{"id":14855,"date":"2020-03-05T09:54:19","date_gmt":"2020-03-05T17:54:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?p=14855"},"modified":"2025-10-30T09:29:56","modified_gmt":"2025-10-30T16:29:56","slug":"buyer-what-to-look-for-in-final-walkthrough-new-construction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-what-to-look-for-in-final-walkthrough-new-construction\/","title":{"rendered":"A 23-Point Checklist For Your New Construction Walkthrough"},"content":{"rendered":"

You\u2019ve picked out all your fixtures and finishes. You\u2019ve selected your flooring and paint colors. Now the new house you\u2019ve been waiting for is ready! Finally, you can sign your closing paperwork and move in. Sure, there\u2019s a final walkthrough<\/a>, but with a brand new home, that\u2019s just a formality \u2014 right?<\/p>\n

Hold on! Even though it might be tempting to rush through the final walkthrough in your newly-built home<\/a>, there are actually some really important things that you need to investigate. Don\u2019t assume that just because everything is clean and shiny that all is well. Finalizing the purchase of any home \u2014 even a brand-new home \u2014 requires keen attention to detail.<\/p>\n

To develop a comprehensive guide to new-build walkthroughs, we talked with <\/span>Jason Daniels<\/span><\/a>, a top real estate agent in <\/span>Colorado Springs, Colorado<\/span><\/a>, with a background in construction management. Daniels says that even for new construction, he recommends <\/span>hiring a home inspector<\/span><\/a>. For around $350 to $600, an inspector will take a comprehensive look at the whole home \u2014 a wise investment! <\/span><\/p>\n

However, the finer details are up to you. Take your time and work alongside your real estate agent<\/a> to examine the following items carefully during your new construction<\/a> walkthrough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n \"homelight\n <\/div>\n \n

Buy New Construction With Help From a Top Agent<\/h3>\n

Even with new construction homes it’s important to do your due diligence. Work with a top agent to help ensure you’re finding a great new home.<\/p>\n \n

\n Find Agent<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Exterior walkthrough inspection<\/h2>\n

As soon as you drive up to your dazzling new home, pause for a smile and a little happy dance\u2026 and then let the scrutiny begin. Daniels tells buyers to bring along their files to make sure that all paint colors, upgrades, and finishes are what you\u2019ve chosen.<\/p>\n

Landscaping and ground surfaces<\/h3>\n

Curb appeal<\/span><\/a> comes first. Check the landscaping carefully. How\u2019s the grass doing? Are these the plants you chose? Do they show any signs of distress at this point? <\/span><\/p>\n

If there\u2019s an irrigation system, does it appear it\u2019s been working from the condition of the plants? Be sure to turn it on and ensure that all sprinkler heads are functioning properly.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll also need to check the porch, deck, and patio areas. If they\u2019re made from lumber, check for proper fasteners (did you agree on screws or nails?) and spacing. For pavers and concrete, check that the entire area is level and give it a once-over for any cracks or chips.<\/p>\n

The <\/span>driveway<\/span><\/a> and front walkway will need the same treatment as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

External surfaces of the home<\/h3>\n

Next, take some time to examine the exterior of the building. Is the overall paint tone even and is it adhering well? (Bubbling<\/a> and uneven tone could indicate a problem with moisture.) Is the edging crisp and the trim completely covered?<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re able, get a ladder and inspect the roof or use binoculars to examine the surface from the ground. Look for proper seals at the corners and edges, and double-check for any faulty materials (broken shingles, cracked tiles, and so on). While you\u2019re up there, take a look at the gutters and make sure they are installed beneath the drip edge<\/a> of the roof.<\/p>\n

Turn on all outdoor hose spigots to check for flow and pressure. Better yet, bring a garden hose along and spray around the exterior, watching for drainage issues. Is the water flowing away from the house as it should? Are there any low spots in the yard that need to be filled in, especially around the foundation?<\/p>\n

Outdoor living spaces<\/a> and add-ons<\/h3>\n

If your home includes additional hardscaping, such as a fire pit, pergola, fountain, pool, or an outdoor kitchen, you\u2019ll definitely need to make sure all elements are in working order. Turn them on and test their functioning for at least five minutes.<\/p>\n

For pools, make sure that you understand the equipment and the maintenance requirements<\/a>. New pools need a very specific balance of chemicals<\/a> to allow the finishes to cure, so hiring a pool service professional might be a good idea at least for the first few months \u2014 check with your builder.<\/p>\n

Garage and fixtures<\/h3>\n

Finally, you\u2019ll want to check the functionality of any outdoor lighting and fans. You\u2019ll also need to verify that the garage door works and that the surfaces have been finished per your agreement. For example, did you pay for (and thus receive) floor coating? What about custom shelving or security features?<\/p>\n

Also, check for any additional supplies that may have been leftover from your build. The garage will be the most likely place to locate these items. For homes that were chosen from a builder model, asking for leftover supplies may or may not be possible since sometimes the builder will use them on another home (and you\u2019ve only paid for the supplies used on your home). But for custom builds, all supplies should be yours to keep. Those extra shingles and that half-can of paint may not seem like much now, but leftover supplies can prove valuable later when repairs and touch-ups need to be made.<\/p>\n

All right, here\u2019s your new-construction exterior checklist:<\/p>\n