Ottawa Property Guide · ottawapropertyguide.ca
Pre-delivery inspection checklist
Tick each step as you complete it. Statuses below are the ones saved in your browser when this sheet was printed.
Date printed: 22 September 2026, 7:07 pm
Before the appointment What to arrange and bring
| Done | Step | Action | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Confirm the date and time in writing, and allow more time than you think you need | Not Done | |
| 1.2 | If you cannot attend, appoint a designate in writing — Tarion has an Appointment of Designate form What you'll need: Written authority given to your builder before the appointment | Not Done | |
| 1.3 | Bring a second pair of eyes — there is no restriction on who may accompany you | Not Done | |
| 1.4 | Bring your purchase agreement and your design studio selections sheet What you'll need: Both documents, so substitutions can be spotted on the spot | Not Done | |
| 1.5 | Bring a phone for photos, a charger or small plug-in tester for outlets, and a torch | Not Done | |
| 1.6 | Ask which PDI Form is being used — Tarion's standard form, or the builder's own carrying at least the same information | Not Done |
Shell and openings Doors, windows, walls, ceilings, floors
| Done | Step | Action | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.1 | Open, close, lock and unlock every exterior door, including the garage man-door | Not Done | |
| 2.2 | Open and close every interior door — check it latches, does not bind and does not swing on its own | Not Done | |
| 2.3 | Open, close and lock every window, and operate every screen | Not Done | |
| 2.4 | Check every pane for chips, cracks, scratches and failed seals | Not Done | |
| 2.5 | Check walls for dents, nail pops, visible seams and unfinished drywall | Not Done | |
| 2.6 | Check paint coverage in corners, behind doors and along trim, in daylight | Not Done | |
| 2.7 | Check ceilings for cracks, sags, stains and finish marks | Not Done | |
| 2.8 | Walk every floor listening for squeaks, and check for scratches, gaps, lifting and hollow spots | Not Done | |
| 2.9 | Check flooring type and colour in every room against your selections sheet | Not Done | |
| 2.10 | Check baseboards, casings and stair trim for gaps, splits and missing caulk | Not Done | |
| 2.11 | Test every handrail and railing for firmness, and check spindle spacing looks consistent | Not Done | |
| 2.12 | Open every closet — check shelving, rods, doors and that the light works | Not Done |
Systems Electrical, plumbing, heating and ventilation
| Done | Step | Action | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1 | Test every outlet with a charger or tester, including exterior and garage outlets | Not Done | |
| 3.2 | Operate every switch and confirm it controls what you expect | Not Done | |
| 3.3 | Turn on every light fixture and confirm none is missing, loose or unlit | Not Done | |
| 3.4 | Test and reset the GFCI outlets in bathrooms, kitchen, garage and outside | Not Done | |
| 3.5 | Check the electrical panel is labelled legibly and the cover is fitted | Not Done | |
| 3.6 | Confirm smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms are installed where required and powered | Not Done | |
| 3.7 | Run every tap hot and cold, check pressure, and watch for drips at the fittings | Not Done | |
| 3.8 | Fill and drain every sink, tub and shower — watch that it drains and does not leak below | Not Done | |
| 3.9 | Flush every toilet, check it refills and stops, and check it is firm on the floor | Not Done | |
| 3.10 | Locate the main water shut-off and the shut-offs under sinks and toilets | Not Done | |
| 3.11 | Run the heating and confirm it responds at the thermostat | Not Done | |
| 3.12 | If air conditioning is included or purchased, confirm the unit is installed — not just roughed in | Not Done | |
| 3.13 | Confirm the HRV or ERV is installed and running, and ask how to use and clean it | Not Done | |
| 3.14 | Check every supply and return vent is present, fitted and unobstructed | Not Done | |
| 3.15 | Check the water heater, note whether it is owned or rented, and find the paperwork | Not Done |
Kitchen and bathrooms Cabinets, counters, fixtures, appliances
| Done | Step | Action | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.1 | Open and close every cabinet door and drawer — check alignment, soft-close and damage | Not Done | |
| 4.2 | Check counters for chips, scratches, seam quality and secure fixing | Not Done | |
| 4.3 | Check backsplash tile, grout and caulking | Not Done | |
| 4.4 | Check cabinet, counter and hardware finishes against your selections sheet | Not Done | |
| 4.5 | Where appliances are included, confirm each is installed, undamaged and operating | Not Done | |
| 4.6 | Run the range hood and every bathroom fan, and confirm each vents rather than just spins | Not Done | |
| 4.7 | Check tubs, shower bases and surrounds for chips, cracks and scratches | Not Done | |
| 4.8 | Operate shower doors and check the seals and caulking | Not Done | |
| 4.9 | Check mirrors, towel bars, paper holders and vanity hardware are installed and secure | Not Done | |
| 4.10 | Check caulking around every tub, shower, sink and counter edge | Not Done |
Basement, garage and storage The rooms people rush at the end
| Done | Step | Action | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.1 | Check the basement floor and walls for cracks, damp, staining and efflorescence | Not Done | |
| 5.2 | Confirm every rough-in you paid for is physically present — basement bathroom, gas line, extra circuits What you'll need: Your list of purchased rough-ins | Not Done | |
| 5.3 | If there is a sump pump, confirm it is installed and ask how to test it | Not Done | |
| 5.4 | Check laundry connections, the dryer vent and the floor drain | Not Done | |
| 5.5 | Operate the garage door, its opener if included, and the safety reverse | Not Done | |
| 5.6 | Check the garage floor, walls and the fire separation between garage and house | Not Done | |
| 5.7 | Note anything inaccessible or obscured from view — Tarion counts that as recordable too | Not Done |
Exterior Tarion is explicit that the outside counts too
| Done | Step | Action | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.1 | Walk the outside and check brickwork, siding, stone and mortar for damage and gaps | Not Done | |
| 6.2 | Check soffit, fascia, eavestrough and downspouts are complete and directed away from the house | Not Done | |
| 6.3 | Check the grade slopes away from the foundation on every side | Not Done | |
| 6.4 | Run every exterior tap and check the exterior outlets | Not Done | |
| 6.5 | Check steps, porch, railings, walkway and driveway for damage and safe footing | Not Done | |
| 6.6 | Note the state of sod, grading, driveway and any exterior work deferred to the next season What you'll need: Your agreement's wording on deferred exterior work | Not Done |
Before you sign The part that decides what the form is worth
| Done | Step | Action | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.1 | Photograph every deficiency as you go, and photograph each room as a whole | Not Done | |
| 7.2 | Record any substitution you did not authorise, with the selections sheet as evidence | Not Done | |
| 7.3 | Check every item you raised has actually been written on the PDI Form before it is finalised | Not Done | |
| 7.4 | Do not accept a verbal promise to fix something — if it is not on the form, it is not recorded | Not Done | |
| 7.5 | Take a copy of the signed form away with you, and keep it with your warranty paperwork | Not Done | |
| 7.6 | Keep the list going after possession — the warranty forms have their own deadlines from the day you take possession | Not Done |
Summary
| Total checklist items | 62 |
|---|---|
| Completed | 0 |
| Not completed | 62 |
| Completion | 0% |
| Overall status | Not Started |