Pdi

[fletcher]

I found alot of useful info regarding previous experiences from Mattamy customers with their PDI. The site is from people who moved into Upper Country in Cambridge....same location as the sales centre. I learned that you have to find every defect with the house during the PDI, if not, it may be difficult to get it fixed afterwards. Also gives you things to look for....ie, rough in for dishwashers were commonly forgotten. For those of you getting close to your PDI, check out the following site

http://uppercountryclu.11.forumer.com

Happy reading!!

[smartsexystylish]

I found alot of useful info regarding previous experiences from Mattamy customers with their PDI. The site is from people who moved into Upper Country in Cambridge....same location as the sales centre. I learned that you have to find every defect with the house during the PDI, if not, it may be difficult to get it fixed afterwards. Also gives you things to look for....ie, rough in for dishwashers were commonly forgotten. For those of you getting close to your PDI, check out the following site

http://uppercountryclu.11.forumer.com

Happy reading!!


Thanks for this post Fletcher!
We'll be needing all the information we can get for next month!!

[anxious_f]

Here is a generic PDI checklist that can be modified for individual homes and options.

[DanielleandCody]

Here is a generic PDI checklist that can be modified for individual homes and options.

Thank you anxious_f!!! That is an awesome checklist!!! I will definitely be modifying a little bit and using it!!!! Something like that is excellent for us first time home buyers and please know that it's greatly appreciated!!! D and C

[smartsexystylish]

Here is a generic PDI checklist that can be modified for individual homes and options.

Thanks so much for the generic PDI checklist anxious_f!
It is a very valuable tool to have and very easy to customize to fit everyone's home!

Like Danielle said above, for first time home buyers this is an excellent checklist to have on hand during the PDI as we probably won't realize all the things to look out for otherwise!

[anxious_f]

I'm going through the list again, in order to make it specific to my home, and one thing that I remembered that should have been on the list is for each room you should have a section to insure proper location of things like phone/cable/cat5 rough-ins. This likely would have been addressed during your framewalk, but there is still the chance that they could have been drywalled over. Make sure that they are accessible.

[smartsexystylish]

Ok, as funny as this sounds it's something to keep in mind to look out for....

Make sure they don't carpet over your heat registers in the room. We have 2 in our master bedroom and they forgot to cut out the hole for the other one. We realized this when our foot fell through the carpeted over area :)

[anxious_f]

Moved from another Thread:

So Greg....

I'm curious as to how they handled some of the "known issues" on your PDI. I know that you mentioned that they had followed behind you, fixing SOME of the errors, but there are others there that seemed a bit more major. If you don't mind, could you give us a result (timeline) on some of the following issues that you had noted:

Powder Room -
"Light bar not centred on mirror and sink"
"Sink pipes going into wall through large, uncovered holes"

Living Room -
"One HVAC vent is missing"

Kitchen-
"Bar countertop is narrower than in model and drawings"
"No water or drain line for dishwasher"
"Corner cabinet light is on seperate switch"

Laundry Room-
"Dryer vent not installed & sealed around vapour barrier" - I have very serious concerns on how they seal the vapour barrier in the homes. There seem to be a lot of drafts around receptical boxes and vents.

Master Bedroom-
"No quiet wall insulation on side bedroom wall"

Basement-
"Insulation under stairs against garage wall is missing" - I've noticed the same thing in mine and was told that it would be finished before they drywalled (I got the Next Step), but they didn't do it. Now I'm told that it's too late and that they have insulated to the appropriate depth, according to "best practice"...BS.

Basement - Main Area-

Pretty much all of it, but most specifically...

"No block to carry load from banquette to foundation"
"Slab cut for steel column and not filled in"

Garage-

"Walls don't go through anchor bolts in foundation"
"Main structure beam not fully supported on either side"

I'm really curious what they said to these, as they're not exactly things that can be fixed after the fact.

Foundation & Exterior Finish

"Numerous drill holes in brick beside electrical conduit"
"Foundation wrap is below grade"
"No parging on foundation" - I've noticed this on a lot of houses and wonder if they're going to do them in the spring.

I know that it's a lengthy list, but these are issues that raise more concern. I've noticed a few of them with my place and if it's something that I should point out right away, then I will. If it can wait until the PDI because they'll still take care of it then, then I will leave it for now.

[Greg]

Powder Room -
"Light bar not centred on mirror and sink"
"Sink pipes going into wall through large, uncovered holes"
Fixed before closing, they handyman got to work on this during the PDI,

Living Room -
"One HVAC vent is missing"
They found it and had it in place before the PDI was finished.

Kitchen-
"Bar countertop is narrower than in model and drawings"
I am talking and sending pictures to Jen, our design consultant. I still have to visit the model and measure the counter there.
"No water or drain line for dishwasher"
Its there, under the sink, you have to drill a hole through the cupboard from the DW compartment to the sink compartment.
"Corner cabinet light is on seperate switch"
Todd, the guy doing the PDI with us said that this is an 'extra feature' and we should be happy we got it for free because an extra switch is usually more $$$. Thats BS but I'm ok with it, I can do the rewiring to gang it with the kitchen lights and will have an extra switch to do something with so I'm not too concerned.

Laundry Room-
"Dryer vent not installed & sealed around vapour barrier" - I have very serious concerns on how they seal the vapour barrier in the homes. There seem to be a lot of drafts around receptical boxes and vents.
They did go in and install the vent. Realistically speaking, I doubt that the vent tube is sealed to the vapour barrier, but there is no way to check without cutting drywall. The vent is sealed on the outside and it is sealed to the drywall on the inside. Not ideal, but I spoke to the home inspector I had come in and he said that its not an enormous issue. Yes, Mike Holmes would rip half the house down to fix it, but the inspector said not to be overly concerned.

Master Bedroom-
"No quiet wall insulation on side bedroom wall"
I still haven't gotten around to testing this so it didn't make it onto my PDI. If I can prove it I will add it to my 30 day.

Basement-
"Insulation under stairs against garage wall is missing" - I've noticed the same thing in mine and was told that it would be finished before they drywalled (I got the Next Step), but they didn't do it. Now I'm told that it's too late and that they have insulated to the appropriate depth, according to "best practice"...BS.
Not on PDI as I didn't want to give away to the guys that I was at the site every day they were building the house, but I may add it to the 30 day list. I got the energy star package and it says R12 all the way to no more than 6" from basement slab, so it should be there.

Basement - Main Area-
"No block to carry load from banquette to foundation"
"Slab cut for steel column and not filled in"
I had the inspector look at it and he said it was fine with some of the blocking around there that they did do, so not a concern. I'm not loosing any sleep over it, if I were I would just get an 8" piece of 2x4 and be done with it.

Garage-
"Walls don't go through anchor bolts in foundation"
"Main structure beam not fully supported on either side"
Again, spoke to inspector about this. The code is that the structure needs to be fixed to the foundation every 8' IIRC, so this isn't a concern as they had bolts closer than 8' apart and most of them did go through the soul plate of the walls.

Foundation & Exterior Finish
"Numerous drill holes in brick beside electrical conduit"
"Foundation wrap is below grade"
"No parging on foundation" - I've noticed this on a lot of houses and wonder if they're going to do them in the spring.
They said they will all be fixed in the spring.

[smartsexystylish]

Hmm some of the above items we've also noticed a couple weeks ago when we toured our place.
I have a question, for the quiet wall, how do you plan on testing it see if you did indeed got it? We got the safe n sound door and we know it's that one as it's heavier compared to the others. But I am interested in learning how to test for it (If possible!)

[jrb]

Hi,

I think we need to find an actual building inspector that we wll could use. Somebody with experience with Mattamy homes would be great.

There are so many things that could be wrong and I dont feel I have the technical knowledge to really go through the house to look for potential issues.

I wonder if anyone in the Milton room used a building inspector. Perhaps I should post a thread there in case somebody can suggest anyone.

Of course, my lot is still all dirt and snow.....LOL.....However, i drive by phase 6 everyday and I see "heavy equipment" in there...LOL........Maybe they are working on the road...lol

jason

[anxious_f]

"Corner cabinet light is on seperate switch"
Todd, the guy doing the PDI with us said that this is an 'extra feature' and we should be happy we got it for free because an extra switch is usually more $$$. Thats BS but I'm ok with it, I can do the rewiring to gang it with the kitchen lights and will have an extra switch to do something with so I'm not too concerned.
The best part is that when you change it, you can have one of those mystery switches that does nothing and drives everyone up the wall because they can't figure out what it's for.:D



Master Bedroom-
"No quiet wall insulation on side bedroom wall"
I still haven't gotten around to testing this so it didn't make it onto my PDI. If I can prove it I will add it to my 30 day.
Let me know when you address this one. I am positive that they haven't done it to mine either and will bring it up to him.



Basement-
"Insulation under stairs against garage wall is missing" - I've noticed the same thing in mine and was told that it would be finished before they drywalled (I got the Next Step), but they didn't do it. Now I'm told that it's too late and that they have insulated to the appropriate depth, according to "best practice"...BS.
Not on PDI as I didn't want to give away to the guys that I was at the site every day they were building the house, but I may add it to the 30 day list. I got the energy star package and it says R12 all the way to no more than 6" from basement slab, so it should be there.
I have no issue anymore, making it known that I am there constantly. I just can't have them delay our closing at all so I will have to figure out how to fight this one.

[ccrooker]

Here is a generic PDI checklist that can be modified for individual homes and options.
Looks like a good list to go with, did you not get one from Tarion?

[ccrooker]

Hi,

I think we need to find an actual building inspector that we wll could use. Somebody with experience with Mattamy homes would be great.

There are so many things that could be wrong and I dont feel I have the technical knowledge to really go through the house to look for potential issues.

I wonder if anyone in the Milton room used a building inspector. Perhaps I should post a thread there in case somebody can suggest anyone.

Of course, my lot is still all dirt and snow.....LOL.....However, i drive by phase 6 everyday and I see "heavy equipment" in there...LOL........Maybe they are working on the road...lol

jason
Did you find one yet?

[anxious_f]

Looks like a good list to go with, did you not get one from Tarion?

Tarion does not cover a lot of these things. This list acts as more of a reminder to check details.

[Gillian & Mike]

Well, we have our PDI scheduled for Thursday the 2nd. I can't wait to finally get in there as we have been locked out for about a month now!! Do you know if I have to let Tom from Mattamy know that we are bringing an extra person do go with us for the PDI? It's not an inspector, but just another set of eyes.

Let me know,

[anxious_f]

Well, we have our PDI scheduled for Thursday the 2nd. I can't wait to finally get in there as we have been locked out for about a month now!! Do you know if I have to let Tom from Mattamy know that we are bringing an extra person do go with us for the PDI? It's not an inspector, but just another set of eyes.

Let me know,

You can bring whoever you want.

[newhomeowner]

I know it states in our PDI package that we can bring someone with us, can anyone scan and post this statement for me? I'm having some issues with mattamy about bringing a home inspector. thanks!

[K.C.]

Who's your PDI rep? I told Todd a month in advance that we were bringing Andy because we had read so many nightmare stories on the message board and he had no problem with it. In fact he said he had recommended Andy to one of his friends.

I think if you let them know that it's not going to be a full up home inspection but just someone who is going to help you with your PDI forms it should be ok.

They only allow about 1 hour for every 1000 square feet for the PDI (that's all they have to allow) and a real home inspection takes at least 3 hours.

I know someone who had their PDI all by themselves and it took 5 hours because there were so many things wrong with the house.

[newhomeowner]

I told Todd that he was coming and he said it was fine as long as he signs a code of conduct form. andy said that the form states that he cannot speak until the pdi is over.....which seems pointless to even have him come along...did this happen with you too?

[K.C.]

Todd liked Andy just fine and they were joking and conversing throughout the whole thing. The construction supervisor on the other hand seemed to go into meltdown mode when he saw that we brought Andy. I hear that supervisor is no longer employed by Mattamy.

As nice as he is let me assure you Todd's only job is to help his employer Mattamy by getting you to sign those PDI forms. Mattamy knows your lawyer won't release your money to them if you don't sign the forms. They seem to want to take advantage of a new home owners naivete.

If they did to me what they're doing to you my response would be "Would you rather I brought my lawyer to the PDI instead?" I bet they back off real fast. Bringing my lawyer would cost alot more but I'd do it just to teach them a lesson about respecting customers' rights.

Andy's been offering the PDI Assist service to homeowners in other Mattamy subdivisions for years. I don't think he's ever come across a problem like this before where he was asked not to speak. I wonder what they're doing in this subdivision that is so different that they need to hide it.

[newhomeowner]

apparently the whole code of conduct form is a new thing from mattamy.....because of one particular home inspection company in milton...not andy. He said that this code of conduct requires that he doesn't speak until the end of the Pdi.....I'm waiting to hear back from todd to have things cleared up.

[K.C.]

I heard a rumor from one of the people who does work for Mattamy ... and it's just a rumor ... that there is a woman who used to work for Mattamy and is now offering her services to new home owners. Apparently she's creating lots of problems for them.

[newhomeowner]

yup! thats what I heard too! do you have todds email?

[K.C.]

Sorry I don't have Todd's email. On the Mattamy contacts thread I think I posted the phone number for the office Todd works in. Maybe if you call someone there will give you his email address.

[freckles06]

I know it states in our PDI package that we can bring someone with us, can anyone scan and post this statement for me? I'm having some issues with mattamy about bringing a home inspector. thanks!

Newhomeowner,

Don't let Mattamy push you around on this issue. You are entitled to a bring a designate with you to help you through the PDI process. This is your one and only chance to ensure Mattamy didn't screw you over with a crappy built home. If they are trying to prevent you from bringing a home inspector with you, this should tell you that they are trying to hide something, and that something could be big. I would let your lawyer know and let him/her contact Mattamy directly to sort things out. Either way, I wouldn't sign a damn thing until you are satisfied you have a descent home to move into. Best of luck,

Freckles06's husband

[jrb]

I intend to take K.C.'s advise and hire a building inspector before the year is up. I will hire the one the K.C. uses.....As i think I can trust her judgement.

I would not know if the house was built correctly. So my PDI was very general.

I have noticed that since the PDI, Mattamy has gone in and done additional work. I was surprised to see that they sanded down half the staircase to barewood.....lol

[K.C.]

A builder asked the following question on the Tarion website:

Question: One of my purchasers recently brought a professional home inspector to the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI). Is this allowed?

Tarion's Answer: Under the Customer Service Standard, the purchaser is allowed to bring a designate with them to the PDI, and there is no restriction as to who that designate might be.

It certainly doesn't say that the home inspector must not speak.

The website also says the designate can attend the PDI without the homeowner if the purchaser gives him written authority. In fact Mattamy is required to explain to you that this is one of your options.

Here's a link to the Customer Service Standard: http://www.tarion.com/HOME/New+Home+Builders/After+Sales+Service/CustomerServiceStandard.htm

[K.C.]

I was reading a heated exchange between some homeowners, this woman who is now working as a home inspector and Andy on the Hawthorne Villager board about this specific issue. http://www.hawthornevillager.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?p=160481&highlight=#160481

I don't know this woman (she does seem highly qualified) but the vibe I get is that she may be a little too aggressive during the PDI and may be more interested in promoting her services than making sure the homeowner has a pleasant experience. It's hard enough going through a long PDI list and getting depressed about how many things need fixing. You don't need the Mattamy rep and the home inspector getting into a bitch fest. It's a PDI not a wrestling match. Get the picture?!

It is possible to get the job done without ripping people's heads off. I just post my lists online! I'm amazed at how effective that is. :D

It looks like Andy has had to get Tarion involved with this sort of problem recently too and Tarion backed him. I think the key is not to become combative but make sure Mattamy knows they can't violate your rights without there being some consequences.

[K.C.]

On the Milton forum I found a post by Andy Shaw (our home inspector) where he quotes a recent letter sent out by Mattamy to home owners. Apparently they no longer allow a company called New Home Inspection Inc. to attend their PDI's but specifically point out that they have no problem with Andy attending.

"Mattamy Homes no longer allows “New Home Inspection Inc.” or their employees to attend any of our Pre-Delivery Inspection appointments prior to closing. If “New Homes Inspection Inc.” or any of their employees decide to visit the home on the day of the appointment they will be denied access to the property."

Mattamy goes on to say -

"our intention is not to offend anyone but in the past we have had a few people who attend our PDI’s who are not qualified as inspectors. They do not know the Tarion guidelines and become very disruptive and argumentative at our PDI. Andy has attended many of our PDI’s and we have not had any problems in the past nor do we expect to."