Questions to Ask During Your Final Walkthrough

The final walkthrough is one of the most important steps before moving into your new home. After months of planning, construction, and decisions, this is your opportunity to walk through the finished home and make sure everything looks and functions the way you expected.

But what should you actually look for?

Knowing the right questions to ask during your final walkthrough can help you feel more confident before closing and moving in.

Here are some important things to review.

Does everything match the original plans and selections?

Start by comparing the finished home with the plans and selections you approved during the building process.

Look at the layout, finishes, fixtures, cabinetry, flooring, countertops, doors, and other major details. If something looks different from what you expected, ask about it before closing.

The final walkthrough is a good time to make sure the finished home reflects the decisions made throughout the construction process.

Are all doors and windows working properly?

Open and close every exterior door and window.

Check that they operate smoothly, lock properly, and appear to be sealed correctly.

Pay particular attention to doors that lead outside. Make sure they close completely and that you don't notice any obvious gaps around the frames.

These details may seem small, but they are worth checking before you move in.

Are the plumbing fixtures working?

Turn on faucets and check the water flow.

Run sinks, showers, and tubs and look underneath cabinets for any signs of leaking.

Flush toilets and make sure they are working properly.

You can also ask where the main water shutoff is located and whether there are any other important plumbing shutoffs you should know about.

Are the electrical systems and lights working?

Turn on the lights throughout the home and test the switches.

Check outlets in the rooms and ask about any outlets that have special functions, such as GFCI protection.

It's also helpful to ask where the electrical panel is located and whether the breakers have been properly labeled.

Knowing where these systems are before you move in can make homeownership much easier.

Are the HVAC systems working correctly?

Check that the heating and cooling systems are operating as expected.

Make sure air is coming from the vents and ask how the thermostat and other controls work.

This is also a good time to ask about filter locations, recommended maintenance, and anything else you should know about caring for the system.

A new home comes with many systems that may be unfamiliar, so understanding how everything works before moving in is important.

Are there any unfinished or damaged areas?

Take your time walking through every room.

Look at walls, ceilings, floors, trim, cabinets, countertops, doors, and other finished surfaces.

If you notice scratches, dents, missing hardware, paint issues, or other items that don't look complete, point them out.

The goal isn't to look for perfection in every tiny detail. It's to make sure the home is complete and that any outstanding items are clearly identified.

What items still need to be completed?

Sometimes there may be small items that cannot be completed before the walkthrough.

If that's the case, ask what remains, who is responsible for completing it, and when you can expect it to be finished.

Make sure you understand how outstanding items will be documented and addressed.

Clear communication at this stage helps prevent confusion after closing.

Where are the important shutoffs and systems located?

Before you leave the walkthrough, make sure you know where the major systems are located. Ask about:

• Main water shutoff

• Electrical panel

• HVAC equipment

• Water heater

• Gas shutoff, if applicable

• Exterior water connections

• Other important home systems

You don't want to be searching for a shutoff for the first time during an emergency.

What maintenance should I know about?

A new home still needs regular maintenance. Ask what routine maintenance is recommended and how often it should be done. You can also ask about HVAC filters, appliances, exterior materials, drainage, landscaping and other components that may need ongoing attention. Understanding these responsibilities early helps protect your investment over time.

What warranties or homeowner information will I receive?

Before closing, ask what warranty information and documentation will be provided. Find out what's covered, how to submit a warranty request and who to contact if an issue comes up after you move in. It's much easier to understand this process before you actually need it.

For homeowners still in the planning stages, the Cornerstone Custom Homes FAQ page can also help answer common questions about the home building process.

Making the Final Walkthrough Count

The final walkthrough isn't just about finding problems. It's also about becoming familiar with your new home. After months of planning and construction, this is your chance to understand how the home works, confirm the major details are complete and ask questions before you officially move in.

At Cornerstone Custom Homes, the goal is to make the custom home building process clear from start to finish. Taking the time to review the finished home carefully gives you greater confidence as you take the next step toward homeownership.

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FAQs

• Is the final walkthrough the same as a home inspection?

  No. A home inspection is a separate evaluation of the property's condition. The final walkthrough is generally focused on confirming that the completed home and agreed-upon work are ready for closing.

• When should I do the final walkthrough?

  The final walkthrough is typically done shortly before closing so you can review the completed home and identify any remaining items.

• Should I test everything during the walkthrough?

  You should test major systems and fixtures, including lights, outlets, faucets, toilets, doors, windows, and HVAC controls.

• What happens if I find something wrong during the walkthrough?

  Bring it to the builder's attention and ask how it will be addressed. Any outstanding items should be clearly documented so everyone understands what needs to happen next.

Ready to Build Your Custom Home?

Your final walkthrough is the last step before you begin life in your new home, but the process starts much earlier. If you're considering building a custom home, Cornerstone Custom Homes can help you understand the process, make informed decisions, and bring your vision to life.

Ready to get started? Visit our Getting Started page to learn more about building your custom home with Cornerstone Custom Homes.