PRE-DELIVERY

INSPECTION CHECKLIST

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PRE-DELIVERY INSPECTION CHECKLIST
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PRE-DELIVERY INSPECTION

The main purpose of the pre-delivery inspection (or

PDI) is to make note of anything in your new home that
is damaged, missing, incomplete, or that cannot be
inspected at the time.

The PDI provides an opportunity to record your home’s

condition before you move in. Any issues should be
noted on a PDI Form and ideally your builder will correct
them right away. Neither this checklist nor the PDI form
which your builder completes is considered by Tarion to
be a valid request for warranty service.

The PDI Form serves as a record of the condition of

your home at the date of the PDI. If you make a
warranty claim involving a damaged or missing item,
the PDI Form with that item listed can be an important
indicator that the item was damaged or missing before
you took possession.

If when you take possession you notice a damaged

or missing item that was not noted on your PDI Form,
document the condition immediately by, for example,
taking photographs and sending an email to your
builder to report the condition. This record will assist
in establishing that the condition existed when you
took possession.

If any items are not resolved by the time you take

possession of your new home, you may report them to
Tarion using the applicable warranty form.

BRING THIS HANDY CHECKLIST ALONG WITH

YOU TO ENSURE YOU DON’T MISS A THING.

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PRE-DELIVERY INSPECTION CHECKLIST
KITCHENS, LAUNDRY AND BATHROOMS

KITCHENS COUNTERTOPS

A Test lights to ensure they work properly A Check the countertop for scratches, chips, or
other damage
A Check that all options and upgrades have been
installed and are complete A Check the backsplash for scratches, chips,
or other damage
A Check the floor for scratches, dents, loose tiles,
etc. (See Floors, Walls and Other Interior Items) APPLIANCES

CABINETS & DRAWERS A Check major built-in appliances for surface

damage such as scratches and dents
A Check the cabinets to make sure they are
properly aligned A Test the range hood fan and light

A Check cabinets and drawers for damages A Ask your builder for any user guides and
or imperfections warranty information

A Check that cabinet doors and drawers open

and close properly LAUNDRY ROOM

A If appliances are provided, make sure that the

dryer is venting to the outside

A Ensure that water hook-ups are connected to the

correct hot and cold inlet

A Check visible flooring for damage

A Test the lights

A Ask your builder for any user guides and

warranty information

SINK

A Test the faucet / Test the hot water

A Look under the sink for evidence of leaking, such

as water stains

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PRE-DELIVERY INSPECTION CHECKLIST
KITCHENS, LAUNDRY AND BATHROOMS

BATHROOM SHOWER/TUB

A Test the lights A Examine the caulking around the tub and
shower enclosures
A Turn on the bathroom fan to make sure it works
A Test the shower head and drain
A Check the floor for missing or damaged tiles
A Check tub for scratches, chips or other damage
A Check mirrors for scratches, chips, or other damage
A If you have a shower door, check that it opens and
A Check that cabinet doors and drawers open closes properly
and close properly
A Check tiles for damage
TOILET

A Check the toilet for scratches, chips, or TIPS

other damage
Kitchen Countertops: Keep in mind that if you selected
A Make sure the toilet flushes properly a natural stone for your counter tops, such as granite or
marble, you can expect to find natural imperfections like
A Check the floor around the toilet for water leaks surface pits, fissures or veins.

SINK Kitchen Cabinets & Drawers: Keep in mind that if you have
a natural wood finish, it is normal to find variations in the
A Check the sink for scratches, chips or wood grain and the stain finish.
other damage
Kitchen Sink: Its possible the hot water may not
A Check caulking at the countertop backsplash be on at the time of the PDI or that hot water may not
be instantaneous.
A Test the faucet/Test hot water
Bathroom: A ground fault circuit interrupter (or GFCI) near
A Look under the sink for evidence of leaking such as water sources protects you from electrical shock.
water stains
Bathroom Sink: Note that hot water may not
be instantaneous.

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PRE-DELIVERY INSPECTION CHECKLIST
FLOORS, WALLS AND OTHER INTERIOR ITEMS

FLOORS WALLS

A Inspect all flooring for damage A Make sure finished drywall is free from dents
and gouges

A Make sure that trim (including baseboards, door

and window casings), are free from surface defects

DOORS

A If applicable, check that the exterior door leading

to the garage is equipped with an automatic
closer. This door should close and seal on its own.
Check seal around door to ensure it is tight

A Make sure door finishing is free from damage, such

as scratches, dents, or cracks

CARPET

A Examine seams in carpets (and vinyl) to ensure

they are tight and there are no gaps

A Examine carpeting for stains

CERAMIC

A Inspect ceramic tile surfaces for cracks,

chips or gouges

A Check joints between ceramic tiles for

proper grouting

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PRE-DELIVERY INSPECTION CHECKLIST
FLOORS, WALLS AND OTHER INTERIOR ITEMS

WINDOWS CLOSETS

A Check windows to ensure they open, close and A If your builder is providing shelves and/or rods in
lock properly your closets, check that they have been installed

A Check that window panes are free from scratches,

cracks, or other damage TIPS

A Make sure that all appropriate screens are properly Hardwood: Given the nature of wood, a wood floor system
fitted in place and inspect them for tears or holes will have some unevenness. Natural wood may contain
variations in the grain or colour.

STAIRS Carpet: Depending on the type of carpet selected, seams

may be tight and secure, but still be visible.
A Check handrails on stairs to ensure they are
securely fastened and are free from rough edges, Walls: Wall finishes may appear different depending
chips, or other damage on lighting conditions. Finish should be inspected
under normal lighting and while standing perpendicular
A Check stair finishing to the wall at a distance outlined in the Construction
Performance Guidelines.

Doors: Ensure that there is a visible gap between the

bottom of the door and the floor covering.

Stairs: Keep in mind that if you have hardwood flooring,

there may be a difference in look between the stairs and
the floor.

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PRE-DELIVERY INSPECTION CHECKLIST
EXTERIOR

EXTERIOR EXTERIOR TRIM

A If the completion of your home includes final A Check that exterior trim has been
grading and installation of driveways, patios completed, properly painted (if required),
and walkways, check for any unfinished or and free from damage
damaged work
CAULKING

EXTERIOR CLADDING A Make sure all caulking has been completed around
all windows, doors, and exterior openings
BRICK
GRADING
A Check for cracked or damaged bricks
A Check that the grading slopes away from the
VINYL/ALUMINUM/WOOD SIDING foundation around the perimeter

A Check that siding appears secure and free A If applicable, check that basement windows below
from damage grade have window wells

A Check that siding is not bowed or wavy and is free

from damage TIPS

EXTERIOR INSULATED Exterior: If you are unable to inspect your home’s exterior
FINISHING SYSTEM (STUCCO) due to weather conditions, make note of it on the
Pre-Delivery Inspection form.
A Check that stucco is free from cracks and
discoloration or other damage Brick: Weep holes are small openings that allow water to
drain from behind the brick. They are generally located at the
bottom of the brick and above windows and doors.

Sod: Once you have taken ownership of your new home,

it is your responsibility to maintain the sod. Make sure you
understand how to care for it.

Grading: Some lots require shallow run-off trenches called

swales to help collect and divert surface water. The grading
is approved by the municipality and cannot be altered by the
homeowner.

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PRE-DELIVERY INSPECTION CHECKLIST
OPERATING SYSTEMS

Your home includes heating, ventilation, electrical and MECHANICAL VENTILATION

plumbing systems. Your builder should provide you
with any operating manuals that relate to your home’s A Make sure that you understand how to achieve
systems. Learning from your builder how these systems proper ventilation and maintain an adequate
operate is one of the key benefits of the Pre-Delivery relative humidity level all year-round in order to
Inspection. The information that follows will assist you in avoid condensation problems
talking to your builder about these systems.
A If applicable, locate the principal exhaust fan
HEATING switch and ensure that it functions

A Check the condition of the furnace and hot water A If your home is equipped with a Heat Recovery
heater. Ensure both are functioning Ventilator (HRV), have your builder instruct you on
its proper use and maintenance
A Find the furnace filters and ask about how to care
for them
TIPS
A Review the operation of your heating and cooling
system, and how the programmable thermostat Air conditioning: Systems cannot be operated when outside
functions temperatures are below a certain level. Your builder should
be able to provide you with this information.
A Locate the emergency shut-off switch for the
furnace Mechanical Ventilation: Condensation problems that result
from improper maintenance are not covered by the new
A Learn about the location of shut-off valves for fuel home warranty.
supplies and understand how to operate them
Mechanical Ventilation: A hygrometer is a device that
A Be sure to understand the maintenance measures the humidity levels in your home. Ask your builder
schedule needed to keep this equipment in top about recommended humidity levels for every season.
performance

PLUMBING

A Locate the main water shut-off valve and ask how

to operate it

AIR CONDITIONING

A If your builder is providing a central air conditioner,

check that it has been installed and is functioning

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