Pre-Delivery Inspections (PDI) for New Construction Homes
Catch issues before closing with a professional inspection and a clear report you can act on.
Buying a new home is exciting but “new” does not mean “perfect.”
A Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) helps you identify deficiencies, safety concerns, and workmanship issues before you take possession. Carson Dunlop provides thorough new construction inspections with clear reporting, photo documentation, and straightforward guidance so you can protect your investment and move in with confidence.
Certified, experienced inspectors
Detailed digital report with photos
Clear deficiency documentation
Fast scheduling around builder timelines
Serving Toronto, the GTA
+ Ontario areas
What Is a Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI)?
A Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) is the walkthrough and inspection process that happens before you take possession of a new construction home.
Depending on the builder and the property type, the PDI may occur:
shortly before closing
during a builder walkthrough appointment
at a key stage before final finishing is completed
The purpose of a PDI is to identify deficiencies, incomplete work, damage, or safety issues so they can be documented and addressed.
Why You Should Get a Professional PDI Inspection
Most buyers assume the builder will deliver a flawless home.
But in reality, new construction often includes:
rushed finishing | cosmetic defects | incomplete work
missing components | improper installation | safety issues
water management risks
A professional inspection gives you a second set of trained eyes and helps you document issues clearly.
A PDI inspection helps you:
- identify deficiencies before possession
- document problems with photos and clear descriptions
- avoid discovering issues after moving in
- protect yourself if repairs become delayed
- feel confident that your home is safe and functional
Who Should Book a PDI Inspection?
A PDI inspection is valuable for:
first-time new construction buyers
anyone buying a newly built detached home, townhome, or semi
buyers purchasing a new condo (PDI can still apply)
investors who want to reduce risk before possession
buyers who want help identifying deficiencies they may miss
If you’re spending hundreds of thousands (or millions) on a new home, this is one of the smartest ways to protect yourself.
What Your PDI Inspection Includes
A PDI inspection is a detailed review of the home’s visible and accessible components, with a focus on deficiencies, safety, and function.
We inspect key areas including:
Exterior & Water Management
- grading and drainage
- foundation and visible structure
- exterior finishes and caulking
- roof surface (where visible) and flashing
- downspouts and discharge locations
- decks, balconies, railings, and exterior stairs (where applicable)
Interior & Structure
- walls, ceilings, floors
- doors and hardware
- windows, operation, seals, and locking
- visible cracks, damage, or finishing issues
- stair safety and railings
Plumbing
- visible plumbing under sinks
- water pressure and drainage
- toilets, tubs, showers, faucets
- signs of leaks or improper installation
- hot water tank (where applicable)
Electrical
- panel and breakers (where accessible)
- outlets, switches, and visible wiring concerns
- GFCI protection near wet areas
- missing covers, improper installs, or safety risks
Heating & Cooling
- thermostat function
- HVAC system operation and performance (where possible)
- visible ducting and venting
- airflow and basic performance concerns
Attic / Insulation / Ventilation (where accessible)
- attic insulation levels
- ventilation basics
- signs of moisture or condensation risk
Safety & Function
- smoke and CO alarms (presence where visible)
- basic safety concerns
- visible deficiencies that should be corrected before possession
What You Receive After Your PDI Inspection
After the inspection, you’ll receive a detailed digital report designed to make follow-up simple.
Your report includes:
- clear deficiency descriptions
- photo documentation
- priority levels (so you know what matters most)
- practical next steps and recommendations
- a clear summary you can reference easily
This makes it much easier to communicate issues and track what needs to be corrected.
Common Deficiencies We See in New Construction Homes
New homes often look beautiful but many issues aren’t obvious during a quick walkthrough.
Some of the most common issues we see during PDI inspections include:
grading and drainage problems
missing or improper caulking at exterior penetrations
roof flashing issues (where visible)
attic ventilation problems
insulation gaps or missing insulation
plumbing leaks under sinks or at fixtures
tubs/showers with drainage or sealing issues
loose toilets or improper installation
electrical outlets not functioning properly
missing GFCI protection near wet areas
doors that don’t close properly or latch correctly
windows with sealing or operational issues
railings that are loose or not secure
damaged finishes, flooring issues, or incomplete trim
Many of these issues are easy to fix but only if they’re documented properly.
Why New Construction Buyers Choose Carson Dunlop
A PDI inspection is only valuable if it gives you clarity and confidence.
Our job isn’t to overwhelm you. It’s to help you understand what matters, what should be documented, and what needs follow-up.
Buyers choose Carson Dunlop because:
- certified, experienced inspectors
- clear findings with photo evidence
- easy-to-read reports with priority levels
- calm explanations in plain language
- we help you focus on the items that matter most
- follow-up questions are always welcome after the report is delivered
You’ll receive a digital report with photos and clear next steps, not vague notes or confusing jargon.
When Should You Book a PDI Inspection?
The best time to book is as soon as you have your PDI date or builder timeline.
New construction timelines can move quickly, and availability matters, especially during busy seasons.
If you’re unsure when to schedule, contact us and we’ll help you plan the right inspection timing based on your builder’s process.
What Happens Next
1
Book your PDI inspection
Choose your date and time and we’ll confirm quickly.
2
We inspect the property
We complete a detailed inspection of visible and accessible systems, focusing on deficiencies and safety concerns.
3
You receive a detailed report with photos
Clear findings, priority levels, and documentation.
4
We answer follow-up questions
We’ll make sure you understand what matters most and what to follow up on.
FAQ
PDI Inspection FAQs
What is a PDI?
A PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection) is the inspection/walkthrough that happens before you take possession of a new construction home. It’s used to identify deficiencies, incomplete work, damage, or safety concerns before closing.
Do I really need a PDI inspection if the home is new?
In many cases, yes. New homes can still have deficiencies, workmanship issues, incomplete items, or safety concerns. A professional inspection helps you document these clearly.
Will the builder fix everything we find?
Builders typically address documented deficiencies, but the process varies. The value of the inspection is that issues are identified early, documented properly, and easier to follow up on.
What if the builder won’t let my inspector attend?
Rules vary by builder. If you have restrictions, contact us and we’ll help you determine the best approach based on your timeline and what’s permitted.
How long does a PDI inspection take?
Most PDI inspections take 2–4 hours, depending on the size and type of the home.
Do you provide the report the same day?
In most cases, yes. You’ll receive a digital report with photos and clear explanations shortly after the inspection is completed. Always within 24 hours.
Can a PDI inspection find hidden issues?
PDIs are visual and non-invasive. We do not open walls or disassemble components. However, we look for signs of problems and document visible deficiencies clearly.
Should I also get an 11-month warranty inspection?
Often, yes. Many homeowners book both: a PDI inspection before possession and an 11-month warranty inspection before the builder warranty period ends.
How much does a PDI inspection cost?
Most PDI inspections range from $400–$650, depending on the size, age, and type of property. We confirm pricing before booking.
What areas do you serve for PDI inspections?
We provide PDI inspections across Toronto, the GTA, and many surrounding Ontario communities.
Book Your PDI Inspection
A new home is one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make.
A PDI inspection helps you identify deficiencies early, document issues clearly, and move into your new home with confidence.
Serving Toronto, the GTA & Nearby Ontario Areas
We provide PDI inspections across:
Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Oakville, Burlington, Milton, Oshawa, Whitby, Pickering, Hamilton, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Newmarket, Aurora, Barrie, and more.