Before You Start
The final walkthrough happens 1-2 days before closing. It typically takes 1-2 hours for a thorough inspection. Bring your contract, design center selections, and this checklist. Your buyer's agent should be with you. Bring a phone for photos and a notepad for notes.
This checklist complements — but does not replace — a professional final inspection. The inspector checks systems and structure. You check that the home matches what you ordered and that the cosmetic quality meets your standards.
1Exterior
- ☐ Stucco or siding: cracks, chips, uneven surfaces, paint drips
- ☐ Roof: visible damage, missing tiles/shingles, flashing gaps
- ☐ Gutters and downspouts: properly attached, directed away from foundation
- ☐ Windows: sealed, no gaps in caulking, screens intact
- ☐ Front door: proper fit, lock functions, weather stripping
- ☐ Garage door: operates smoothly, auto-reverse works, no gaps at bottom
- ☐ Driveway and walkways: cracks, uneven sections, proper slope
- ☐ Grading: ground slopes away from house on all sides
- ☐ Landscaping: sod installed, irrigation functioning
- ☐ Exterior outlets and lights: all functional
- ☐ House number visible from street
2Kitchen
- ☐ Countertops: chips, seams, correct material/color per selections
- ☐ Cabinets: alignment, doors close properly, soft-close works, no damage
- ☐ Sink and faucet: no leaks, proper drainage, correct fixture
- ☐ Garbage disposal: runs and drains properly
- ☐ Dishwasher: runs full cycle, no leaks
- ☐ Oven/range: all burners work, oven heats, correct model
- ☐ Microwave: runs, vent fan works, light works
- ☐ Refrigerator: correct model, cooling, ice maker connected
- ☐ Pantry: shelving installed, door functions properly
- ☐ Backsplash: correct material, grout complete, no chips
- ☐ Outlets and switches: all working, GFCI near sink
3Bathrooms (Check Each One)
- ☐ Toilets: flush properly, no wobble, no leaks at base
- ☐ Sinks and faucets: hot and cold work, no leaks, proper drainage
- ☐ Shower/tub: correct fixtures, no leaks, drain works, door/curtain rod level
- ☐ Tile: no chips, grout complete, no lippage
- ☐ Vanity and mirror: properly mounted, no damage
- ☐ Exhaust fan: runs and vents to exterior
- ☐ Towel bars and TP holder: secure, level
- ☐ GFCI outlet: present and functional
- ☐ Caulking: tub/shower surround, sink edges
4Bedrooms and Living Areas
- ☐ Walls: paint even, no drywall imperfections, nail pops, or cracks
- ☐ Flooring: correct material/color, no scratches, transitions smooth
- ☐ Carpet (if applicable): seams tight, no wrinkles, correct color
- ☐ Windows: open/close/lock properly, screens intact, no seal failures
- ☐ Closets: shelving installed, doors function, rod secure
- ☐ Outlets and switches: all functional, proper placement
- ☐ Ceiling fan pre-wire: cap in place or fan installed correctly
- ☐ Interior doors: close properly, no sticking, hardware functions
- ☐ Baseboards and trim: tight joints, no gaps, properly caulked
5Owners Suite
- ☐ All bedroom items above, plus:
- ☐ Walk-in closet: shelving, lighting, ventilation
- ☐ Owners bath: double vanity alignment, soaking tub (if applicable)
- ☐ Shower: correct tile, bench (if selected), glass door alignment
- ☐ Upgraded features: match design center selections exactly
6Garage
- ☐ Garage door: smooth operation, auto-reverse sensor test
- ☐ Floor: no major cracks, slopes toward door for drainage
- ☐ Fire-rated door to interior: self-closing, proper seal
- ☐ Outlets: GFCI, properly placed
- ☐ Water heater: accessible, no leaks, proper venting
- ☐ Electrical panel: labeled, accessible
7Systems and Safety
- ☐ HVAC: runs, cools/heats properly, thermostat programmed
- ☐ Smoke detectors: all rooms, tested
- ☐ Carbon monoxide detectors: near bedrooms
- ☐ Fire extinguisher: included (some builders provide one)
- ☐ Attic: accessible, insulation installed properly
- ☐ Water shut-off: location identified, functional
- ☐ Circuit breaker: all circuits labeled correctly
- ☐ Smart home features (if applicable): all connected and functional
8Final Checks
- ☐ Compare all selections against design center order sheet
- ☐ Verify structural options match contract (extra rooms, extended lanai, etc.)
- ☐ Clean: home should be professionally cleaned before closing
- ☐ Construction debris: yard and garage clear of building materials
- ☐ Manuals and warranties: collected for all appliances and systems
- ☐ Keys, garage remotes, and access codes: all provided
Want the Complete Printable Checklist?
Barrett provides a detailed printable walkthrough checklist to all his buyer clients. It includes space for notes, photos, and builder responses. Fill out the form below to get it.
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