33 things to check on during the final walkthrough of your new home

It’s almost time to finally move into your new house! But before that happens, you will have to do the final walkthrough and home orientation. This is your last chance to go over all the details with your builder and make sure that everything is perfect. Remember, if you are looking for your perfect home in Newark, CA, we can help. Let’s get started:

Expect At Least 2 hours For The Final Walkthrough

A good walkthrough usually takes at least 2 hours. Make sure to let your builder know that you anticipate that the walkthrough will take that long so that he or she won’t try to rush you through it.

Don’t Bring The Kids

While it may be tempting to spend the time daydreaming about color choices and curtains, a walkthrough is serious business. You’ll need to be laser focused, so leave your kids at home so they don’t cause too much of a distraction.

Bring The Right Tools

What you do need to bring is this checklist and a few supplies. Bright Post-it notes and a pen will give you a place to write down any changes that need to be made around the house, which will be obvious to the workmen coming in later.

Bring paper and a clipboard to make notes as you go along. Carry your phone or a camera to document any problems, and a small electronic device, such as a small lamp, to make sure all the outlets are working. A hand-sized level will be helpful in the kitchen and bathroom, as well as a flashlight to check the darkest areas and a candle (you will find out why in this guide). Finally, bring along a set of binoculars to fully inspect the exterior and if possible, a ladder.

With so many things to check, the final walkthrough may feel overwhelming. However, this guide is here to help, so let’s start from the very beginning.

The Exterior

1. Check the concrete of your new home, which includes the driveway, steps, porch and garage floor. There should be no cracks or gaps, and the steps and porch should feel solid and sturdy.

2. Inspect the exterior walls. The siding should be flat, with no gaps around the edges of doors and windows. For brick and stone walls, see if there are any imperfections, discoloration or gaps in the mortar. Check to see that you have all the needed gutters and that the downspouts are pointing away from the house. Make sure that the chimney is straight, with no gaps in the mortar. Poorly built chimneys can severely damage the roof.

3. The roof shingles should be lying flat and flashing should be present around the chimney and it should be well caulked. Use a ladder or binoculars to properly inspect the roof.

4. The ground around the foundation should be sloping away from the house for proper drainage. Visually inspect the foundation for any cracks or gaps.

5. Inspect the garage thoroughly, which includes everything from the light on the garage door opener to testing that the door operates smoothly. Also test the door safety sensor by placing something in front of it when it’s closing. The door should stop and return to the opened position.

The exterior doors of the home should open and close smoothly, and also have no gaps around the frame. Door frames should be well caulked and have weatherproofing for the space between the door and the frame.

6. Inspect the thresholds to see that they are solidly anchored and have no gaps. Improperly installed doors and inadequate seals are the most common entry point for critters and pests, so examine them carefully. Windows

7. Spend some time inspecting the windows. Poorly installed windows are excellent ways for water to come in, and for you to pay a higher heating and air conditioning bill. Begin by making sure they all open and close easily and that the locks work. Check the screens and make sure that they don’t have rips or tears.

As you go around, watch out for any cracks or chips in the window panes. Each window should close tightly and have caulk around the exterior and interior frames. You can check for drafts, which are due to inadequate seals, by moving a lit candle around each window frame. If the flame is not upright or it flickers, make a note for the builder to seal the windows better.

Flooring

8. Imperfections with the flooring are one of those things that you may not notice right away, but after moving in, you will quickly become annoyed if it’s not quite right. Start by walking on the floors to see if there are any squeaks or trip hazards. If there is carpet, it should be free of seams and stains. Check the edges for any rippling, gaps or fraying.

9. Vinyl flooring should be free of digs, bumps, scruffs, tears, scratches and stains. Check that the edges are tight against the wall and there are no gaps. By kneeling close to the floor, you can check for any unevenness or bumps.

10. Hardwood floors should also be free of scratches and gaps. Check that the stain and varnish is smooth and evenly applied. There should be at least two coats of top coat for durability. Ask about the maintenance of the wood floors, since some types have special cleaning instructions.

11. Tile floors should be flat, even, straight and not loose. Check for any cracked or chipped tiles, and make sure that there are no gaps around the edges or in the grout.

The Interior

12. Inspect the interior doors well. Having to fix poorly hung doors can be frustrating for homeowners, so it’s best that they are perfect before moving in. Make sure they all fully open and close and that there are stoppers on the walls. Make sure that the frame is sturdy and there are no gaps around the door when it’s closed. Test all doorknobs and locks to see if they’re working properly.

13. For all interior walls, see if the paint is even and free of scruffs, drips and marks. Each wall should have at least two coats of paint over one coat of primer. Keep an eye out for any obvious seams or visible screws in the drywall. Shine your flashlight against the walls to pick up any unevenness, and don’t forget to inspect the ceilings as well.

The Kitchen

14. Take the time to examine the kitchen thoroughly. There is a lot to look over, so bring out your level, flashlight and notepad. Begin with the countertops by using your level to make sure that they are flat, and look for any scratches, chips or dings. They should be solidly attached to the base cabinets. Ask your builder how to maintain them. Some materials will require resealing, while others have limitations on what cleaning products you can use.

15. Next, inspect the cabinets, checking to see if they are attached to the wall correctly. All doors should fully open and close, and there should be rubber stoppers to serve as a cushion to stop loud noises. When closed, there should not be any gaps and they should look square. Use your level again to check the cabinet shelves. Make sure all the drawers open fully and close completely without gaps.

16. Make sure that the cabinet hardware (knobs, pulls) is as requested, securely installed and free of paint or damage.

17. If your kitchen has tile, check to see that the grout is filled and free of gaps and chips.

**18 ** Inspect the sink and surrounding areas. Water damage from a leaky kitchen sink or dishwasher can quickly destroy new cabinets. There should be caulk around the sink, and the wall behind it should be protected with a backsplash. Check that both the hot and cold water are working at a good pressure. Look in the cabinet below to see if there is a leak in the drain or any evidence of damage. If you have a garbage disposal, test it and ask about the maintenance for it. The same goes for the dishwasher.

19. It’s also important to inspect the stove and oven area. Test the range hood and light, and also ask if there is any maintenance needed for the hood, such as cleaning filters. If you will be using a gas range, make sure that you know how to turn off the supply of gas to the stove.

The Bathrooms

20. Each bathroom needs a thorough examination. Start by making sure that the sink, tub, toilet and surrounding areas are free of scratches, chips and other damage. Fill the tub and sink so you can test the stoppers to see if they will hold the water.

21. Make sure that the sink and tub/shower fixtures aren’t loose and that they have both hot and cold water at a good pressure. Take a look under the sink to check for any leaks in the drain. Stand in the shower to see if the showerhead is at a good height. Any spots where the walls or floors have a change in material is a potential source of future water damage. The sink and tub should be well caulked where they meet the floor and walls.

22. Inspect each toilet. By sitting on them, you can tell if they are properly secured to the floor. While seated, check that the toilet paper holder is within reach. Make sure that the water supply can be turned off, if need be. Flush each toilet and wait for it to fill with water to see if it runs too long.

23. Check the countertops for scratches, chips or damage. Cabinet doors and drawers should open and close completely.

24. All tiles in the bathrooms should be free of chips or cracks, as well as any gaps in the grout. Check to see if any are loose. If they are small, you can do this by running your hand over them.

25. Test that the bathroom fans work. You can do this by lighting the candle near the vent and making sure the smoke is drawn to it.

The Electrical System

26. Fixing shoddy electrical work can be costly and destructive to your new walls, not to mention the safety concerns. Take the time to test all electrical outlets with your small electronic device, even the exterior ones. Any outlet near a source of water (kitchen sink, bathroom, etc.) should be a GFCI outlet with a “Reset” button for added safety. Test all light switches to make sure they work as well.

27. Look at your electrical breaker panel so you can understand how it works. Each switch should be clearly labeled with the appliance or area of the house it controls. Check to see that you have the amperage that you agreed upon. Ask your builder to show you where the main electrical shut-off switch is and how to use it in case of emergency. Pro Tip: Take a picture of your electrical breaker panel, because the labeling may wear out over time. When it does, you will have a picture to use as a backup.

The Basement

28. Don’t forget to inspect the basement! Fixing basements can be extremely expensive and sometimes impossible. Check to see that the basement is dry, with no signs of water on the walls or floor. Take a look at where the walls meet the floor to see if there is any water there.

Make sure that the floor slopes toward the drain so that water can’t pool anywhere. If you have a sump pump, have your builder explain how it works and how to maintain it. Test the water supply to the washing machine, if it’s located in the basement.

29. Basement walls and floors should be free of cracks, gaps, holes and spaces. A mouse only requires a hole the size of a nickel to get in! Over time, your new house will “settle” and small cracks may appear in the foundation, but there should be no cracks right away. Walls should be flat and straight. Get close to the wall and look down its length to make sure there is no bowing.

30. Look up to inspect the floor joists. The lumber used should look sturdy and free of major defects like holes or mold.

31. Inspect your hot water heater. Be sure you understand how to turn it on and off, and how to set the temperature. If it’s gas, you’ll need to know how to ignite the pilot light. Make sure that the tank is an adequate size for your home. This is typically based on how many people will be living with you and how much water will be used. You can find this information online or in the manual to the hot water heater.

32. Have the builder show you the main water shut-off valve and the gas line (if applicable). Be sure you understand how to turn off the water supply in case of a plumbing catastrophe!

33. Finally, ask the builder how to use the thermostat, because now it’s time to test your air cond itioner unit and furnace. Turn each one on long enough to feel a temperature change. Make sure you know how to replace the furnace filter, which typically needs to be changed every 3 months.Determine if the AC and furnace are an adequate strength for your home, which is determined by the square footage of your house, as well as the number of stories. This information can be found online or in the manuals.

And that’s it! You’ve just saved yourself from some headaches down the road. Time to reward yourself for a difficult job well done.