Building a new home? What to look for during the final walkthrough

A final walkthrough is the last stage before closing on a newly constructed home. You will review elements such as site grading, roof and gutters, other exterior features, finish quality, flooring, appliances and internal systems. Of course, you shouldn't do it alone. Your real estate agent, if you have one, and a builder representative should accompany you and use blue tape to mark problem areas.

During your walkthrough, use this checklist as a guide.

• Check the foundation. Inspect for cracks and damage, unevenness or signs of water damage. The top of the foundation should be 6 to 8 inches above the ground.
  
• Test site grading. Check for standing water or soggy soil near the foundation.
  
• Watch out for negative grading. Look for negative grading — ground sloping toward the house instead of away from it, which can cause water to seep into your home.
  
• Look at the gutters. Make sure they are diverting water at least two to three full steps away from the foundation.

• Look for discoloration. Inspect the grass and plants and make sure there’s no yellowing, drooping or dead vegetation.
  
• Make sure the automatic sprinkler system is in working order. Are the sprinkler heads evenly distributed throughout the yard? Are any heads broken? 

• Test the doorbell. Ring the doorbell and make sure it works properly. If there’s no sound, check for dead batteries, broken buttons or disconnected wiring. If it's a smart doorbell, alert your builder.

• Check the railing and steps. Grab the railings and shake them. Look for signs of instability. Step lightly onto the porch and keep your ears open for odd sounds.
  
• Turn on the lights. Toggle the light switches and make sure they’re fully operational. 

• Study the carpet. Check for tears, loose spots, exposed carpet tacks and visible seams. Your carpet’s surface should be smooth and tight. 
  
• For wood floors, check the overall appearance. Is the staining and color uniform across the floor? Are the seams between the boards tight? There should be no sizable gaps between the wood on your floor. Also, the boards should run parallel to the wall.
  
• Walk on the surface. Feel for bouncy areas or uneven surfaces. 

• Test out the fixtures. Try out the kitchen lights and faucet. Make sure they’re operational.
  
• Test out the appliances. These include your refrigerator, microwave, stove-top burners, oven, garbage disposal, ice maker, dishwasher, washer and dryer.
  
• Look under the sink. Check for damaged pipes, hoses or any other components. Look for water stains, which may indicate leaks.
  
• Open the cabinet doors. Make sure the hinges aren’t seized. Check for cosmetic defects. 
  
• Evaluate the tiles in your kitchen. Check for damaged tile, pattern mistakes or cracks in the thin-set mortar (the adhesive lines that run between each piece of tile).

• Test out fixtures. These elements include the faucet, sink, toilet, showerhead, bathtub and lighting. Make sure the core elements are operational.  
  
• Check out the visible plumbing elements. Look under the sink and make sure the pipes aren't damaged or leaking. Also, ensure that the water supply lines are properly connected. 
  
• Look behind the mirror. Check the mirror to ensure it’s properly fastened and aligned with the wall. 

• Grab a plug tester for the outlets. Test all outlets to ensure they’re fully operational. Each tester should have a light that indicates outlet status.

• Test the thermostat. Locate your thermostat and test the system by adjusting the temperature up and down. Then, check the vents to see whether they are blowing hot or cold air.
  
• Purchase an infrared thermometer. At high and low temperatures, check each room to ensure the internal temperature matches the thermostat setting. 
  
• Evaluate the air conditioning unit itself. Go outside and look at the actual unit itself. Do you notice any damage, rust or exposed wiring? Some homes have air conditioning components in the attic as well, so you may have to check up there for signs of damage.

• Swing them, slide them open. Open each door to ensure that the hinges aren't stuck or seized and that they are level. 
  
• Test out the locking mechanisms. Lock and unlock each door to ensure the internal components function properly. 
  
• Look for the doorstops. Ensure the doorstops are securely attached to the wall behind the door.

• Open and close each window to confirm functionality. Make sure they aren't seized or hindered in any way.
  
• Test the window locking mechanisms. Ensure the window remains secure after you lock it in place.
  
• Make sure your windows are sealed. From the outside, inspect the exterior-grade caulk surrounding each window for any damage.
  
• Check the exterior screen. From inside your home, ensure that the window screens are properly attached and free of tears or similar damage.

Pro tip: Bring a set of disposable shoe covers or "real estate booties" to wear during your final walkthrough. Doing so protects your floor from dirt and debris that you can easily track throughout the house.

Here are a few things that homebuyers miss during the final walkthrough.

• Exposed insulation in the attic. This can lead to health problems if left unaddressed.
• Testing the security system. Testing this should be one of the first things you do when you arrive at your new home.
• Testing the smoke detectors. Most units have buttons that allow you to test them out.
• Check out backup electrical generators. Have the builder test the generator on-site to ensure it is operable.