New Construction Final Walkthrough: What to Check

Walk every room slowly with a punch list: doors and windows, every outlet and faucet, drywall and paint, floors, cabinets, appliances, HVAC, and the exterior grading. Agree in writing on what gets fixed before closing and what goes on the warranty list. Closing usually means accepting the home in its current condition.

Why this walkthrough matters

NC REALTORS reminds buyers that under North Carolina's standard purchase contract, closing means accepting the property in its then-existing condition. Builder contracts have their own terms, but the principle holds: find it before you close.

On new construction, the final walkthrough is often called a new home orientation. The builder shows you how the home works and you build a punch list together.

What should I include on my final walkthrough checklist?

Bring painter's tape, a phone charger to test outlets, and this list.

Every room

• Doors open, close and latch. Locks work.
• Windows open, close and lock. Screens are in. No cracked glass or fogged panes.
• Walls and ceilings: dents, scuffs, nail pops, visible seams, paint misses.
• Floors: scratches, gaps, chips, loose tiles or squeaks.
• Trim and baseboards: gaps and missing caulk.
• Every outlet works, including GFCI outlets. Test them with your charger.
• Every light and switch works.
• HVAC registers blow air.

Kitchen

• Cabinets and drawers open, close and line up. No chips or scratches.
• Countertops: chips, scratches, seams.
• Every appliance turns on: range, oven, microwave, dishwasher, disposal.
• Faucet hot and cold, sprayer, and no leaks under the sink.

Bathrooms

• Faucets, showers and tubs: hot and cold water, drains, no leaks.
• Toilets flush and refill. No rocking.
• Exhaust fans work.
• Grout and caulk are complete.

Systems

• Thermostat runs heat and cooling.
• Water heater is on and labeled.
• Electrical panel is labeled.
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed.

Outside

• Siding, trim and paint.
• Gutters and downspouts carry water away from the house.
• The ground slopes away from the foundation.
• Driveway, walks and patio: cracks or chips.
• Garage door opens, closes and reverses when blocked.

How soon is the final walkthrough before closing?

It varies. On a resale home, it's often within a day or two of closing. On new construction, builders often schedule the orientation several days to a week or more ahead, so there's time to fix punch list items. Ask your builder for the date as early as possible.

If you hired your own inspector, schedule the inspection before the walkthrough so you can add their findings to the punch list.

Can a seller deny a final walk-through?

On a resale home in North Carolina, the standard purchase contract gives the buyer reasonable access, including a final walk-through, up to closing or possession. On new construction, the builder's contract controls. Builders almost always include a walkthrough or orientation, but read the contract so you know the terms.

Before closing vs. warranty

Ask the builder to sort the punch list into two groups in writing:

1. Fixed before closing. Usually cosmetic items and anything that affects function or safety.
2. Handled under warranty. Items that need parts on order or that make more sense later.

Then re-check the first group before closing day. If something agreed won't be done until after closing, NC REALTORS advises getting a written agreement that says when and how.

Who's writing this. I sell new homes for D.R. Horton at Collins Ridge in Hillsborough, so I represent the builder, not you. This guide is general education from my years on job sites and in sales. It isn't legal, tax or lending advice, and it doesn't describe any specific home, price or incentive. Check the sources linked below, and talk with your own lender, agent or attorney before you decide.