Construction Completion Walkthrough

All building permits must be closed with final inspections approved by the local building department. A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) must be issued before the home can be legally occupied. All work must comply with the adopted building code (IRC/IBC) and any local amendments.

1. Request copies of all building permits and verify final inspection approval on each

2. Confirm the Certificate of Occupancy has been issued by the local building department

3. Verify all trade inspections passed: framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, insulation, final

4. Obtain the survey/plot plan showing the structure as built

5. Collect all code compliance documentation and inspection reports

- Open permits with incomplete inspections (common with subcontractor scheduling)

- CO not yet issued at time of closing — never close without a valid CO

- Unpermitted work discovered during final walkthrough

- Missing final inspections on specific trades (especially HVAC or electrical)

Per NAHB Residential Construction Performance Guidelines, finished surfaces should be free of visible defects when viewed from a normal standing position under normal lighting conditions. Paint, flooring, trim, countertops, and fixtures should be installed per manufacturer specifications and industry standards.

1. Inspect all painted surfaces for coverage, drips, roller marks, and color consistency

2. Check flooring for scratches, gaps, squeaks, level transitions, and proper direction/pattern

3. Verify all trim and molding is properly fitted with tight joints and consistent reveals

4. Test all fixtures: faucets, lights, switches, outlets, cabinet hardware, and door locks

5. Open and close all doors and windows — they should operate smoothly without sticking

- Paint holidays (missed spots) especially in closets, behind doors, and at ceiling lines

- Flooring scratches from construction traffic after installation

- Trim joints opening due to wood movement (especially in dry climates)

- Cabinet doors and drawers misaligned or not closing properly

- Missing or wrong fixtures compared to specifications

All mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems must be fully operational and pass final inspection per the applicable codes (IMC, NEC, IPC). HVAC systems should be balanced and operating at design temperatures. All outlets, switches, and fixtures must function correctly.

1. Test every electrical outlet with an outlet tester — verify correct wiring and GFCI protection

2. Run HVAC in both heating and cooling modes; check airflow at every register

3. Run all plumbing fixtures simultaneously and check for leaks under every sink

4. Flush all toilets and verify proper fill and drainage

5. Test garage door opener, doorbell, smoke detectors, and CO detectors

- Dead outlets from missed connections or tripped breakers

- HVAC not balanced — rooms too hot or too cold compared to thermostat setpoint

- Plumbing leaks at supply connections, especially under sinks and behind toilets

- Smoke detectors not connected or missing from required locations

- Exhaust fans not ducted to exterior (venting into attic)

Per IRC R401.3, the grade shall fall a minimum of 6 inches within the first 10 feet from the foundation. Landscaping, driveways, walkways, and exterior finishes should be completed per the contract specifications and local requirements.

1. Verify grading slopes away from the foundation on all sides (6" in 10' minimum)

2. Inspect driveway and walkways for proper slope, finish quality, and control joints

3. Check that landscaping matches contract specifications (sod, seed, plantings)

4. Verify exterior caulking at windows, doors, penetrations, and trim joints

5. Inspect exterior finishes: siding, brick, stone — look for damage, alignment, and proper installation

- Flat or negative grading directing water toward the foundation

- Driveway or walkway cracks from inadequate base preparation

- Missing or incomplete landscaping at time of occupancy

- Gaps in exterior caulking allowing moisture and air infiltration

- Siding damage from construction activity not repaired

Per NAHB guidelines and standard construction contracts, the builder should provide all manufacturer warranties, contractor guarantees, and maintenance instructions. Most new construction includes a builder warranty (typically 1 year workmanship, 2 years systems, 10 years structural).

1. Collect all manufacturer warranties for appliances, HVAC, roofing, windows, and fixtures

2. Obtain the builder's written warranty covering workmanship, systems, and structural elements

3. Request maintenance manuals and schedules for all installed systems

4. Document all model numbers and serial numbers for major equipment

5. Confirm the process for submitting warranty claims and the builder's response timeline

- Missing manufacturer warranties (not registered by installer)

- Builder warranty terms not clearly documented in writing

- No maintenance instructions provided for HVAC, water heater, or other systems

- Warranty start date unclear (permit date vs. closing date vs. CO date)

- Third-party warranty company terms differ from builder's verbal promises