Creating a new home walkthrough checklist.

Learn more about the essential walkthrough tasks to complete when purchasing a new home so moving day goes smoothly.

When you purchase a newly built home, it feels a bit like an empty canvas. You’ll be the first to live in the home, so you can truly make it your own — but with that opportunity comes some big responsibilities, too. It’s on you, as the buyer, to make sure everything is in working order and up to the quality you expect before you move in. Discover the indispensable steps for a great moving day with a comprehensive new home walkthrough checklist.

What is a home walkthrough checklist?

A home walkthrough checklist is a detailed list of items and areas to inspect when evaluating a residential property. It serves as a guide for prospective buyers or renters to thoroughly assess the condition of a home, room by room, before moving in.

Before moving day, you’ll want to schedule a walkthrough with your builder so they can show you how to use your new home. This entails everything from learning how your appliances work to checking electrical sockets — plus, it’s your chance to speak up if something isn’t right.

What to include in a new home walkthrough checklist.

A home walkthrough checklist usually includes essential aspects such as structural integrity, safety features, plumbing, electrical systems, appliances, and overall cleanliness. By including the right information to look out for, you can identify any potential issues, document existing problems, and prioritize necessary repairs or improvements, ensuring a smooth and informed transition into the new living space.

Here’s a handy checklist to help you get started:

• Turn on appliances, making sure every knob works properly.
• Check electrical sockets and flip all switches on and off.
• Learn how to control your air-conditioning and central heating.
• Inspect insulation and test fire alarms.
• Open and close cabinets and drawers to ensure they fit perfectly.
• Run the shower and fill the bathtub to check for leaks.
• Open windows and doors, making sure they move properly and lock.
• Check for signs of pests.
• Inspect the garden or yard for signs of pooling water.

This process can take a few hours, so make sure to schedule enough time to cover every nook and cranny of your new home.

Quick tips for an initial home walkthrough checklist.

• Take photos and notes. Document the home’s condition by taking photos and making notes during the walkthrough to remember specific details and potential issues.
• Check for water damage. Look for water stains, soft spots, or musty odors on walls and floors, which may indicate water damage that needs prompt attention.
• Test all appliances. Ensure all appliances, such as the stove, dishwasher, and HVAC system, are in proper working condition before moving in.
• Inspect plumbing and electrical. Check faucets, toilets, electrical outlets, and switches for functionality and safety to avoid surprises later.
• Verify security and safety features. Test locks, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure the home offers adequate security and protection.

Who should attend a new construction home walkthrough?

The new construction home walkthrough should ideally be attended by the prospective homeowners themselves, the builder or contractor, and a real estate agent or broker if involved in the transaction. The homeowners’ presence allows them to inspect the property, address concerns, and communicate preferences directly with the builder. Having the builder or contractor on-site ensures that any technical questions can be answered promptly and construction details are clarified. A real estate agent’s involvement can provide expert guidance, contract insights, and negotiation support. You may also choose to bring along family or friends for added perspectives.

By having these key individuals present, the walkthrough becomes a collaborative and well-informed process, helping you make a confident decision on the new home purchase.

Create a new home walkthrough checklist PDF to share.

It may be helpful to create a digital checklist. Then, you can convert your Excel spreadsheet to a PDF and share tasks with your builder if anything requires attention before the big move.

Discover everything you can do with Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Acrobat online services to easily convert, share, and send documents during your home-buying process.