New home inspection cost in Ottawa: PDI and warranty visits
The pre-delivery inspection is your builder's walk-through, and you may bring someone or send a designate. If you hire an inspector for it, or for the visit before your first year ends, this sheet shows what published Ottawa price lists charge and what to ask.
Reviewed 2026-10-01 · how these ranges are set
Order sheet
New home PDI inspection cost: pick what you are booking
Ontario's range $350–$600 “home inspection fees range from $350 to $600 and may be higher, depending on the size and condition of the home” (ontario.ca, “Buying a home” (updated July 28, 2026))
On your written contract
Use steps 1 and 2 as your checklist. Each line is priced on its own; ask for one written price that names every line you want.
No combined figure. Each line comes from different published price lists, so the lines are not added up. Ask for one written price that names every line.
Get quotes for thisWhere each visit falls on Tarion's dates
- Before possessionPDI with the builder. Either you or a designate must be present during the PDI. To have a designate sign the PDI Form, give your builder written authority.
- Day 1 to day 41Initial Form: you can add items from 1 day after possession; it is submitted automatically on day 41.
- Day 42 to day 183Mid-Year Form, submitted automatically on day 183.
- Day 183 to day 365Year-End Form, submitted automatically on day 365 (Tarion adds a 10-day grace period). Tarion calls it your final opportunity to report items covered by the one-year warranty, so a hired one-year visit has to come before it.
- Year 2Second Year Form, any time during the second year.
- After year 2, up to year 7Major Structural Defect Form.
Source: Tarion, “The Pre-Delivery Inspection” and “Claim forms & timelines”.
Radon in a new home
Health Canada recommends every home should be tested, no matter where it is located or the type of building. Its guide sets the minimum test length at 91 days for a valid estimate.
Ask before you book
- Ask to see a copy of the inspection report the inspector uses. (ontario.ca)
- Ask whether they have experience inspecting the type of home you are considering. (ontario.ca)
- Ask if they choose to have insurance. Ontario does not require it at this time. (ontario.ca)
The full list, with the written-contract and estimate rules: what to ask any inspector.
More on this inspection: New Home PDI & Warranty Inspections
Inspection IQ answers on these prices
- What does one PDI visit by a hired inspector cost in Stittsville?
- Can I send someone else to my PDI in Findlay Creek?
- What goes on the Tarion Initial Form after moving into a Barrhaven home?
- What happens if I miss an item on my PDI form in Ottawa?
- What does Tarion's second-year warranty cover on an Ottawa new build?
- Health Canada on testing a brand-new Riverside South home for radon?
Quick answers
Do I have to hire an inspector for my PDI?
No. The PDI is led by your builder, and either you or a designate must be present. Tarion places no restriction on who your designate is, so an inspector you hire can attend with you or for you.
If I miss something on the PDI Form, have I lost the warranty?
Tarion says the PDI Form does not represent a request for warranty service, so failing to note an item does not necessarily affect your coverage. Warranty items go on the Initial, Mid-Year, Year-End and later forms.
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