At the official launch of Tarion’s new name and logo in April, 2004, Tarion President and CEO Greg Gee emphasized that the re-branding exercise represented the next step in a series of improvements that have been designed to create a modern, customer-focused business.

This article focuses on one of the next important steps in this series of improvements: the establishment of the Builder Relations Department. Mike Coté, a veteran of the home building industry, has been named the new vice-president of this new department. Two of his immediate departmental goals are to “become a customer centre for the consistent application of the warranty across the province” and to “inform the over 5,000 builders in Ontario about the changes that have been made” at Tarion.

Bob Wade, the chairman of Tarion’s board of directors, is also quoted in the article. He said that while there has never been a formalized department to deal with the issues builders face, “The idea behind the development of builder relations is to find out what these issues are, and how Tarion could play a role, either with the method in which Tarion conducts business with builders, or with the way the builders provide service to their customers.”

To begin exploring these issues and enhancing relationships with builders, Tarion will be holding a province-wide series of seminars throughout 2005 that will update the building community on policy changes and other Tarion initiatives.
 
The article also mentions another initiative currently underway at Tarion – a series of seminars for new home buyers that explains the details of the builder’s warranty coverage. The goal of the seminars is to inform buyers of their warranty rights and obligations as well as to help ensure that the relationship between the buyer and the builder runs smoothly. 
 
The article concludes by noting that Tarion’s initiatives have helped establish clearer roles and responsibilities for both the homeowner and the builder. As a result, there’s less worry about surprises along the way.