You've waited two, maybe three years for this moment. The developer has finally sent you the Notice of Completion Date for your presale condo in Metro Vancouver or the Fraser Valley. Before you get the keys and start moving furniture, there is one critical step you cannot afford to rush: the deficiency walkthrough.
Also known as a Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI), this walkthrough is your designated time to inspect your brand-new condo, flag any cosmetic or functional issues, and ensure the developer delivers exactly what you paid for.
At Presale Properties, we've guided hundreds of buyers through this exact process. Here is everything you need to know about conducting a presale condo deficiency walkthrough in BC.
What is a Deficiency Walkthrough?
A deficiency walkthrough is an appointment scheduled shortly before your official completion date. A representative from the developer will walk you through your new unit to demonstrate how the systems work — the thermostat, appliances, water shut-offs — and allow you to inspect the home for defects.
In British Columbia, developers are required to fix any issues you identify that do not meet the agreed-upon standards before or shortly after you move in. The catch: you must identify them. If you move in and scratch the floor with your couch, the developer will not cover it. You need to catch cosmetic damage before you take possession.
What to Bring to Your Walkthrough
Treat this appointment like a professional inspection. Bring:
- Your Contract and Upgrade List — to verify your colour scheme, flooring type, and any paid upgrades.
- Blue Painter's Tape — to mark scratches, dents, or paint issues on surfaces.
- A Phone Charger or Outlet Tester — to test every electrical outlet in every room.
- A Flashlight — to check inside dark cabinets and under the sink.
- A Small Level — to check if countertops and floors are flat.
- Your Phone — to photograph every deficiency with timestamps.
Room-by-Room Inspection Guide
The Kitchen
The kitchen is the most expensive room in your condo — and where most deficiencies hide.
- Appliances: Open the fridge, run the dishwasher, turn on the oven, test every stove burner. Ensure the microwave and hood fan work.
- Cabinetry: Open and close every cabinet door and drawer. Check soft-close hinges and door alignment.
- Countertops: Run your hand over the surface. Look for chips on edges, pitting, and check the caulking at the backsplash.
- Plumbing: Run the faucet and check under the sink for drips or moisture.
The Bathrooms
- The Toilet: Flush it. Watch it refill. Ensure it doesn't rock when you apply pressure.
- The Shower/Tub: Check water pressure and temperature. Inspect grout lines and caulking for gaps.
- Ventilation: Hold toilet paper to the fan vent — if it sticks, suction is working.
Throughout the Condo
- Flooring: Walk in a grid pattern. Look for scratches, gaps, squeaks, or soft spots.
- Paint and Walls: Check from different angles for uneven paint, nail pops, or settling cracks above door frames.
- Windows and Doors: Open and close every window. Check the balcony door slides smoothly and locks securely.
- Electrical: Test every light switch and outlet.
Understanding Your BC Home Warranty
All new construction homes in BC are covered by mandatory Home Warranty Insurance:
| Coverage Period | What's Covered |
|---|---|
| 2 Years | Defects in materials and labour |
| 5 Years | Major systems — electrical, plumbing, heating |
| 5 Years | Building envelope (water ingress) |
| 10 Years | Structural defects |
💡 Pro Tip: Set a calendar reminder for 11 months after move-in. Do another walkthrough and submit a warranty claim for any settling cracks before your 2-year materials warranty expires.
Don't Navigate the Presale Market Alone
Buying a presale condo is a massive investment. Our team at Presale Properties provides expert guidance at zero cost to you — from contract signing to your final deficiency walkthrough.
Book a free discovery call with Uzair Muhammad today to get VIP access and pricing on the best new developments in Metro Vancouver.
