Key takeaways
- Use the final walkthrough to confirm all punch‑list items are complete. This is your last chance before closing to make sure cosmetic fixes and small adjustments have been addressed — and major issues should delay closing until repaired.
- Test every system and appliance, even if it feels redundant. Turn on lights, check the heating and air-conditioning system, run water, test windows and inspect landscaping systems to catch issues early while you still have maximum leverage.
- Expect minor touch‑ups but document everything. Bring a list, take notes and follow up with the builder after move‑in; your one‑year warranty gives you a safety net, but identifying problems early makes the process smoother.
The final step before closing on your new construction home is to have a final walkthrough.
The process is similar to buying a resold home, but the builder will be there with you to address issues found in person. If you were there for the pre-drywall inspection, you would have made a "punch list" of items — sticky doors, paint touch-ups, nail pock marks, missing trim, etc. — that need to be fixed.
"With a new construction home, you have a one-year warranty after your final walkthrough," said Neil Brooks, a president at NewDay Home in Pheonix, Arizona. "With resale homes you don't. The final walkthrough on a resale is considered more critical than the final walkthrough on new construction because of the warranty."
Make sure all punch list items are fixed
Final walkthroughs typically happen on closing day, a few hours before the deal is finalized. The buyers will meet with their agent and the builder to inspect the property one last time before the sale goes through.
"The purpose of this walkthrough is to ensure that all punch items have been addressed," Brooks said.
During the pre-drywall and final inspection, issues found should have been addressed. Have a list ready to easily check on what is needed.
"I always advise my clients to be prepared for minor adjustments that still need to be made," said Khali Gallman, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Realty in Columbia, South Carolina. "We are all human and capable of human error. Usually those errors are minute in nature, spanning from nail pops to paint edging, both of which can be fixed before the closing table."
The home should be complete with trim in place, walls painted and knobs on cabinets. If there is clearly work left unfinished, then be sure to make note and request it be taken care of immediately.
"The final walkthrough is important in any transaction because the buyer has to have reassurance of the property before assuming ownership," Gallman said. "The contractual obligations must be fulfilled prior to closing or the closing may be delayed."
Expect some minor fixes, but if there are major issues that require a tradesperson's help, like electrical, plumbing or heating and air conditioning work, it is a red flag.
"If items aren’t fixed before closing, the best thing to do if it's something serious, just don't close until the item is repaired," Brooks said. "This can get a little messy with the builder as they want to close quickly. However, the buyer can give up leverage by closing before the items are fixed."
Make sure all the systems are working
Be curious during your final walkthrough. Even if it feels redundant, turn the lights on, check the burners on the stove and turn the heating and air conditioning on. While the warranties will protect you from most issues after closing, you will want to discover them as soon as possible.
"It’s important to test the HVAC system, all windows, and appliances to ensure they’re working properly," Brooks said. "Additionally, make sure the hot water heater is functioning and the landscape watering system is up to par."
Bring a notebook to write up anything you find. The good thing is you will have the builder’s warranty to ensure the issues are addressed even after closing.
"Keep a running list of questions and concerns and try to bring them up a few weeks after move in," said Joe Marchionni, owner of Amity Home Maintenance Solutions in Branford, Connecticut. "This often works better than non-stop calling or emailing with questions."
Once the quality is assured, take in your new home. This might be the first time you are seeing it complete. After closing, you will move in, so take the time to measure, take pictures and plan how you will use the space.
Sign and close
Once the walkthrough is complete and fixes are made, it is time to complete the deal and close. This process is very similar to buying any home.
After the walkthrough, you will sit down in the office of the agent or title company to finish the process.