What is a PDI or Pre-Delivery Inspection?

Often you will hear people in Ottawa throwing around the term PDI - Which stands for pre-delivery inspection. When you purchase a brand new condo (or home) you will be enrolled in the seven-year Tarion Warranty program. Before you take occupancy (move in), you will do an "inspection" of the entire unit with the builder. This is a comprehensive inspection where you may also be demonstrated on how to operate the home's systems such as plumbing, heating, and cooling. 

Any item that is damaged, missing, incomplete, or not operating correctly, should be noted on the PDI form that the builder will provide, which will verify that these conditions existed prior to occupancy. Some units have many small problems, some have very few. This is a chance for the builder to correct any issues before you take occupancy. Once the inspection is over, you will be asked to sign the PDI form.

Some examples that we have seen first hand are:
- tiles or flooring installed incorrectly or damaged
- appliances missing or damaged
- cabinet trim missing or damaged
- windows damaged
- baseboard trim damaged or missing
- poor paint or drywall mudding
- drywall nail pops
- counters missing or damaged
- the list goes on...

Keep in mind that the PDI is to establish that the problem existed before you moved in. If it is not mentioned on the PDI form, then it may be difficult to establish that the issue did not happen after you moved in and after you have occupancy. If there are any items that are not corrected by the time you move in, they need to be listed on a 30-day or year-end form. These forms represent a request for a warranty service and listed items that are covered under warranty that must be addressed by the builder within a specific amount of time.

If you are unable to make the PDI, you can always ask the builder and try to change the date. If that is not possible, you are able to send a designate (such as your real estate agent or friend/family member) - just provide your builder with written authority to sign the PDI form. 

Check out our post with tips for doing your PDI inspection - CLICK HERE.

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PDI Inspections

Tips For Doing Your Condo's PDI Inspection

You have been waiting (possibly up to three years) for this day, congratulations you can see your condo in real life for the first time! The PDI or pre-delivery inspection is an opportunity for you to walk through the condo with the builders representative before you take occupancy. The main purpose of the PDI is for you and the builder to make a list of deficiencies before you move in. This could be anything that is damaged, incomplete, missing items, as well as anything that is not functioning the way it is intended. Here are a few tips that you can use to help get the most out of your PDI!

- Be nice with the developers representative. Typically, they are the one who does all the PDI's for the building and will really be able to tell you what has to still be done. They are usually very picky, so make it easy for them help you. 

- Be picky. While the developers representative works for the builder, they will generally be blunt with you depending on what the deficiency is. They will either say that is not something that the builder will repair/replace/etc, or they will. 

- Don't rush! This is your time, and your PDI. Don't let the representative rush you, but also don't take up their whole day. Get to the appointment early and be prepared.

- Look at every room, but the most important is the kitchen and then the bathrooms. This is where your condo has the most moving parts, and has more things to be installed incorrectly.

- Details! Turn on every faucet, flush every toilet, close every door, inspect every wall, open every cabinet. Anything could have been installed incorrectly, so don't be afraid to point something out.

- Bring someone with you. The more eyes the better! Bring your agent (especially if you are planning on renting it out, or selling it shortly after), friend, parents, etc.

- Don't hire a home inspector for an apartment style condo PDI. Home inspectors are not trained to inspect brand new condos, they are trained to find problems in old homes. Save the $300-500.

- Read your APS (Agreement of Purchase and Sale) again before your PDI. There will be numerous schedules, like the one for finishes and features. Compare what you see with what was promised you, and make sure you are getting what is agreed.

- If you missed something during the PDI, you still have the 30-day Tarion form. After you take possession, if you find a 'deficiency' you can use your 30-day form to go through Tarion.

- Pick your battles. If you do have deficiencies with your Ottawa condo after you take possession (and many will), pick your battles carefully and focus on the most important issues. Understand you are most likely never going to have a 100% perfect unit.

- Bring a tape measure and flashlight. While you will have the builders floor plan as a guide for furniture, this is your chance to see exactly how much space you have for the couch, dining table or bed. Remember that the builder is allowed to modify space to a small degree, so it might change from the original plan. Sometimes the power might be off, if the builder is working on a certain part of the building, so having a flashlight just incase doesn't hurt! (Thanks to jcphoenix for the flashlight tip!)

Do you have questions about PDI's, or purchasing a condo? I would love to help.

Click Here to Contact Matt Richling

PDI Info

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Written by Matt Richling.

Matt is a licensed salesperson at RE/MAX Metro City Realty in Ottawa, Canada. Matt loves helping sellers and buyers find the perfect home or condo that fits their lifestyle.