Important Legal Notice
Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information about home buying in the United States and should not be construed as legal, financial, tax, or real estate advice. Real estate laws, mortgage regulations, tax codes, and lending requirements vary by state, county, and municipality and are subject to change.
Professional Consultation Required: Before making any financial decisions related to purchasing real property, you must consult with licensed professionals, including but not limited to:
- A licensed real estate attorney admitted to practice in your state
- A licensed real estate agent or broker
- A qualified mortgage lender or loan officer
- A certified public accountant (CPA) or tax advisor
- A licensed home inspector
Verify Current Laws: Federal, state, and local real estate laws change frequently. Always verify current regulations on official government websites, including HUD.gov, ConsumerFinance.gov, and your state's official real estate commission website before proceeding with any transaction.
No Attorney-Client Relationship: Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship, professional advisory relationship, or fiduciary duty of any kind.
Information Currency: Laws, regulations, tax rates, lending criteria, and government programs are subject to frequent changes. Information presented may become outdated. Always verify current information through official sources and licensed professionals.
No Liability: While reasonable efforts have been made to provide accurate information, no warranty is given regarding completeness, accuracy, or currency of the information. Use of this information is entirely at your own risk.
New homes are built with modern codes and materials, but they still need a careful look before you close. Even brand-new homes can have flaws or unfinished work that should be fixed before you take ownership. If you're a first time home buyer, this walkthrough is especially critical. Using a comprehensive home buying checklist 23 steps ensures you don't miss steps like this.
Problems found during the walkthrough are usually the builder's job to fix for free. Issues found after closing may become your cost, depending on your warranty. Watch for red flags when buying a house that could indicate larger problems.
Key areas to check during your walkthrough:
- Paint quality in all rooms
- Windows and doors working right
- Grout and caulking done
- Air flow from every vent
- Every outlet working
A thorough check helps make sure your new home is finished the way your contract says. This new home walkthrough checklist covers the main things to look at before you close. For a more detailed inspection, see our home inspection checklist 156 items.
Using Your New Construction Walkthrough Checklist
Smart buyers often do several walkthroughs at different stages using a comprehensive new home walkthrough checklist.
Walkthrough 1: Pre-Drywall Check Timing: Before drywall covers the framing, pipes, wires, and ducts.
Why it matters: Once drywall goes up, it is hard to see these systems. Problems are much easier to fix when everything is still exposed.
What to check:
- Framing is straight and sturdy
- Floor joists are the right size and spacing
- Subfloor is solid
- Pipes are routed and supported right
- Electrical boxes are in the right spots
- Ducts are sized and sealed
- Insulation is in place
- Vapor barrier is installed
- Window and door frames are square
- Layout matches plans
Ask your builder if your contract allows this early walkthrough.
Walkthrough 2: Blue Tape Walkthrough Timing: After the main work but before final touches.
Purpose: Find finish issues and unfinished work while the builder's crew is still on-site. You use blue painter's tape to mark spots that need attention.
This middle step gives the builder time to fix things before your final walkthrough.
Walkthrough 3: Final Walkthrough Checklist Timing: 24–72 hours before closing.
Purpose: Make sure all blue tape items are fixed, the home is ready using your final walkthrough checklist, and no new problems have come up.
The 127-Point Final Walkthrough Checklist
Going room by room with this new construction walkthrough checklist ensures you spot any issues before closing.
Outside Check (Items 1-24)
Foundation and Grading:
- Foundation walls level and plumb - Use a level. Bowing or sloping means trouble.
- Ground slopes away from house - Should drop 6 inches in 10 feet to keep water out.
- No big foundation cracks - Hairline is okay. Wider than 1/8 inch needs a look.
- Foundation vents clear - Needed for crawl space air flow.
- Drainage working - Gutters, downspouts, and drains doing their job.
Exterior Finishes: 6. Siding installed right - No gaps, buckling, or misalignment. 7. Brick joints filled - No missing mortar. Minimal white deposits. 8. Paint done completely - Check behind lights, under eaves, and all trim. 9. Caulking at openings - Around windows, doors, pipes, and siding seams. 10. Soffit and fascia tight - No gaps for pests to get in.
Roof: 11. Shingles flat and secure - No lifting, curling, or missing pieces. 12. Flashing in place - Around chimneys, vents, and valleys. 13. Ridge vents open - Attic needs proper airflow. 14. Gutters and downspouts attached - All connections tight. 15. Roof openings sealed - Vent pipes and mounts waterproof.
Windows and Doors: 16. All windows open and close smoothly - Test each one. Locks work. 17. Window seals intact - No fog between panes. 18. Screens present - Check every window screen for damage. 19. Doors swing freely - No sticking, gaps, or rubbing. 20. Weatherstripping done - Around all outside doors. 21. Thresholds secure - No trip hazards. 22. Garage door works safely - Auto-reverse sensors work.
Landscaping: 23. Grass or seed in place - As stated in contract. 24. Sprinkler system works - Test all zones if included.
Inside Check (Items 25-78)
Walls, Ceilings, Floors: 25-30. Paint quality in all rooms - Even coverage. No drips. Clean lines at trim and ceilings. Builders often rush paint, so check corners, behind doors, and ceiling edges.
31-36. Drywall finish - Smooth walls. No visible seams, dents, or nail pops. Shine a flashlight along walls at an angle to spot problems.
37-42. Flooring - Hardwood without gaps. Tile without cracks or loose pieces. Carpet without wrinkles, stains, or visible seams. Vinyl or laminate tight with no gaps.
43-48. Trim and molding - Baseboards and door frames tight to walls. Corners meet neatly. Nail holes filled and painted.
49-54. Doors (inside) - All open smoothly, latch right, and locks work. No rubbing on frames or floors. Hardware tight and even.
Check corners, closets, and spots behind doors extra closely. These areas often get less attention.
Kitchen: 55. Cabinets and drawers work - Open and close smoothly. No sticking. 56. Cabinet doors lined up - Even gaps, matching heights. 57. Counters level and seamed right - Check joints on stone tops. 58. Sink drains with no leaks - Run water. Check under the cabinet. 59. Faucet works - Hot and cold. Good pressure. No drips. 60. Dishwasher runs - Run a cycle. Check for leaks and drainage. 61. Stove and oven work - All burners heat. Oven reaches temp. 62. Fridge cools - If included. Check cooling and ice maker. 63. Microwave runs - If included. Test heating. 64. Range hood works - Fan runs. Light works. Vents outside. 65. Garbage disposal grinds - Run with water. Check for leaks. 66. Backsplash done - Fully grouted. No cracked or missing tiles.
Bathrooms: 67-70. All fixtures work in each bathroom - Faucets (hot and cold). Toilets flush. Showers and tubs drain fast.
71-74. Grout and caulking complete - Tub and shower areas fully sealed to block water.
75-78. Bathroom fans work - Each fan pushes air outside. Check the vent cap outside.
Systems Check (Items 79-104)
HVAC: 79. Furnace heats - Turn on heat. Feel warm air from vents. 80. AC cools - Turn on AC. Feel cold air from vents. 81. Air flows from all vents - Check every vent. Weak flow means duct issues. 82. Thermostat works - Programs run. Holds set temp. 83. Air filter installed - Right size and in place. 84. AC drain clear - The system makes water that must drain. 85. Outdoor unit level - Should not rock or shake.
Electrical: 86. All switches work - Test every one. Note any dead fixtures. 87. All outlets work - Use an outlet tester. Check grounding. 88. GFCI outlets where needed - Bathrooms, kitchen, garage, outside. Test the trip button. 89. Breaker panel labeled - Each breaker says what it controls. 90. Smoke detectors work - Press test button on each. 91. Carbon monoxide detectors work - Test if you have gas or attached garage. 92. Doorbell works - Simple but easy to skip.
Plumbing: 93. Water pressure good - Run several faucets at once. 94. Hot water comes quickly - Note how far from the heater. 95. All drains flow fast - Sinks, tubs, showers. 96. No visible leaks - Under sinks, around toilets, at water heater. 97. Water heater sized right - 40–50 gallons is typical. 98. Shut-off valves present - At toilets, sinks, and main line.
Windows and Insulation: 99. Windows work in all rooms - Double check as part of systems. 100. Window locks work - Safety matters. 101. Attic insulation visible - If you can access attic, check depth (R-38+ in most areas). 102. Attic vents clear - Soffit and ridge vents open.
Garage: 103. Garage door sensors work - Block path during closing. Door should reverse. 104. Garage outlets work - Check if GFCI required.
Final Details (Items 105-127)
Appliance Docs: 105-110. All manuals and warranties - Should be in a drawer or welcome packet.
Home Warranty: 111-114. Warranty papers - Structural, systems, and finish warranties with timelines.
Keys: 115-118. All keys given - Door keys, garage remotes, mailbox keys.
Touch-Ups: 119-122. Touch-up paint provided - Builder should leave leftover paint.
123-127. Final cleanliness - Dust gone. Windows clean. Floors swept. Toilets and tubs clean.
How to Document Everything
Good records from your final walkthrough checklist protect you if problems come up later.
Photo Method:
- Take 200–400 photos during your walkthrough
- Shoot every room from several angles
- Close-ups of any problems
- Photos of appliance model and serial numbers
- Outside shots showing landscaping and home condition
- Turn on timestamps in your camera
Blue Tape Method:
- Bring blue painter's tape to mark issues
- Put tape on each spot and number it
- Make a matching list: "#1: Paint drip in living room"
- Photo each tagged spot
- Talk to builder about fix timeline before closing
These records help if any disputes arise about what was done at walkthrough.
What to Do If You Find Problems
If your final walkthrough turns up real issues, you have options:
Choices to Discuss with Your Builder:
- Delay closing - Ask for all issues to be fixed first
- Escrow holdback - Keep some funds in escrow until fixes are verified
- Closing credit - Get cash back for small items you will fix yourself
- Written punch list - Builder commits to a fix schedule after closing
Always get agreements in writing with clear deadlines. Do not close on verbal promises alone.
Check your contract for steps on handling walkthrough issues. Our guide on what to look for buying house covers additional inspection points. Talk to your attorney if needed.
After You Close: Using Your Warranty
Understanding your warranty protects your investment after closing.
Action 1: Report Issues Quickly Warranties cover defects for set time periods. Write down any issues and tell your builder fast. Waiting may affect your coverage.
Action 2: Know What Is Covered Most new home warranties have tiers:
- Cosmetic items: Usually 1 year (paint, drywall, trim)
- Systems: Often 2 years (HVAC, plumbing, electrical)
- Structural: Usually 10 years (foundation, framing)
Read your warranty papers for exact coverage and limits.
Action 3: Keep Maintenance Records Warranties often need proof of proper upkeep. Keep records of:
- Filter changes (usually quarterly)
- Gutter cleaning
- Grading upkeep
- Other required care
You may need these records when filing claims.
Protect Your New Home
A careful walkthrough makes sure you get the quality home your contract promises.
Taking time to check every part of your new home before closing lets you fix issues while the builder is still on the hook. This protects your money and starts your ownership on the right foot.
More Resources:
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: consumerfinance.gov
- HUD.gov: hud.gov/buying
Your walkthrough is your chance to check quality before you sign. Use this final walkthrough checklist for a complete review of your new home. This new construction walkthrough checklist ensures nothing is missed.
Remember, a thorough new home walkthrough checklist is your best tool for protecting your investment.