Phase 3 Post Build: What to Expect When Your New Toronto Home Is Complete
The final phase of your project with Lighthaus Built marks an exciting milestone — move-in day. But while construction may be complete, our commitment to you continues long after the last nail is driven.
This stage focuses on transition, support, and lasting peace of mind. Here’s what to expect once your new home or renovation is ready for you.
What to Expect
Move-In & Pre-Delivery Walkthrough (PDI)
Before you move in, we’ll conduct a detailed Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) together. This walkthrough allows us to:
Review every room and finish
Note any final touch-ups or deficiencies
Confirm completion timelines for any outstanding items
It’s a transparent and collaborative process—you’ll know exactly what we’re addressing, when it will be done, and who’s responsible.
At Lighthaus Built, our involvement doesn’t end when the punch list does.
Yes, our warranty has a defined timeline, but our relationship with you goes much further. Whether it’s swapping a light fixture, reprogramming a thermostat, or finding the water shut-off before vacation — we’re here to help.
One of the great joys of being a custom home builder in Toronto is building lasting relationships with homeowners. Your home becomes part of our story, too.
Your Homeowner Package
On move-in day, you’ll receive a comprehensive homeowner handover package containing everything you need for confident homeownership:
Equipment manuals and user guides
Directory of trade and supplier contacts
Customized maintenance schedule
Warranty details and contact information
Notes on unique home systems (HVAC, smart home tech, drainage, etc.)
Most routine maintenance — like replacing furnace filters or cleaning HRV cores — is simple to handle on your own. But if anything seems unclear or complex, just call us.
Our goal is to be the team you turn to whenever you need clarity, reassurance, or a second set of hands.
Staying proactive with maintenance is the best way to protect your investment and ensure your home performs beautifully for decades to come.
Understanding How a Home “Settles”
Your new home is a living system that naturally responds to its environment and usage. Building materials expand and contract with humidity and temperature changes, especially in the first year.
Here’s what to expect:
Low humidity: materials shrink slightly — small gaps in flooring or trim may appear
High humidity: materials swell — doors may stick during humid months
This is completely normal. Seasonal movement is part of the home’s natural cycle as it adjusts to its new environment.
In the first year, you may notice:
Trim joints opening during winter dryness
Floors shifting slightly as they acclimate
Minor drywall or caulking changes
If something feels out of the ordinary, reach out. We’re always happy to investigate and address anything that needs attention.
Our aim is simple: you feel supported long after you unpack the last box.
Warranty Coverage
New Home Builds
All new homes are covered under Ontario’s Tarion Warranty Program — offering comprehensive protection for structural, mechanical, and workmanship items. You can review full details anytime on the Tarion website.
Major Renovations
For renovation projects, Lighthaus Built provides a 2-year warranty covering all work we perform.
But paperwork aside, our true warranty is the relationship we build with you. If you ever have a concern or question — even a small annoyance you can’t quite diagnose — we want to hear about it. We built this home with care, and we’ll continue to care for it with you.
Continuing Support & Home Care
Even after move-in, we remain available for:
Seasonal check-ins and maintenance questions
Advice on upgrades or small adjustments
Referrals to trusted trades for future projects
Owning a luxury custom home in Toronto means maintaining craftsmanship and performance over time — and that’s exactly what we help you do.
Key Takeaways
Every Lighthaus Built project ends with a detailed PDI walkthrough.
You’ll receive a comprehensive homeowner package with manuals, contacts, and schedules.
Seasonal movement is normal — and we’re here to guide you through it.
All homes and renovations are covered under Tarion or Lighthaus Built’s warranty.
Our relationship doesn’t end after move-in — we’re your ongoing resource for home care and advice.
Post-Build Frequently Asked Questions
What happens during a Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI)?
We walk through your home together to review every space, confirm finish quality, and note any outstanding items before move-in. You’ll receive documentation of everything we agree to address.
Is normal settling covered under warranty?
Minor cosmetic changes like small gaps or trim movement are natural and not typically covered. However, we’ll always review any concerns to ensure they’re within normal tolerances.
Who should I contact for warranty issues or maintenance help?
You can reach out directly to your project manager or email our main office anytime. We handle all warranty and service requests promptly and transparently.
What is included in the Tarion warranty?
The Tarion program protects against major structural defects for seven years, mechanical systems for two years, and general workmanship for one year.
Final Thoughts
For Lighthaus Built, handing over the keys isn’t the end — it’s the start of a long-term partnership. We take pride in knowing that your home was built with care, precision, and respect — and that you’ll enjoy it with confidence for years to come.
Meet the Author
Dave Cook is co-owner of Lighthaus Built and has spent 17 years working in single-family construction in Toronto. Through the years, he has worked as a carpenter, site supervisor, and project manager for more than 60+ major, high-end renovations and custom homes.
As an HCRA-licensed builder, he and his company (Lighthaus Built) are well-versed in constructing high-quality homes and take pride in what they do.
On a personal level, Dave is very active in several sports - most notably, distance running, road cycling, and tennis. He bakes bread (for personal consumption) and no, this was not a Covid thing. He grew up eating homemade bread and has made my own for the past 20 years. He has been married for 20 years and has two teenage children and a dog.
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