Before you get the keys to a new home or condo, you’ll walk through it with the builder’s representative in a pre-delivery inspection, or PDI. It’s one of the most important hours of the whole buying process. Anything you note on the PDI form is documented before you move in, which makes warranty claims far easier.
When the PDI happens
The PDI usually takes place a few days to a couple of weeks before possession, or for condos, before interim occupancy. The builder schedules it. In Ontario, the PDI form is part of the Tarion warranty process; see our Tarion warranty guide.
Who can attend
You can attend yourself or appoint someone to go on your behalf with written authorisation. Many buyers bring a friend or family member, and some hire a professional home inspector, which is worth considering for freehold homes and larger condos.
What to bring
- Your agreement and the list of upgrades you ordered
- Your floor plan (see how to read a floor plan)
- Painter’s tape or small stickers to mark defects
- A phone charger to test outlets
- A flashlight and a level
- A camera to photograph everything
Room-by-room checklist
Throughout the home
- Walls and ceilings: dents, cracks, nail pops, uneven paint
- Floors: scratches, chips, lifting or squeaks
- Doors: swing freely, latch properly, no damage
- Windows: open, close and lock; no cracked glass or damaged screens
- Outlets and switches: all working
- Upgrades: confirm each one you paid for is installed
Kitchen
- Cabinets and drawers align and close smoothly
- Countertops: chips, seams, scratches
- Appliances present, undamaged and working
- Sink: no leaks, good water pressure
Bathrooms
- Toilets flush and don’t run
- Tiles and grout complete; caulking around tubs and showers
- Exhaust fans work
Mechanical
- Heating and cooling run
- Water heater installed and labelled
- Electrical panel labelled
Freehold exterior
- Grading slopes away from the house
- Driveway, walkways and steps complete
- Siding, brick and roofline intact
- Garage door works
Some exterior work, like final grading or sodding, may be seasonal; ask the builder to list it on the form with a completion date.
Tips for a successful PDI
- Be thorough but calm. The representative records items; they don’t fix them on the spot.
- Make sure every item you notice is written on the form before you sign it.
- Note items as clearly as possible, with location, such as “chip on countertop left of sink.”
- Keep a copy of the signed form.
After the PDI
The builder should fix the listed items within a reasonable time. In Ontario, you also submit a 30-day form after possession and a year-end form in the last 30 days of your first year to report anything missed or not fixed. If the builder doesn’t resolve them, you can request a conciliation inspection from Tarion.
For condos, common elements like hallways and amenities are inspected separately for the condo corporation. Learn how occupancy works in occupancy vs final closing.
Should you hire a home inspector?
A professional inspector can spot issues buyers miss, like insulation gaps or HVAC installation problems. Some builders limit who can attend the PDI, so ask in advance. Even if the inspector can’t attend the PDI, you can hire one for an inspection before your year-end warranty form deadline.
Frequently asked questions
Can I refuse to close because of PDI defects?
Generally no. Minor deficiencies are handled through the warranty process. Only very serious issues, such as a home that isn’t fit to live in, affect your obligation to close.
How long does a PDI take?
Typically one to two hours, depending on the size of the home.
Planning your purchase from the start? Read our first-time buyer’s guide and see how to choose a builder with good after-sales service.
General information only. Follow your builder’s instructions and Tarion’s homeowner information package for official deadlines.
