The PDI: 10 things you need to know

The pre-delivery inspection, or PDI, is a small but important part of the new-home buying process. Included in the adjustments when you are closing your new home or condo (but not a conversion) is the cost of your Tarion warranty program enrolment, which covers defects in the completion of your new home. Any item that is damaged, incomplete, missing or not operating properly should be noted on the builder’s PDI form to verify that these conditions existed prior to occupancy.

Most Agreements of Purchase and Sale make the deficiency list prepared as part of your final inspection the only basis for repairs, subject to the major items such as foundation cracks. What does this mean? Simply put, if you don’t list it on the PDI form, you may not be able to compel the builder to fix it.

Top 10 things to look out for during your PDI:

1.Insist on having enough time to do the inspection and allow yourself enough time with no need to be anywhere else.
2.Write everything down yourself. Don’t let the builder’s representative take charge.
3.If something has not been installed or completed, this should be noted.
4.Don’t rush! Do not let the builders representative push you.
5.Write everything down, no matter how seemingly small or insignificant;
6.Don't accept promises of repair during the PDI. If something is not right, mark it down.
7.Try every light, socket, tap, drain, toilet, door, lock, window, appliance. Everything that could be defective now or go wrong later.
8.Watch for stains on carpet, scratches on wood floors, cracks in paint or drywall, areas where they forgot a second coat of paint, etc.
9.Look for water stains or spots, and if you see them insist on knowing why and where they came from.
10.In the case of condominiums, check out the common areas – lobbies, garbage rooms, parking areas, gym, lockers, pool, tennis court. Remember, you own part of the common area and if parts are incomplete, wrong or defective, list it!

I do not warrant that this list is complete, but I hope it helps. Remember, the PDI is extremely important to establish your position as it relates to deficiencies, so that no one can say a defect happened after possession. Make sure you check carefully.