The Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) Checklist for Ontario New Condo Buyers

Your pre-delivery inspection (PDI) is the walkthrough of your new condo unit before you take occupancy — and it's your best opportunity to document deficiencies while the builder is still on the hook to fix them. Miss something at the PDI, and you're relying on later warranty windows to catch it, which is a harder path.

A good PDI isn't a quick five-minute stroll through the unit. It's a systematic check of every room, system, and surface, with everything you find written down — not just mentioned verbally to the builder's representative.

This checklist walks through what to bring, what to check room by room, and how to document what you find so it actually helps you later.

What Is a Pre-Delivery Inspection?

The PDI happens shortly before you take possession of your new condo unit, typically with a representative of the builder present. It's your chance to identify visible deficiencies, missing items, and anything that doesn't match what was promised in your Agreement of Purchase and Sale — before you move your belongings in and the unit becomes harder to inspect cleanly.

What you note at the PDI generally becomes the foundation for your early Tarion warranty claim paperwork, so treating it seriously matters.

Before You Go: Preparation Checklist

• [ ] Bring a copy of your Agreement of Purchase and Sale and any floor plans or upgrade/finish schedules
• [ ] Bring a flashlight, phone charger (to test outlets), and a notepad or note-taking app
• [ ] Bring painter's tape or small stickers to flag deficiencies as you find them
• [ ] Wear clothes you don't mind getting dusty — construction debris is common at this stage
• [ ] Set aside enough time — rushing through a PDI is how issues get missed
• [ ] Confirm whether you can bring someone with you (a second set of eyes catches more)

Room-by-Room Checklist

Entry and General

• [ ] Confirm the unit number and layout match your agreement
• [ ] Check that all doors open, close, and lock properly
• [ ] Test the doorbell/intercom system if applicable
• [ ] Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed

Kitchen

• [ ] Test every appliance (fridge, stove, dishwasher, range hood) powers on and functions
• [ ] Check cabinet doors and drawers open, close, and align properly
• [ ] Check countertops for chips, cracks, or seam issues
• [ ] Run water at the sink and check for leaks under the cabinet
• [ ] Confirm finishes match your upgrade schedule, if you purchased upgrades

Bathrooms

• [ ] Flush toilets and check for proper operation and no leaking at the base
• [ ] Run the tub/shower and check water pressure, drainage, and caulking
• [ ] Check the exhaust fan functions
• [ ] Look for grout and tile issues, chips, or uneven surfaces

Flooring and Walls

• [ ] Check flooring for scratches, gaps, or unevenness throughout
• [ ] Check walls and ceilings for cracks, marks, or uneven paint
• [ ] Check baseboards and trim are properly installed and finished

Windows and Doors

• [ ] Open and close every window; check for smooth operation and proper sealing
• [ ] Check for visible drafts, gaps, or condensation between panes
• [ ] Check balcony or terrace doors open, close, and lock securely

Electrical and Mechanical

• [ ] Test every light switch and outlet
• [ ] Confirm the thermostat and HVAC system power on and respond
• [ ] Check that any in-suite laundry appliances are installed and functional

Balcony, Parking, and Storage

• [ ] Inspect the balcony or terrace surface and railing
• [ ] Confirm your assigned parking space matches your agreement
• [ ] Confirm your assigned locker (if applicable) is accessible and matches your agreement

Documenting Issues Properly

Writing something down matters more than saying it out loud to the builder's representative. For each deficiency:

• Note the specific location (e.g., "kitchen, upper cabinet closest to window")
• Describe the issue clearly and factually
• Take a dated photo if possible
• Confirm the item is recorded on the builder's official PDI form before you leave, not just on your own notes

Keep a copy of the completed PDI form for your own records. This document becomes an important reference point if a dispute arises later about what was — or wasn't — flagged at the time of inspection.

What Happens After the PDI

Items identified at your PDI typically feed into your early Tarion warranty submission paperwork, generally understood to include a form submitted shortly after you take possession. Confirm the current deadlines and required forms directly through your Tarion MyHome account, since missing a submission window can affect your ability to claim for an item later.

Frequently asked questions