What should I look for in a new-construction final walkthrough?

Check that every system works (HVAC, water, outlets, appliances), inspect walls, floors, windows and cabinets for damage, confirm doors and windows open and seal, look for water stains or grading issues outside, and verify all agreed options and upgrades are installed correctly.

Should I hire my own inspector for a new build?

Yes. An independent third-party inspection is worth it even on a brand-new home — inspectors routinely find code, framing, HVAC, and waterproofing issues that aren't visible during a buyer walkthrough.

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New-construction walkthrough checklist

Q: What is a blue-tape walkthrough?

A blue-tape walkthrough is the final inspection of a new-construction home before closing, where the buyer marks every defect — scratches, gaps, paint flaws, non-working fixtures — with blue painter's tape so the builder can fix them before you take ownership.

Updated June 2026 · free & printable · for U.S. new-home buyers

How to use this: Bring it to your final (blue-tape) walkthrough and mark every defect with painter's tape as you go. Anything you miss now can become your problem after closing. Tip: print this page or press Ctrl/Cmd + P.

Before the walkthrough

Bring your purchase agreement and the list of options/upgrades you paid for
Bring a phone (photos), a phone charger to test outlets, blue painter's tape, and a notepad
Schedule enough time — 1.5 to 3 hours; don't let it be rushed
Consider an independent third-party inspector in addition to the builder walkthrough

Every room

Walls & ceilings: no cracks, dents, nail pops, or visible drywall seams
Paint: even coverage, clean edges, no drips or missed spots
Floors: no scratches, gaps, lifting, squeaks, or hollow tiles
Windows: open, close, lock, and seal; no cracked glass or broken screens
Doors: swing freely, latch, don't rub the frame or floor
Outlets & switches: test each one (phone charger); confirm GFCI outlets trip and reset
Lights & fans: every fixture works; switches control the right fixtures
Trim & baseboards: tight joints, caulked, no gaps

Kitchen & bathrooms

Cabinets & drawers: align, open/close smoothly, no damage; hardware installed
Countertops: no chips, scratches, or seams that don't line up
Run every faucet: hot & cold, good pressure, no leaks under sinks
Flush every toilet; check for rocking or running
Showers/tubs: drain properly, no leaks, caulk lines clean
Appliances: power on and run a cycle (dishwasher, disposal, range, microwave)
Ventilation/exhaust fans work

Systems

HVAC: heat AND cooling both run; check the thermostat and air from every vent
Water heater: hot water at every fixture; label and capacity match the spec
Electrical panel: labeled, breakers correct, no exposed wiring
Smoke & CO detectors installed and working in required locations
Garage door opens/closes; auto-reverse safety works

Exterior

Grading slopes away from the foundation (no water pooling toward the house)
Siding/brick/stucco: no cracks, gaps, or damage; caulking complete
Roof & gutters: no missing shingles; downspouts direct water away
Driveway, walkways, patio: no major cracks or uneven settling
Exterior doors & garage: seal properly; weatherstripping intact
Hose bibs work; exterior outlets are GFCI and weather-covered

Verify what you paid for

Every upgrade and option on your contract is installed — and is the right one
Correct flooring, cabinets, countertops, fixtures, and finishes per your selections
Structural/electrical options you ordered (extra outlets, rough-ins, bump-outs) are present

Paid for builder upgrades and want to be sure they were worth it? See are builder upgrades worth it?

Documents to get before closing

Written punch list of every defect, signed by the builder, with fix dates
Builder warranty documents (typically 1-year workmanship / 2-year systems / 10-year structural)
Appliance manuals and warranty registrations
List of subcontractors/brands for future service

Closing on a new build?

Before you finalize upgrades, upload your design center options list — our AI flags which to take, skip, or negotiate. Free, no account.

⚡ Check my upgrade list free

Frequently asked questions

What is a blue-tape walkthrough?

It's the final pre-closing inspection of a new home where you mark every defect with blue painter's tape so the builder fixes them before you take ownership.

Should I hire my own inspector for a brand-new home?

Yes. Independent inspectors routinely find framing, HVAC, electrical, and waterproofing issues a buyer walkthrough misses — cheap insurance on a major purchase.

What if I find problems after closing?

Use your builder's warranty (commonly 1/2/10 years) and submit issues in writing. That's exactly why you keep the signed punch list and warranty documents.

Keep going

Are builder upgrades worth it? Is my contractor quote too high? How to negotiate a quote