The final walkthrough of a house is your last chance to make sure everything is in order before closing day. This crucial step happens within 3 days prior to signing your paperwork and transferring ownership.

Think of it as your final quality check before making the biggest purchase of your life.

Related: What Does Pending Mean in Real Estate?

What to Look For in a Final Walkthrough of a House? Essential Systems to Check During Your Final Walkthrough

Your final walkthrough checklist should prioritize the major systems that keep your home running smoothly. These are expensive to repair or replace, so you’ll want to confirm they’re working properly.

HVAC and Temperature Control

Check that the thermostat responds when you adjust the temperature. 

Plumbing and Water Pressure

Check for leaks under sinks and around toilet bases.

Flush all toilets to ensure they work properly and refill correctly.

Electrical Outlets and Lighting

Flip all light switches to confirm the fixtures work correctly.

Test any ceiling fans and verify that dimmer switches function as expected.

Structural Elements on Your Final Walkthrough Checklist

What to look for in the final walkthrough of the house​ includes careful examination of the home’s structural components. These elements affect both safety and long-term value.

Walls, Ceilings, and Flooring Condition

Walk slowly through each room looking for any new cracks, holes, or water stains on walls and ceilings. Pay special attention to corners and areas around windows.

Check that any repairs the seller agreed to make have been completed properly. New paint should be even and match the surrounding areas.

Examine flooring for scratches, stains, or damage that wasn’t present during your home inspection.

Windows and Doors Functionality

Check that all locks work on windows and doors. Look for broken or cracked glass panes.

Test each door, including closets, to make sure they open, close, and latch properly. Squeaky hinges can be fixed, but doors that don’t fit their frames may indicate structural issues.

Foundation and Exterior Inspection

Walk around the outside of the property looking for cracks in the foundation, as foundation issues can lead to serious structural problems if left unaddressed.

Check gutters and downspouts to ensure they’re attached securely. Look at the roof from the ground for any obvious damage or missing shingles.

What to Check During Final Walkthrough for New Construction

A new construction final walkthrough requires extra attention to builder-specific details. Even brand-new homes can have issues that need addressing before you close.

Builder Punch List Completion

Review the punch list you created during earlier walkthroughs. Verify that the builder has completed every item on the list.

Don’t feel rushed during this process. Take your time examining each repair or touch-up.

Bring your original punch list and check off items as you confirm their completion.

Appliance Installation and Operation

Run the dishwasher through a short cycle. Turn on the oven and each stovetop burner.

Test the refrigerator’s ice maker and water dispenser if equipped. Make sure the microwave heats properly.

Check that the washer and dryer connections work and that there are no leaks when you run water.

Paint and Finish Quality

Look closely at paint coverage, especially in corners and along trim. The finish should be smooth and even throughout.

Check caulking around bathtubs, showers, and sinks. It should be neat and complete with no gaps.

Examine cabinet doors and drawers to ensure they’re aligned properly and hardware is tight.

Documentation and Agreement Items for Your Home Inspection Final Walkthrough

What to look for in the final walkthrough of the house​ extends beyond physical inspection. You need to verify that all agreed-upon terms have been met.

Seller Repair Completion

Bring your inspection report and purchase agreement to reference repair requirements. Check each item the seller agreed to fix.

If you notice incomplete repairs, document them with photos. Your real estate agent can help address these issues before closing.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends not closing until all agreed-upon repairs are satisfactorily completed.

Included Items and Fixtures

Confirm that items listed in the purchase agreement are still in the house. This includes appliances, light fixtures, and window treatments.

Check that the sellers haven’t taken anything that was supposed to stay. Sometimes confusion arises about items like custom shelving or upgraded fixtures.

Verify that the sellers have removed all their personal belongings unless you’ve agreed otherwise.

Warranties and Manuals

Ask for warranties, manuals, and documentation for appliances and systems. These will be valuable for future maintenance and repairs.

Collect garage door openers, gate remotes, and any security system codes at the closing table. Make sure you have keys for all doors.

Request information about regular maintenance the sellers performed, including HVAC servicing and chimney cleaning.

Schedule Your Final Walkthrough Before Closing With Keith McNeely Homes

What to look for in the final walkthrough of the house​ becomes much easier when you have experienced professionals by your side. Our team at Keith McNeely Homes has the construction expertise to spot issues that others might miss.

We guide our clients through every step of the home-buying process, including your critical final walkthrough.

Our skilled negotiators ensure that any problems discovered during your walkthrough are addressed before closing. With the largest brokerage in the state backing our work, you’ll have the support you need.Schedule a call with our team today. Let us help make your final walkthrough and closing as smooth and stress-free as possible.