Buying a new home? Inspect for these common issues
(NC) Walking through your new home for the first time is one of the most exciting moments of your home ownership journey. If you’re buying a new build, you may expect everything to be perfect, but it’s normal to find minor, cosmetic issues that your builder may need to address after you take occupancy.
Your pre-delivery inspection, also known as a PDI, is a key opportunity to walk through your home with your builder and review its condition in detail. This takes place before your closing date or your occupancy date if you’re buying a condo. During your PDI, your builder will fill out a form to identify incomplete, damaged or missing items that they must address. It’s also an opportunity for you to learn how to use any special features included in your home and the systems that help you maintain it, like the HVAC system.
In Ontario, defects or issues in new homes are covered by the builder’s warranty and backstopped by independent, not-for-profit organization Tarion. Based on their recent data, here are some common issues that new homeowners may see during their PDI.
- Flooring: creaky and uneven floors, or cracks and gaps in hardwood flooring
- Kitchen: cabinets that may have been improperly installed, or countertops with fit and finish issues
- Doors: doors that stick or don’t close easily
- Tiling and walls: cracks in tile grout, or defects in drywall or paint finishes The PDI form your builder fills out becomes an official record of the condition of your home before you moved in, and it may be referenced in future warranty claims. Make sure it captures everything before you sign it, and that you keep a copy for your own records.
Most of the time, having your builder address these issues is a straightforward process.
Find a PDI checklist, learn more about your new home warranty, or access support for filing a warranty claim at tarion.com.
