Pre-delivery inspection (PDI): how to inspect your new home
By Dinesh Jindal, licensed REALTOR® · Reviewed November 2026
The PDI is your one chance to record the condition of the home before you move in. Anything noted on the form is hard for the builder to dispute later.
Bring
- The agreement and your upgrade/finish selections
- Painter's tape, a phone flashlight and a phone charger (to test outlets)
- A notepad and your phone camera
Checklist
- Floors: scratches, chips, lifted planks, cracked tiles, uneven transitions.
- Walls and ceilings: paint, nail pops, cracks, unfinished corners.
- Doors and windows: open, close and lock smoothly; seals intact; no cracked glass.
- Kitchen and baths: counters and cabinets undamaged, taps and drains work, no leaks under sinks.
- Appliances: delivered, correct models, no dents.
- Electrical: every light, switch and outlet; panel labelled.
- Finishes: match what you selected and paid for.
Tips
- Note everything, even small items, and photograph them.
- Read the PDI form before you sign it, and keep a copy.
- Follow up on the Tarion 30-Day Form for anything outstanding.
Dinesh can attend the PDI with you. Book a call
Quick answers
What is a PDI?
The pre-delivery inspection is a walk-through with the builder's representative before you take possession. Damage and incomplete items are recorded on the PDI form, which becomes part of your warranty record.
Can I bring someone to my PDI?
Yes. You can bring a family member, your realtor or a home inspector, or appoint a designate in writing if you cannot attend.
What if something is missed at the PDI?
You can still list it on the Tarion 30-Day Form. Items that are clearly visible damage, like a chipped counter, are much easier to resolve if they are on the PDI form.
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Programs, limits and rebates change; confirm current rules with Dinesh Jindal, your real estate lawyer and your mortgage professional before you sign.