Before closing on a new home, it is important to go through a final walk-through checklist to confirm that everything is in place as outlined in the purchase agreement. This step helps ensure that all repairs have been made, systems are working, and the home is ready for move-in.
At Vaughan Home Builders, we complete this step with every buyer. It provides one last opportunity to check the home’s condition and verify that it matches the agreed-upon terms before the closing.
Understanding the Final Walk-Through
The final walk-through gives us one last look at the home before we finalize everything. Instead of a detailed inspection, it’s simply a chance to make sure all agreed-upon repairs have been completed and that the home is in great shape. By now, all major systems—like the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC—have been checked and confirmed to be in good working order. This step is all about ensuring the home is completely ready for move-in.
Preparing for the Walk-Through
To make the most of this inspection, we should:
- Bring All Necessary Documents: Have the purchase agreement, inspection reports, and any repair agreements on hand to verify that all conditions have been met.
- Create a Detailed Checklist: This ensures that we systematically inspect all areas of the home.
- Take Our Time: A rushed walk-through can lead to overlooked issues. We should allocate enough time to check everything carefully.
Final Walk-Through Checklist
To ensure nothing is missed, here’s what we need to inspect:
1. Verify Repairs and Improvements
- Confirm that all agreed-upon repairs have been completed properly.
- Request copies of invoices and warranties for any repairs.
2. Check for New Damages
- Inspect walls, ceilings, and floors for any new cracks, nicks, or scratches.
- Look for signs of water damage or mold, particularly in areas that were previously covered.
3. Test All Appliances and Systems
Since everything has been tested already, we should do a final check to confirm:
- Electrical: Flip all switches and test outlets with a phone charger.
- HVAC: Run both heating and air conditioning to ensure they work properly.
- Plumbing: Turn on all faucets, flush toilets, and check for leaks.
- Water Heater: Verify it is running and delivering hot water.
- Kitchen Appliances: Test the stove, oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher.
4. Inspect Doors and Windows
- Open and close all doors and windows to ensure they operate smoothly.
- Check for proper sealing to prevent drafts and water leaks.
- Verify that all locks work correctly.
5. Examine the Exterior
- Inspect the roof and gutters for visible damage.
- Check landscaping and exterior fixtures to confirm everything matches the agreement.
- Ensure the garage door operates properly.
6. Look for Incomplete Work (The Knock List)
Despite rigorous inspections throughout the build, small imperfections can appear. That’s why we use a “knock list” system. We encourage homeowners to:
- Mark any small issues with blue painter’s tape (like unpainted spots, minor drywall cracks, or trim imperfections).
- Create a list of these issues and share it with us.
- We’ll send our team back to fix them promptly.
This extra step ensures that every detail is finished to our high standards before you move in.
Addressing Issues Discovered
If we find anything that needs attention during the final walk-through, we will:
- Fix minor cosmetic issues quickly.
- Handle larger concerns before closing or discuss alternative solutions.
At Vaughan Home Builders, we take quality and customer satisfaction seriously. We inspect each home from the foundation to the final finishing touches to ensure every detail meets our rigorous quality standards.
Our Commitment Goes Beyond the Warranty
Unlike many builders, we believe in standing by our work even after the warranty expires. One homeowner’s home, built near a lake, settled more than expected due to high humidity. Even though his warranty had expired, we covered the $3,000 sheetrock repair out of pocket. That’s just what we do to ensure our customers are happy.
In Summary
The final walk-through checklist is a key step to ensure that our new home is exactly as expected. Vaughan Home Builders is dedicated to delivering quality craftsmanship and ensuring every homebuyer is completely satisfied before moving in.
If you’re preparing for a final walk-through or have any concerns, contact us—we’re here to help make sure your home is move-in ready.
