
At a minimum, a builder should cover these three things during the walk through:
- 1) Demonstration of all the major components in the home.
- 2) Cover all the warranties and or provide a list of the warranties of all the components of the home.
- 3) Set the expectations on what you can expect from your home and what your home can expect from you.
Full Answer
What should you ask during a new construction walkthrough?
You can also ask that the builder provide a home warranty, if they haven’t already. A home warranty helps give you peace of mind, knowing that if issues arise later, they’ll be taken care of as well (within a specified time limit). Hopefully, your new construction walkthrough is a pleasant experience.
What is a construction walkthrough?
A construction walkthrough is a common practice on many construction sites and in many buildings. These walkthroughs can be conducted for different reasons, but the general idea is that a walkthrough enables a construction worker, quality manager or other person to inspect and document the condition of the building or site.
What is a walk through with the builder?
When the city has signed off on the home, the builder is ready for you to do a "walk through." This is the time when the builder meets the homeowner at the new home and "walks" the homeowner through the home allowing the homeowner to inspect the home. Just because the home passed the city inspections doesn't mean that everything is perfect.
What happens if anything falls short on your new construction walkthrough checklist?
If anything on your new-construction walkthrough checklist falls short of what it should be, have your real estate agent contact the builder immediately. He or she will be able to create an itemized list of fixes to be done and work with your builder to come up with a solution.

What should I look for on a new build walkthrough?
During the walkthrough, the homeowner and construction representative inspect every surface, from floors to mirrors to walls. At that time, it's important to check the windows as well....You also want to inspect home systems like:Air conditioning.Heating.Plumbing.Electricity.
What should I look for when walking through a house?
8 Questions to Ask During a New Home Walk ThroughHave all requested repairs been made? ... Did the seller leave behind all warranties and maintenance guides? ... Is everything included in the sale present in the home? ... Does everything work? ... Is the home clean? ... Do all of the windows and doors work? ... Is the lawn in good condition?More items...•
What can I expect from a walkthrough?
During the walkthrough, a buyer and their real estate agent will go through the property. They'll check that there's no new damage, that all the home's systems and appliances included in the sale are still working and that the home is in a clean condition.
What happens in final walk through of new construction?
Before you go to settlement on a new home, you and your builder will “walk through” the house to conduct a final inspection. The walk-through provides an opportunity for you to learn how your new home works and to spot items that need to be corrected or adjusted.
When should you walk away from a house?
Buyers should consider walking away from a deal if document preparation for closing highlights potential problems. Some deal breakers include title issues that put into question the true owner of the property. Or outstanding liens, or money the seller still owes on the property.
What not to do after closing on a house?
7 things not to do after closing on a houseDon't do anything to compromise your credit score.Don't change jobs.Don't charge any big purchases.Don't forget to change the locks.Don't get carried away with renovations.Don't forget to tie up loose ends.Don't refinance (at least right away)
Who attends the final walk through?
Typically, the final walk-through is attended by the buyer and the buyer's agent, without the seller or seller's agent present. This gives the buyer the freedom to inspect the property at their leisure, without feeling pressure from the seller. If the property is a new home, a builder or contractor may attend.
Is a walk through the same as an inspection?
A: Inspections are done by professionals who look for serious structural issues like bad foundations, wiring, or plumbing. A walk-through, on the other hand, comes late in the game, typically just before closing, to make sure that you get what you're paying for.
Should house be empty for final walk through?
The house should be empty for the final walk through - it's going to be a lot harder to check things like whether all the electrical outlets are working if there are couches and beds in the way.
What should I look for in a punch list?
The owners, clients, contractors and architects, and subcontractors use punch lists to discuss and determine the “must-have” and “must do's” for a construction project. Therefore, punch lists differ for every project, however, they always include these three components: location, name of the task, and a deadline.
What is a blue tape walk through?
The buyer and the builder representatives will do a walk-through of the home looking for incomplete items or items that require additional attention, repair, or correction. These items are marked with a piece of blue painter's tape — hence the name.
What is blue tape day?
One of the most important days of the entire building process, BLUE TAPE DAY! This day is essentially your last walk through before closing and your job is to mark everything that needs to be fixed in the home.
What questions should you ask when viewing a house?
10 questions to ask when viewing a houseHow long has the house been up for sale? ... How long have the sellers lived there? ... Is there a chain? ... What's the area like? ... What work has been done on the house? ... What's included in the sale? ... What internet access do they have? ... Can you see the Energy Performance Certificate?More items...
How do you walk through a house?
Follow this checklist to ensure you don't overlook any steps.Turn on and off every light fixture.Run water and check for leaks under sinks.Test all appliances.Check garage door openers.Open and close all doors.Flush toilets.Inspect ceilings, walls, and floors.Run the garbage disposal and exhaust fans.More items...
How do you assess a house before buying?
8 Critical Things to Check Before Buying a HomeCheck That All Appliances Work. ... Bring a Phone Charger to Test the Outlets. ... Take a Peek at the Electrical Panel. ... Open and Close All Windows and Doors. ... Test Toilets, Sinks, Showers, and Baths. ... Scout Out Areas of Potential Leakage. ... Pay Close Attention to Basement Walls.More items...•
What to ask about a house before buying?
10 things to ask when you view a homeWhy is the seller moving? ... What comes with the property? ... How old is the roof? ... How old — and how efficient — is the heating and cooling system? ... Are there any disclosures? ... Are there any problems with the house? ... Have you made any additions or renovations? ... What's the water pressure like?More items...
Before the Walk-Through
First, we settled a day and time on the walk-through, coordinated with the builder. We also hired an independent contractor (HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS) who did his own inspection a couple days before we did. He had a drone, so he was able to get a view of the roof and gutters and find some things that we would not be able to see.
What to Bring With You
As mentioned earlier, bringing a copy of any independent inspection reports is a good idea, and if you paid for any upgrades, bringing that is also helpful! Since we get no reception at the new house, and internet isn’t set up yet, we pre-loaded it onto our laptop so that we had it ready to go.
What Happens at a Walk-Through
This was our second walk-through. The first was just before drywall was put in, and more about seeing the interior structure of the home and to get some general updates.
How Long Does it Take?
For us it took a little over an hour and a half. We had some downtime where my husband was reviewing the upgrades sheet to make sure we got everything, so I took that opportunity to ask the contractors about cell providers, internet providers, etc.
Next Steps
Non-house related stuff is next: setting up doctor appointments, DMV appointments, etc. That takes some time. I already have an appointment with an OBGYN and I have several recommendations for pediatricians. We also toured the preschool our son will be attending starting in August!
Why is it called a blue tape walkthrough?
You might hear a new construction walkthrough called a “blue tape walkthrough.” Why? Because buyers will often use blue painter’s tape to mark any spots that need to be fixed before everything is finalized.
What to expect during your final walkthrough
Final walkthroughs for new construction can be intimidating, especially for first-time homebuyers. Preparing a checklist ahead of time can give you peace of mind knowing you aren’t forgetting anything.
How to prepare for your walkthrough
You’ll need to be able to focus and look at the home in fine detail, so try to bring as few people with you as possible.
Checklist for your new construction walkthrough
Use the new construction walkthrough checklist below to avoid missing potential flaws in the home.
What should you do if you find problems during the final walkthrough?
Don’t worry, finding minor problems during your new construction walkthrough is very common. In fact, sticking blue tape on 30 or 40 minor issues is often considered normal.
What to look for during New Construction Walkthrough
We are having our first walk through in our new construction home. There have been many issues during construction (faulty valve, water damage etc). We've never done this before. What tips do suggest for a successful walk though?
Comments (2)
Consider hiring a home inspector to accompany you, and your agent, to your final new home inspection with the builder. Another set of trained eyes on your home's basic systems and structural integrity might be worth the expense if defects are discovered upfront.
What to bring to a walk through?
Here are some things an owner may want to bring to the final walk-through: 1 A flashlight (to see in dark places) 2 A camera (to note any punch-out items) 3 Binoculars (to inspect the roof)
What is the final walk through of a new construction home?
The final walk-through is a great time to go over any question the owner may have about the house maintenance and use of any of its features. It is also a good time to ask the builder representative any questions you may have about the warranty claims process and how to make any claims, should they arise. Keep in mind that a new construction home will come with a year warranty, and any issues that may arise after you move in should be covered under your warranty.
What is a construction walkthrough?
A construction walkthrough is a common practice on many construction sites and in many buildings. These walkthroughs can be conducted for different reasons, but the general idea is that a walkthrough enables a construction worker, quality manager or other person to inspect and document the condition of the building or site.
Why is a walkthrough checklist important?
What's documented on a new construction walkthrough checklist is important for actioning quality issues , and it can also serve as important proof of what was right and wrong later down the line. Because of this, it's crucial that the data you are collecting is accurate and proof based (photos etc.).
Why do we do walkthroughs?
At different stages of the project, and particularly at the end of a project, walkthroughs are conducted to ensure the quality of the project is high and to spot any defects or issues.
Can you use a checklist on a tablet?
Being a digital document , this checklist can be accessed and used on any digital device, meaning you can fill out your checklists while on your walkthroughs using a tablet or phone. You can also capture pictures and take videos to add proof straight into the checklist in real-time.
Who should be present during the final walk-through?from foxbusiness.com
Only you and your real estate agent need to attend the final walk-through. You can request that the seller joins you, but this is fairly uncommon. If the seller attends, their real estate agent should come too.
When is the best time to walk through a home?from foxbusiness.com
Generally, it’s best to have your final walk-through happen as close to closing on the home as possible.
What is a home inspection checklist?from homeinspectioninsider.com
A home inspection checklist is a form you can use to evaluate the structural and mechanical systems in properties you are looking to purchase for personal or investment use.
How long after moving in can you revisit with builder?from homelight.com
Finally, ask your builder for clarification on what you can and can’t revisit with them after moving in. If you notice something out of sorts within the first 30 days of taking possession of the home, it’s nice to know whether your builder has your back or if you’ll need to tend to the issue on your own.
What is included in a frame?from homelight.com
The frame itself, which includes everything from interior load-bearing studs and beams, to the nails, screws, and plates used to secure framing components
What is the final walk through?from foxbusiness.com
The final walk-through is the last chance you, the buyer, have to get a good look at the home and acknowledge and address any issues before closing. You’ll use the final walk-through to confirm that:
Why do you poke your head into closets?from homelight.com
Poke your head into closets to make sure the space hasn’t been used and forgotten about as casual storage for the construction crew, and that any expected rails, poles, or shelving are in place.

Before The Walk-Through
What to Bring with You
What Happens at A Walk-Through
- This was our second walk-through. The first was just before drywall was put in, and more about seeing the interior structure of the home and to get some general updates. This walk-through was scheduled about 2 weeks before estimated closing, and the home was nearly complete when we saw it. This one was to find any errors, any paint scratches, grout and tile issues, etc. Of course…
How Long Does It take?
- For us it took a little over an hour and a half. We had some downtime where my husband was reviewing the upgrades sheet to make sure we got everything, so I took that opportunity to ask the contractors about cell providers, internet providers, etc. Of course, they’re local to the area and have been using their cell phones to communicate with others on the build site, so they’ve got s…
Final Thoughts
- Some other things to consider throughout a new build process are: 1. Appliances – what’s included and what’s not! Microwave, stove, oven, and dishwasher were all included. Fridge & washer/dryer were offered as an upgrade through the builder, but they charge quite a bit for appliances and don’t have a great selection. We opted to buy from Home Depot...
Next Steps
- Non-house related stuff is next: setting up doctor appointments, DMV appointments, etc. That takes some time. I already have an appointment with an OBGYN and I have several recommendations for pediatricians. We also toured the preschool our son will be attending starting in August! The next step in the process is the actual move, which for us means driving a…