New Construction Home Inspection Checklist - What to Look For in Final Walkthrough of New House

New Home Walkthrough Checklist

In the thrilling journey of crafting your dream abode from scratch, there comes an all-important final step that stands between you and the joy of moving in: the final walkthrough. This phase is far more than just a formality; it's your last chance to ensure that your investment is perfect down to the smallest details. Maybe you are wondering, "What important things do I need to be on the lookout for during a final home inspection walkthrough?" For a final new construction home inspection, we created a new home inspection checklist. Drawing from our wealth of final walkthrough experience, we've created an essential Final Inspection Walkthrough Checklist for New Construction Home Buyers. This comprehensive Final Walkthrough guide empowers you to carry out a rigorous inspection of your newly built Michigan home, encompassing everything from the functionality of your appliances to the effectiveness of your irrigation system. If you think this seems too complex, worry not! The Perna Team has got you covered every step of the way.

 Jump to a Section

• Appliances
• Baths and Showers
• Caulking
• Toilets
• Attic Moisture
• Thermostat, Furnace & AC
• Faucets
• Electrical Switches & Outlets
• Windows
• Drawers & Cabinets
• Exterior Doors
• Irrigation System
• Garage Door
• Gutters, Downspouts &Yard Grade
• Leftover Materials
• Professional Inspections
• Conduct Inspections
• Contact Us

Appliances

Upon entering the newly built home, begin with a thorough inspection of all appliances. Start by running the dishwasher since it has a relatively long cycle. Concurrently, power up the oven to ensure it is properly installed, operational, and exuding heat as expected. For instance, we once encountered a case where the dishwasher drain was incorrectly installed. Fortunately, the builder promptly rectified the issue. However, the same problem occurred in a neighboring house, causing substantial damage to their hardwood kitchen floors due to water leakage. Therefore, it's prudent to also check the gas range; ignite all burners, and verify the accuracy of the flame control. While these appliances should ideally work flawlessly since they're new, there's always the chance of encountering a dud. Finally, test the microwave by using it to warm up a beverage or a cup of water.

Baths & Showers

Following the appliance inspection, ensure the functionality of each bath and shower by checking for leaks. This may take some time, so plan to run the water for a full five minutes. For bathtubs, fill them to at least 20% capacity, then let the water sit while you continue to inspect the rest of the home.

Caulking

While in the bathroom, take a moment to verify the proper application of caulking around the tub and any other damp areas throughout the house. There should be no signs of cracking or missing caulk, as it plays a crucial role in preventing mold, mildew, and rot.

Toilets

Confirm the operation of all toilets by checking their flush mechanism and ensuring they can handle toilet paper without issues. This test should be conducted in every restroom in the house.

Attic Moisture

Next, survey the attic for any signs of moisture. In a house this new, there should be none, especially considering the length of time the roof has been exposed to Michigan's varying weather conditions. If there are any issues with the flashing, they should have already started manifesting.

Thermostat, Furnace & AC

Continuing on, it's imperative to ascertain that the thermostat and furnace are in perfect working order. To do this, adjust the thermostat to 80 degrees and ensure that hot air is being effectively circulated into every room. Following this, dial the temperature down to 60 degrees and repeat the process to ensure that the air conditioning is functioning as expected.

Faucets

The ninth item on the checklist involves checking every faucet in the house, and making certain both hot and cold water are flowing as they should.

Electrical Switches & Outlets

Next, validate that every switch in the house is operational. This includes testing all light switches and fan controls. The following task can be quite laborious but is a critical one nonetheless. Confirm that every electrical outlet in the house is functioning correctly. A simple way to do this is by using a phone charger and observing if it charges your phone upon being plugged in.

Windows

Be sure to attend to the windows. Ensure each one can be opened and closed smoothly and that all are equipped with screens. An improperly installed window may be stuck or refuse to open entirely.

Drawers & Cabinets

Similarly, be sure to open and close every drawer and cabinet fully. An improperly installed drawer or cabinet may stick, not close completely, or even fall out if not correctly clipped in place. Also, scrutinize the orientation of all cabinet doors, as there have been instances where these have been installed upside down.

Exterior Doors

Inspect all exterior doors. Open and shut each one, including sliding doors. Test the locking mechanisms and look for any light seeping around the doors. If the light is visible, it indicates that the weather stripping may be inadequate or missing altogether. This could lead to inclement weather getting into your home, increasing heating and cooling costs. In such a case, ensure the builder rectifies all issues before finalizing the deal.

Irrigation System

Continuing with the checklist, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the irrigation system if the home is equipped with one. This is best done in the presence of your site representative, where you can directly set up and test the system. Although Rainbird is a common brand, there have been considerable upgrades and changes to the panel in recent years. It's much simpler to understand the specifics now, rather than having to hunt for a tutorial video later.

Garage Door

The functionality of the garage door also needs to be verified. Open and close it to ensure it operates smoothly. Check for the safety sensor that automatically stops and raises the door if it encounters any obstacle while closing. There have been instances where such sensors were not installed by the builders, and in three surprising cases, the spring was missing entirely from the door, going unnoticed by all.

Gutters, Downspouts & Yard Grade

Next, turn your attention to the gutters and downspouts. Confirm their presence and assess if their pitch appears correct. It's not unheard of for builders to install half of these and then forget to complete the task. Many builders do not include gutters and downspouts as standard features, but they are crucial for managing water flow away from the house. While you're inspecting these, also examine the grading of the yard itself to ensure it directs water away from the house.

Leftover Materials

Before concluding the walkthrough, ensure that the builder leaves behind any leftover materials such as extra paint, tiles, and hardwood floorboards. Also, check that they provide you with essential items like the garage door opener, fireplace key, and any additional hardware.

This comprehensive walkthrough checklist might take around two hours to complete, but it's worth investing this time for a thorough inspection of your home. You're not just paying for the aesthetic appeal, but also for everything to function as expected.

Professional Inspections

Regardless of this checklist, we strongly recommend hiring a professional home inspector, especially for new construction. Ideally, an inspector should be involved twice; once after rough-in, pre-drywall when the electrical and plumbing work is complete, and again just before closing.

Conduct Inspections Before Closing

It's crucial to push back against any suggestions from builder representatives to close on the home with the promise of fixing issues later under warranty. Once the deal is closed, the builder's motivation to quickly resolve these issues can significantly decrease. Given the current labor shortage in the construction field, it's unlikely for builders to prioritize revisiting a paid job over a new, yet-to-be-paid one. As real estate advocates, we consistently push back against this practice on behalf of our clients, and we encourage you to do the same.

For those of you who've been through the home-building process, we'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions for a final walkthrough checklist.

Contact an Experienced Michigan Realtor for a Final Walkthrough Inspection Near You

If you are searching for an experienced Michigan real estate agent to assist with your final walk-through inspection, contact the Perna Team at (248) 494-4698 for help. The final walkthrough of your newly constructed home isn't a process to be taken lightly. With substantial investments on the line and the vision of your dream house hanging in the balance, the need for a thorough and diligent inspection cannot be overstated. Our comprehensive Final Inspection Walkthrough Checklist for New Construction Home Buyers serves as a crucial tool to guide you through this critical phase. It empowers you to identify and rectify any issues before they become entrenched problems. And remember, never hesitate to seek professional help when needed. Building your dream home is exciting, and we're committed to ensuring it concludes with the utmost satisfaction. Keep this checklist close at hand, trust your instincts, and take this final step toward making your dream home truly yours.