New Construction Inspection Checklist

New Home Inspection and Walk-thru Checklist

Supplies You May Want to Have Handy:

• Blue Painter’s Tape
• Marble
• Measuring Tape

If you are doing a foundation and framing inspection, turn that into the builder’s agent for her to pass on to the superintendent. Try to get a receipt of some sort from her acknowledging that she has received your list. If you email the list, ask for confirmation. Bring those same inspections to the punch list meeting as well to make sure that all items were addressed.

At the punch list meeting, each person makes their own list. As a matter of fact it is a good idea for you to go to the house before the punch list meeting and make your own separate lists of items that need to be done.

Please remember the site visits prior to walk through need to be approved by the site foreman for safety. Always wear closed toe shoes unless this is the final walk through.

In the average house, you should find over 50 items and the inspection should take at least 45 minutes, depending on the size of the home.

INTERIOR

When inspecting the home, make sure that you are looking in a circle that encompasses the whole room. Around the window, up to the ceiling joints, back around the other wall and then under the cabinets and on the floor. Do this in small areas so that you don’t miss anything. You will find a lot of missing trim under cabinets. Go room by room methodically.

Builders have a rule about paint that you stand back 6’ and then look for imperfections. I don’t do that; I stand as close as I want. Of course they will tell you that the house cannot be perfect. I think it should be close. You have to be sneaky about getting the blue tape or stickers from him so that you can mark the imperfections. Just keep going to him for pieces and then he will end up giving the tape or stickers to you.

• In the kitchen, make sure all the appliances are set in, drawers are whole and lined up and that electrical plugs are straight.
• Cabinet drawers and doors open and close without problems
• Windows open and lock without problems
• Check weather stripping – this keeps out the cold and heat
• Close door and check for light around door frame
• Make sure door doesn’t rub on the flooring (carpet or wood) which might cause damage
• Check operation and make sure doors sit snug in the frame (trust me, on a windy day, doors rattle in the frame)
• Make sure the doors don't rub in the frame (hello, chipped paint!)
• Check the deadbolt lock
• Make sure door stops are in place! Holes in walls from door handles is definitely a mood killer when you first move in.
• Check for bumpers on cabinet doors – eliminates slamming
• Surfaces: check all countertops for chips, discolorations & sharp edges
• Flooring – check for scratches and gaps
• Appliances – Run all of the appliances. This one is CRUCIAL. DON’T assume everything has been checked
• If appliances are NEW check for packing materials and user manuals inside the appliances BEFORE turning them on. Make sure you have the warranty information.
  • Turn on the stove and oven.
  • Check the microwave
  • Washer and Dishwasher – Run short cycles to make sure they are hooked up, the water is on and they are draining properly.
  • Run the garbage disposal.
  • Refrigerator/Freezer Water Supply
• Flush all toilets
• Sinks, Showers and Tubs – check hot/cold and water pressure. Also check to make sure the stoppers work correctly
• HVAC Filter – Verify that the filter has been changed out after construction is complete. You definitely don’t want the same filter that has been in place during construction.
• No hardware is missing and works smoothly
• Lights and outlets are fully functioning
• No missing outlet covers or light switch covers
• Use the marble to be sure floors, counters and shelves are level
• Verify the fireplace is hooked up to the gas starter
• Look in all closets
• Verify the space for your refrigerator will fit

Exterior

• Stand at the curb and carefully look at all exterior features of the home.
  • Shutters
  • Windows and Trim
  • Porch
  • Door
  • Roof
  • Paint
• Garage Doors lined up and working
• Landscaping complete and as expected
• No drainage issues in the yard
• Downspouts and gutters in place
• Back deck or porch complete
• Mailbox
• Walk to the back of the yard and look at the back of the house
• Fencing? Check gates and look for any gaps
• Look for holes in the yard and any safety issues
• Inspect the concrete in the driveway and sidewalk

Combine your lists before the superintendent gets there. Then, go through the house with the superintendent so that you can find new things.

Make sure that everything that you have written goes on the official punch list that the superintendent is making. They are sneaky about not adding the whole list to their list.

Make sure that you get a copy of the punch list too.

You will do a walk-through after the punch list has been done by the builder.

Oftentimes there are things left to do after closing. Make sure that you get an Amendment in writing that states when they will be doing the repairs. I like it to be done within 10 days