What happens when your condo isn't ready by the absolute deadline?

So I've once again gone on a short hiatus from my blog - but this time - I've had just cause. Our lives have been a whirlwind - moving from skepticism of our condo being ready on time, to excitement that it would be, to disappointment that it's not - it's been an emotional roller coaster, as well as a physically demanding one.

Long story short - we got our final 60-day notice, well, just over 60 days ago. This was the final date that "couldn't" change - the one we could give our landlord notice with, and the one we could start finally planning on the future. We gave our final deposit, booked an elevator time, and waited. As August 28th closed in (the day we were supposed to get our keys), it didn't look all that realistic to be moving in - and then, 12 days out, we were informed that it wouldn't be ready:

The dagger into our excitement...

At this point, we were more angry, than crushed, but like I said, it didn't come as a total surprise - we barely saw drywall in our unit at this point. 

It looked like it was getting there...at least the lower floors...

So - where did we go from there? Well - if you know anything about the TARION home warranty, and the guidelines that developers have to follow - you'll know that we're getting 'compensated' for the delay, it's a set amount, and sure - it helps ease the pain a little, but we'd both rather be moved in, without the money, rather than where we are now.

We'd given notice to the landlord, and a new tenant was already prepared to move in - so our only choice was to move all of our stuff into a storage locker (paid for by the builder), and either move into a hotel, or back with our parents. We elected to do the latter, and although it's not ideal - it helps us to make the most of the money we'll be bringing in from this delay. 

Our current home...

What I've learned from all this - and I'm sure Michelle and her sister could probably give you plenty more 'feedback' - is that when you buy new - be prepared to wait. Whatever date you go in with - estimate later, and then double that. We didn't imagine the builder would EVER risk having to pay out to purchasers, but here we are - I'm literally getting paid double to be at work today, thanks to 'Anonymous Builder' (I'll save my "praise" until after they've finished our home).

Cheers, 

Homeless, and living out of a suitcase