The PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection)
The PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection) is an important part of buying a pre-construction home. It is your (as buyers) last chance (and often first) to look around before ownership of the new home passes to you upon closing.
What is the purpose of the PDI?
The PDI usually happens a day or a few days before closing. The goal is to find and record any obvious flaws, deficiencies and errors and to establish the Tarion Warranty for your new home.
How long will it take?
Depending on the size of the home, the PDI can take two or more hours to complete.
Who attends a PDI?
The builder’s representative, and the new home buyers attend.
If the new home buyers have a Realtor representing them, I think it is important to be with them all the way through the home buying process, including the PDI.
I always attend PDIs with my clients as I have found that there are always a few things discovered that need addressing. The most serious error that I’ve ever been party too was a heating duct that was installed in the wrong place in a family room, which would have been directly under a TV console. Finding that flaw resulted in the hardwood floor being ripped up and replaced after the duct was relocated – serious work, but necessary.
I also like to attend PDIs so that I’m satisfied that my new homeowners properly understand the Tarion Warranty.
Flaws found
Most often, flaws, errors, and deficiencies are of a more superficial nature, usually caused by contractors or tradesmen unintentionally damaging the work of an earlier contractor or tradesmen.
For your PDI:
- Do a room-by-room, floor to ceiling scan that will ensure that there are no inconsistencies or marks on the floors, walls or ceilings.
- Bring your cell phone charger or something else (like a desk lamp) you can plug into the outlets.
- Turn on the lights.
- Check the appliances (if part of your sale).
- Confirm that the doors and windows open and shut properly.
- Ensure that railings are attached securely.
- Check the water pressure and water temperature settings.
Finally, the PDI is a great chance to ensure that you understand the workings of your new home.
- How does the HRV work?
- Where is the furnace switch?
- How can I turn down the water temperature?
- How does the smart thermostat work?
- You’ll have lots of questions. Now is the best time to ask them.
Do I need an agent when buying a new home?
