Pre Delivery Inspection (PDI) checklist template for new homes and condos

A Pre Delivery Inspection is the last chance to walk a unit before ownership or tenancy starts. A light checklist or a handwritten form makes it easy to miss issues and hard to prove what was actually recorded on the day of the inspection.

This checklist template gives you a structured way to review each area of the home, capture deficiencies, and document what was in acceptable condition at turnover. You can use it as a printable form or as a starting point for your digital inspection workflow.

How to use this PDI checklist

You can use this template in three main ways depending on how your team is set up today.

1. Print and mark by hand. Bring printed copies to site, mark items as acceptable or deficient, and attach photos separately.
2. Rebuild it in your existing inspection tool. Use the sections and items here as a base structure and rebuild them inside your current forms or app.
3. Configure a digital deficiency workflow. Use a tool like Unitwise to map these sections into spaces, tags, and default issue types so inspectors log real deficiencies with photos and context instead of just checking boxes on a form.

If you want a deeper overview of digital inspections and how they fit into your handover process, you can read the digital PDI guide for developers and the Unitwise platform overview.

PDI checklist overview

The sections below follow a typical inspection path for condos and new construction units. Most teams start with shared areas, then move into the unit and walk it room by room.

Use this structure as a base and adjust item names so they match your internal language, building type, and regional requirements.

1. Building exterior and common areas

Even if the PDI is focused on the unit, it can help to note visible issues in shared spaces that impact the owner experience.

• Entry doors, hardware, and closers operate smoothly
• Lobby finishes, flooring, and walls free of visible damage
• Mail room, parcel lockers, and signage installed and labeled
• Corridor flooring, baseboards, and paint in clean condition
• Stairwells clean, lighting operational, railings secure
• Parking stall numbers, paint, and signage correct and readable
• Storage lockers properly labeled and accessible

2. Unit entry and general interior

Start at the entry and review general items that apply across the unit, then move room by room.

• Unit entry door swings correctly, latches, and locks as expected
• Door viewer, weatherstripping, and threshold in good condition
• Suite number and any required signage installed
• Walls free of visible dents, cracks, and unfinished patches
• Ceilings consistent in finish with no staining or visible damage
• Baseboards, trims, and casings installed, caulked, and painted
• Flooring installed as specified, with no lifted edges or gaps
• Windows open, close, and lock properly, with screens installed where specified
• Balcony or patio structure, railings, and finishes in acceptable condition
• Interior doors swing freely, latch, and have correct hardware

3. Kitchen and millwork

The kitchen generates a large share of deficiencies, so it is worth slowing down and checking each cabinet and appliance.

• Cabinet doors aligned, open and close smoothly, and stay closed
• Drawer fronts aligned, with smooth operation and full close
• Countertops free of chips, cracks, and visible seams outside tolerance
• Backsplash installed and sealed where required
• Sink installed correctly with sealed edges and no visible damage
• Faucet operates smoothly with hot and cold water as expected
• Garburator (if installed) operates with no unusual noise
• Cooktop or range powers on and all burners or elements function
• Oven powers on and basic baking function tested
• Range hood or fan operates with appropriate airflow
• Fridge and freezer doors seal correctly and interior lights operate
• Dishwasher runs a short cycle without visible leaks
• GFCI outlets present and tested where required by code

4. Bathrooms and plumbing fixtures

Water related issues can become expensive if missed. Focus on function, sealing, and obvious fit or finish concerns.

• Vanity, countertop, and mirror installed with no visible damage
• Sink and faucet run hot and cold with good flow and no leaks
• Toilet secured to floor, flushes properly, and refills without running on
• Shower or tub controls operate and water temperature is stable
• Shower door or curtain rod installed and aligned
• Tile or enclosure sealed at corners and at transitions
• Bathroom fan operates and exhaust airflow is present at the grill
• Towel bars, toilet paper holders, and accessories installed securely

5. Bedrooms, living areas, and storage

These spaces often surface finish issues that are easy to miss on a quick walkthrough.

• Closet doors slide or swing correctly and stay on track
• Shelf and rod installed, level, and secure
• Flooring free of scratches or obvious surface damage in open areas
• Outlets installed where expected and cover plates secure
• Light fixtures, trims, and switches aligned and operational
• Heating or cooling devices present in each required room
• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms present and tested where required

6. Mechanical, electrical, and laundry

The exact equipment will vary by building, but the goal is to verify basic function and document what is installed.

• Thermostat mounted correctly and responds to basic set point changes
• Baseboard heaters, fan coils, or other devices respond to thermostat
• Electrical panel labeled and breakers free of visible damage
• Laundry appliances installed, leveled, and operating on a short cycle
• Washer water connections and drain free of visible leaks
• Dryer vent connected and exhaust airflow present at outlet
• Access panels present and secured where required

7. Documentation, photos, and sign off

A good checklist is more than a list of checkmarks. It creates a record that both the builder and the owner can reference later.

• Names of all parties present recorded on the form
• Unit number, building, and date clearly documented
• Deficiencies listed with clear descriptions and locations
• Photos captured for higher risk items or disputed areas
• Owner and builder representatives sign where required
• Copies provided to appropriate parties or stored digitally

Common questions about PDI checklists

Do builders and homeowners use the same PDI checklist

In many projects, builders and owners walk through the unit using the same checklist so there is a single record of what was reviewed and what was marked as a deficiency. Some developers keep an internal version with additional technical notes, but the visible checklist should remain clear and simple for both sides.

How detailed should a PDI checklist be

A useful checklist is detailed enough to guide the inspection but not so granular that it slows the team down. Use this template as a starting point and add more detail only where your projects regularly see issues or claims.

Can this checklist be used for townhomes or single family homes

Yes. The structure works for most residential projects. You can add project specific sections for garages, exterior site work, or unique spaces that are common in your product type.

Why move from a paper checklist to a digital version

Paper forms are quick to hand out but hard to track, hard to audit, and easy to lose. A digital checklist makes it easier to attach photos, track who owns each deficiency, and report across multiple buildings without retyping notes later.

Using this PDI checklist inside Unitwise

Unitwise lets you turn checklists like this into a repeatable digital workflow. Each item can carry photos, tags, and proper deficiency records behind it so your team can see exactly what was found and what is still open.

• Capture deficiencies in context with photos and location details
• Assign work to trades or internal teams with due dates
• Track completion across units, floors, and buildings
• Export clean reports for owners, lenders, or internal reviews

If you want help turning this template into a digital PDI flow for your next project, share a sample building and we can walk through what it would look like in Unitwise.