.

Tarion coverage can help you by:

  • Keeping you financially protected in the early years when big repairs could derail your budget
  • Giving you a roadmap for what to expect and when
  • Ensuring builders stay accountable for the quality of your home
  • Giving you peace of mind so you can focus on settling in, not stressing out

For many of our buyers, especially first-time homeowners, just knowing there’s a trusted system in place makes the entire experience feel more manageable.

Helpful Tips for Homeowners

Your Tarion warranty is powerful, but only if you use it right. Here’s how to stay on top of things:

  • Keep a Home Journal: Snap photos, jot down notes, and save receipts. It sounds simple, but it helps if you ever need to make a claim.
  • Know Your Forms: There are specific forms for 30-day, 1-year, and 2-year claims. Mark those dates on your calendar.
  • Ask Questions: Don’t be shy, Tarion and Sally Creek Lifestyle Homes are here to help guide you.

Sally Creek Lifestyle Homes & Tarion

Here at Sally Creek Lifestyle Homes, we follow Ontario’s building codes and go above and beyond them. As a registered and compliant Tarion builder, we design and build homes that reflect not only style and comfort but long-term durability and value.

We’re with you every step of the way. From first consultation to final walkthrough, Sally Creek provides advice, support, and a friendly voice when you have questions.

When you choose Sally Creek, you’re choosing a builder who cares about quality, honesty, and delivering you a dream home.

Your home is where your life unfolds. Tarion helps protect that, so you can spend less time worrying about repairs and more time enjoying morning coffees on the porch, movie nights in the living room, or summer barbecues in the backyard.

When you build with Sally Creek Lifestyle Homes, you get more than just four walls and a roof. You get a partner that understands your needs, answers your questions, and stands behind every detail we build. Let’s build something lasting, together. Contact us today.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and current information about the Tarion Warranty, coverage details may change over time. For official and personalized guidance, please visit the Tarion website or contact Tarion Customer Service directly.