What Happens During a Home Walkthrough? (AKA: The Final Lap Before Move-In Victory 🏁)

So your contractor, home builders, and construction workers have been working hard—pouring ready mix concrete, raising framing, installing GFCIs, fascia, flashing, and more. You’ve dodged change orders, questioned your floor plan choices (at least once), and survived the occasional delay caused by rain, expansive soils, or the infamous "missing backhoe" situation.

Now? You’ve made it to the home walkthrough. It’s the final victory lap before you get the keys to your brand new kingdom. But what exactly happens during a home walkthrough? Let’s break it down—with some fun and a few helpful buzzwords sprinkled in. 😄

1. The Walkthrough Is Basically Your House’s Graduation Day

Think of it as the final exam for your construction company. This is your opportunity to go through the finished product with your general contractor or custom home builder and make sure everything matches the blueprints, the BIM models, and your Pinterest dreams.

The building construction phase is over. The floors are in, the paint is dry, the fascia is crisp, and the floor plan has come to life. Now it’s time to make sure it all looks and works as promised.

2. You’re the Inspector Now (Well, Kinda)

Grab a notepad—or better yet, your phone—and get ready to inspect every corner like a detective on a mission. You'll be checking:

✔️ Walls for cracks or poor paint
✔️ Foundation cracks or uneven flatwork
✔️ Doors and windows for smooth operation and sealing
✔️ Cabinets, countertops, and floors for scratches or dings
✔️ Faucets and toilets for proper plumbing function
✔️ Outlets (especially those GFCIs) for correct operation
✔️ HVAC (forced air heating/cooling) system for airflow
✔️ Fire-resistive features (if applicable in your area)
✔️ Felt (underlayment) and flashing where roofing is exposed

You’re looking for anything that needs to be fixed, cleaned, adjusted, or finished before you sign off.

3. Questions Are Encouraged!

This is the perfect time to ask all the questions you’ve been saving up. Like:

• “What does this switch do?”

• “Where’s the access panel for the footer (footing)?”

• “How do I maintain the glulam beam in the ceiling?”

• “Where’s the shutoff valve for the water line?”

Your builder should walk you through the forms, warranties, and maintenance tips. They'll also explain how systems like forced air heating/cooling work and may even give you a daily report log showing the final stages of the construction site process.

4. Mark Those Punch List Items

A "punch list" is basically your home’s final to-do list. If there’s chipped paint, a missing frieze board (bird block), or a GFCI that trips for no reason—it goes on the list. Your contractor is responsible for wrapping up these final fixes before move-in.

Think of it as the last few brushstrokes on a masterpiece. 🖌️

5. Check the Little Things—They Matter

Run your hands over countertops. Open and close every door. Turn on every faucet. Flush the toilets. Test all lights and dimmers. Try out the garage door. Look for gaps in damp proofing.

You’ve invested time, energy, and probably a fair share of memes about the cost to build a house—so don’t rush this step.

Also, if you’re in a green building or passive house, ask how the energy-efficient systems work, and double check those cost codes and upgrade options (hello, green board walls).

6. What If Something Isn’t Right?

Don’t panic! This is exactly what the walkthrough is for. Most builders use a cost-plus contract or bid system that allows for final tweaks. Your construction contractor will note anything that needs fixing and assign it to the proper crew. (Let’s hope they don’t have to call back the backhoe driver again. 😅)

Depending on the issue, you may schedule a follow-up walkthrough or approve everything pending those last-minute fixes.

7. You Sign Off When You’re Happy

Once everything looks good and any small fixes are documented, you’ll sign the final approval paperwork. This is also when you may receive warranties, manuals, and contact info for future questions or repairs.

If you're using CAD-based plans or BIM, you might even get digital blueprints for your records.

Final Thoughts

The home walkthrough isn’t just a box to check—it’s your chance to make sure every piece of framing, flashing, and foundation is up to your standards. It’s also a moment to celebrate! You made it through the building construction journey—dodging change orders, reading blueprints, obsessing over grade and grain patterns, and managing a construction site like a boss.

So take your time, ask your questions, and don’t be afraid to speak up. Because once you sign off, that beautiful home? It's all yours.

Ready to build your dream home? Whether you're starting with dirt and a backhoe or you’ve already got your floor plan in hand, reach out to a trusted construction company or custom home builders today. We’re here to make the process exciting, empowering, and—dare we say—fun. 🏠✨