New Construction Home Final Walkthrough Checklist

If you’re purchasing a new construction home, I cannot recommend professional home inspections enough. That said, take the time to review this checklist during your final walkthrough before the closing takes place. This will help to ensure that all items are operating correctly and that any repairs needed are made prior to moving into your dream home.

00:00 Intro
00:26 Check All Appliances
01:03 Run Baths and Showers
01:15 Check for Proper Caulking
01:23 Check that Toilets Operate
01:28 Check Attic for Moisture
01:41 Verify Thermostat and Furnace Are Working
01:53 All Faucets
01:58 Electrical Switches and Outlets
02:13 Windows
02:22 Drawers and Cabinets
02:41 Exterior Doors
03:12 Irrigation System
03:25 Garage Door
03:40 Gutters and Downspouts
03:55 Yard Grade
04:01 Leftover Materials
04:13 Outro

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[MichaelPernaTV]

Embracing the journey of creating your dream home is indeed a thrilling investment in your future. Spending those additional few hours to confirm everything is in tip-top shape before closing is invaluable. Plus, getting any necessary repairs done is easier when the ink on the closing documents hasn't dried yet!

[shawnwilcox]

I love this video. I’m under contract with the new construction estimated closing is in July. I took this one step further as I’m self-aware and understanding how I might approach this. I hired a company to do this for me. Lonestar inspections of San Antonio. they agreed to do the inspection for pre-drywall inspection, and pre-closing inspection with the checklist and build a punchlist for me was a great investment. Thank you for this video.

[victor_beltran]

Good video. I would also add inspecting walls and ceilings for visible settling cracks, if you have fans that are controlled by remotes to check that one remote won’t control all fans/light in the other rooms (happened to me), operate the attic ladder make sure it looks good, ask for all the paint colors of home interior and exterior for future touch ups, inspect floor Tap on tile with a dense item to make sure Ian entire room isn’t hollow & ensure no major cracks on tile or stains on carpet. Overall no home will be perfect so take defects with a grain of salt. 🤙🏼

[JusWalkinAroun]

Best video structure. Concise and to the points. Timestamps and Pictures included too! I'm impressed.

[RandytheTraveler]

GFCI plugs in the kitchen and other places. What about checking the power panel is marked correct and distribution of power is correct. Check if walls and ceiling are constructed correctly and good painting. Check if carpet is tight and correctly installed. This is just somethings to check.

[vicwiseman]

My favorite? Turn the water on at every faucet and listen for any hammering in the walls. This is especially important if you have copper pipes. Also, check to see if the toilet is shimmed and cauked properly and doesn’t rock back and forth. Make sure all doors open and close with no rubbing.

[benvillalva]

Great video!! Could you share your checklist?

[Zero]

Great video, thank you. Could I get the printable check list?

[KnockedOut]

Michael, I love this video and how quick and concise you made it! We have our blue tape walkthrough on Tuesday for a spec home. Will you send me a copy of your checklist? Thank you for making a great video!

[jbrandt]

So helpful! Thank you! I took detailed notes while watching it. I hear you about builders not being too interested in coming back for the repairs after they have their money. I'm not sure what new construction contracts are like in Detroit, but our builder in Colorado has a clause in the contract that specifically says "... all items that will be repaired and completed by Seller
within a reasonable time AFTER the Closing Date." Are we just screwed for having signed this? Have you encountered this with any builders in your area?

[davidpittman]

I like your video. Lots of good tips. Do you have a copy I could print? Please

[hoagieboy]

Great video Michael Perna, this is exactly what I needed to see before our final walk through on 2/19/25 in a new construction home "Casa Fresca builders" in the Tampa Bay area! You hit some things I would not have thought of. Could you send me a copy of your check list please, so I can use it when I conduct my walkthrough?

[thistampamama]

Thanks for this video. My husband and I have our walk through next Tuesday, Aug 1st in Florida, and this video definitely helped. Thanks again.

[cameronarnel]

how can i obtain a printable version of this?

[mohammedmughal]

Thank you so much. I am under contract with a new construction. I’ll definitely contact you for home inspection help.

[Babylandy]

How can I get a copy of your checklist? Thanks

[serenaborden]

Very helpful video as I am closing next month. How can I get a printable version?

[m.c..]

@michaelpernatv Hello! I am having my first walkthrough tomorrow for a new construction home. Can you please send me the PDF checklist in reference to this video? Thank you!

[blahblahblah]

What about trim - specially chips and minor cracks in trim?

[HolaElMundo]

@michaelpernatv may I please have the paper checklist? Thank you