Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a New Home Technician

🎯 Role Definition

The New Home Technician is a cornerstone of our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. This role is not just about repairs; it's about being the face of the company during one of the most exciting moments in a customer's life. You are the trusted expert who ensures a newly built house is a perfect home. Serving as the bridge between the construction team and the new homeowner, you will conduct detailed pre-delivery inspections, perform a wide variety of hands-on finishing repairs, and manage warranty service requests with professionalism and empathy. This position is for a skilled, personable, and detail-oriented individual who takes immense pride in their work and understands that their efforts are the final touch on a family's dream.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Experienced Handyman or Home Renovation Specialist
Skilled Tradesperson (Carpenter, Painter, Drywaller)
Assistant Site Superintendent

Advancement To:

Customer Service / Warranty Manager
Site Superintendent
Quality Assurance Manager

Lateral Moves:

Building Inspector (Municipal)
Construction Estimator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct comprehensive Pre-Delivery Inspections (PDIs) alongside new homeowners, meticulously documenting any construction deficiencies and explaining the home’s features.
Act as the primary point of contact for homeowners post-closing, professionally managing and addressing all warranty service claims in a timely and efficient manner.
Perform a wide range of hands-on repairs, including drywall patching, sanding, painting, caulking, and adjusting doors, cabinets, and hardware to meet our high-quality standards.
Skillfully troubleshoot and diagnose issues related to plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and structural components to determine the appropriate course of action for resolution.
Coordinate and schedule appointments with our network of trusted trade partners and subcontractors for specialized repairs that are beyond the scope of general maintenance.
Communicate proactively and transparently with homeowners, providing clear explanations of the repair process, setting realistic timelines, and managing expectations.
Educate homeowners on the proper operation and maintenance of their new home’s systems and features, empowering them with the knowledge to care for their investment.
Ensure all completed work is inspected for quality and signed off by the homeowner, guaranteeing their complete satisfaction with the resolution.
Maintain a detailed and accurate log of all service activities, communications, and resolutions using our company’s service management software on a tablet or laptop.
Manage and maintain a company-provided service vehicle, ensuring it is well-stocked with necessary tools, parts, and materials for common repairs.
Uphold the company’s brand promise by consistently delivering a superior customer experience, demonstrating empathy, patience, and a solutions-focused attitude.
Perform final walkthroughs and quality control checks on homes nearing completion to identify and rectify potential issues before the homeowner PDI.
Provide valuable, detailed feedback to the construction and management teams regarding recurring deficiencies, helping to improve building practices and overall product quality.
Adhere strictly to all workplace health and safety regulations, ensuring a safe environment for yourself, homeowners, and trade partners in every situation.
Verify that the correct finishes, fixtures, and materials have been installed according to the homeowner's purchase agreement and design selections.
Assess the validity of homeowner warranty claims against the builder’s warranty policy and any applicable third-party warranty programs (e.g., Tarion).
Respect the homeowner's property by maintaining a clean and organized work area, using drop cloths and protective materials, and cleaning up thoroughly after each task.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with site staff, trade partners, and the customer service team to facilitate smooth and efficient operations.
Respond to emergency service calls as required, demonstrating a sense of urgency and effective problem-solving under pressure.
Proactively identify and complete cosmetic touch-ups and adjustments in a home to ensure it presents flawlessly at the time of key turnover.

Secondary Functions

Assist the construction team with final quality assurance walks on homes nearing completion to catch issues proactively.
Contribute to team meetings by sharing insights on common homeowner concerns and recurring construction issues to drive continuous improvement.
Participate in the training and mentoring of new technicians, sharing best practices for technical repairs and customer interaction.
Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and inventory of the company service vehicle and any assigned storage areas.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Residential Repair Proficiency: Strong, hands-on ability in general home repair, including drywall patching, painting, trim carpentry, caulking, and flooring repairs.
Building Systems Knowledge: A solid understanding of residential construction methods and the core functions of plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems.
Blueprint & Specification Literacy: Ability to read and interpret architectural plans, construction drawings, and homeowner selection sheets.
Tool & Equipment Mastery: Skilled and safe operation of a wide variety of hand and power tools essential for finishing and repair work.
Warranty Program Knowledge: Familiarity with new home warranty programs and standards (e.g., Tarion, ANHWP, etc.) is a significant asset.
Tech Savviness: Competence in using mobile technology, including tablets and smartphones, for scheduling, reporting, and communication via service software.

Soft Skills

Customer-Centric Communication: Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to listen actively, explain technical issues in simple terms, and de-escalate sensitive situations.
Problem-Solving Acumen: A natural ability to diagnose problems, think critically, and determine the most efficient and effective solution.
Time Management & Organization: Excellent organizational skills to manage a dynamic schedule of multiple appointments, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
Patience & Empathy: The capacity to remain calm, patient, and diplomatic when dealing with stressed or frustrated homeowners.
Meticulous Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail and a passion for delivering flawless, high-quality workmanship.
Independent & Accountable: A self-starter who can work autonomously with minimal supervision and takes full ownership of their responsibilities.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Post-secondary diploma or trade certification in Construction Technology, Carpentry, or a related skilled trade.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Construction Engineering Technology
Carpentry / Cabinet Making
Home Inspection

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-5 years of direct, hands-on experience in residential construction, home renovation, or a property maintenance role.

Preferred:

Prior experience in a dedicated customer-facing role within the homebuilding industry, such as a PDI Technician or Warranty Service Technician.