Your final walkthrough is your last chance to catch details before closing. Here's how to make it count.
The final walkthrough is one of the most important steps before you get your keys. It's your chance to review the home in detail and flag anything that needs attention before closing. Here's how to make the most of it.
What the Walkthrough Covers
Your builder will typically walk you through every room, testing doors, windows, outlets, fixtures, and appliances. You'll confirm that selected finishes match what you chose at the design center and that structural options were completed as ordered.
What to Bring and Look For
Bring your original selection sheets and contract addendums so you can compare against what's installed. Look closely at paint, trim, flooring seams, grout lines, and cabinet alignment — small cosmetic items are far easier to fix before closing than after.
Small cosmetic items are far easier to fix before closing than after.
How Punch Lists Work
Any items you flag get added to a “punch list” — a documented list of items the builder commits to completing or correcting, usually within a set window after closing. A good builder treats this list seriously and follows up until everything is resolved.
Questions Worth Asking
Ask where shut-off valves are located, how to operate any smart home features, what's covered under warranty, and who to contact for post-closing service requests. Understanding these details now saves confusion later.
Why This Matters
- What the Walkthrough Covers: Your builder will typically walk you through every room, testing doors, windows, outlets, fixtures, and appliances.
- What to Bring and Look For: Bring your original selection sheets and contract addendums so you can compare against what's installed.
- Questions Worth Asking: Ask where shut-off valves are located, how to operate any smart home features, what's covered under warranty, and who to contact for post-closing service requests.
A thorough walkthrough sets the tone for your ownership experience. Sterchi Homes conducts a detailed pre-closing walkthrough with every buyer and stands behind its punch list commitments after you move in.
Want to know what our walkthrough and punch list process looks like? Feel free to contact us.
