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Final walkthrough checklist for new construction
A final walkthrough checklist for a new home, filled in on a phone while the builder walks the house with the buyer before closing. This is the blue tape walk: each thing to fix gets a piece of tape and an entry in the form, room by room, with the exact spot, the trade, a photo, whether both sides agree it needs fixing and whether it is fixed. Then the builder shows the systems working, hands over documents, keys and remotes, and books a re-walk. The form counts what is open and closed. For UK new-build snagging use the snagging list template.
For home builders, superintendents, warranty and customer care managers, and buyers' agents running the final walk on a new house or townhome.
- Rooms as spaces, each taped item with location, trade, photo, agreed or not, and fixed or not
- 15 checks of the systems shown to the buyer, from the thermostat and water heater to GFCI test and reset
- Documents, keys, garage remotes and utilities handed over, with a photo
- Counts of items taped, fixed, agreed and still open, and items not agreed
- A re-walk date, actions with owners, and builder and buyer signatures
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What is a blue tape walkthrough?
A final walkthrough is useful when every piece of blue tape has a matching entry: the room, the exact spot, what is wrong, the trade and a photo, plus whether the buyer and builder agree it needs fixing. Recording the items that are not agreed, with what the builder said, avoids arguments at the re-walk and at closing.
Last updated . Facts checked by the SiteSurvey team on 27 October 2026 against International Residential Code section R109.1.6, final inspection (as reproduced by Winnebago County, Illinois, building department), U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, What is a GFCI? (fact sheet), U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Avoiding Tap Water Scalds (safety alert), U.S. Fire Administration, when to test smoke alarms and U.S. Fire Administration, test carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month.
How to run a new home final walkthrough
Book it once the home is finished and cleaned, and leave time for a re-walk before closing.
Set up the walk
Enter the home, the buyers and who else is there, the closing date, and whether the building department's final inspection has passed. Film the walk with Walk Cam if you want a record of every room.
Go room by room
Add each room as you enter it. For every item, put blue tape on it, add it to the form with where it is, what is wrong, the trade and a photo, and record whether you and the buyer agree it needs fixing.
Show the systems
Show the buyer the thermostat, filter, water heater, shutoffs, electrical panel, GFCI and AFCI test buttons, alarms, appliances, plumbing, doors, windows, garage door and the outside. Mark anything that does not work.
Hand over
Tick the documents handed over, count the keys and remotes, note the utilities and meter readings, and photograph the pack.
Agree the next step
Check the counts, set the re-walk date, give each fix an owner and a date, choose the decision and sign with the buyer. Update each item as it is fixed and the buyer accepts it.
What makes a final walkthrough useful
Each taped item: agreed or not, and fixed or not
Kitchen, tape 1: base cabinet doors left of the range out of line, right door sits low and proud. Photo taken, agreed, cabinets trade, not fixed. Garage, tape 8: hairline crack across the slab; not agreed, superintendent says it is shrinkage with no height difference and will look again at the warranty visit.
Fictional example. Record the actual evidence and approved arrangements for your job.
A common recording mistake
Taping items without writing them down, so the tape falls off or is painted over and nobody can show what was agreed on the day.
What happens next
Fix the agreed items, photograph each fix, and walk again with the buyer before closing to mark each one accepted.
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Every question in the final walkthrough checklist template
A new home final walkthrough with the buyer, the blue tape walk: room by room, each taped item with its location, trade, photo, whether both sides agree and whether it is fixed, then the systems shown working, documents, keys and utilities handed over, open and closed counts, a re-walk date and signatures. 6 sections and 104 questions. Follow-up questions and guidance appear only when an answer calls for them, so the person on site never sees the ones that do not apply.
Make it your own: every question is editable
This is a starting point, not a fixed form. Once it is in your SiteSurvey account you can reword any question, add or remove questions, sections and answer options, and add your own logo, so it fits the way your team works and the jobs you do.
Details you only enter once
Add this form to a project in SiteSurvey and it fills in what the project already knows, so nobody on site retypes it and every form on the job uses the same names. Anything filled in can still be changed.
- Project: the project name
- Home address: the site address, from the space or the project
- Buyer: the project's customer
Walkthrough details
Fill in with the buyer at the start of the walk.
- ProjectShort answer
Filled in from the project in SiteSurvey.
Fills in from the project name - Home addressShort answerFills in from the site address, from the space or the project
- BuyerShort answerFills in from the project's customer
- Location (GPS)Short answer
- Walkthrough date*Date
- Walk led by*Short answer
- Community, lot or job numberShort answer
- BuilderShort answer
- Buyers presentShort answer
- Others presentShort answer
For example the superintendent or the buyer's inspector.
- Type of walk*Choose one
- Final walkthrough before closing
- Re-walk to check fixes
- Other walk
- Closing dateDate
- Building department final inspection passed?Yes or No
- Certificate of occupancy or permit referenceShort answerShown when “Building department final inspection passed?” is Yes
- CheckUnder the International Residential Code (section R109.1.6, as adopted locally), the building department's final inspection is made after the permitted work is complete and before occupancy. This walkthrough is the builder and buyer's own check, not that inspection.Shown when “Building department final inspection passed?” is No
- Walk Cam: walkthroughWalk Cam video with voice-to-text
Optional. Film a guided walk-round on the SiteSurvey app.
- Weather on siteAnswer
Rooms and taped items
- GuidanceGo room by room with the buyer. Put a piece of blue tape on each item, add it here with a photo, and say whether you both agree it needs fixing.
- Rooms and areasRepeat for each room. Each one asks:
- Room or area*Short answer
For example Kitchen, Bedroom 2, Front porch.
- TypeChoose one
- Kitchen
- Living or family room
- Dining room
- Primary bedroom
- Bedroom
- Bathroom
- Laundry
- Hall, stairs or entry
- Garage
- Basement or bonus room
- Exterior and yard
- Other
- Overall photo of the roomPhotos
- Items taped in this roomRepeat for each item. Each one asks:
- Tape number or item*Short answer
For example Tape 1, or a short name.
- Exactly whereShort answer
For example left of the sink, 3 ft up.
- What is wrong*Notes
- Trade to fix itChoose one
- Paint and drywall
- Trim, doors and hardware
- Cabinets and countertops
- Flooring
- Tile
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- HVAC
- Windows and glass
- Roofing and gutters
- Exterior, grading and concrete
- Appliances
- Cleaning
- Other
- Photo of the itemPhotos
Get the tape in shot where you can.
- Buyer and builder agree it needs fixing?*Yes or No
- What the builder said, and whyNotesShown when “Buyer and builder agree it needs fixing?” is No
- Fixed?*Yes or No
- Date fixedDateShown when “Fixed?” is Yes
- Buyer has seen the fix and accepts it?Yes or NoShown when “Fixed?” is Yes
- Photo of the fixPhotosShown when “Fixed?” is Yes
- This room: items tapedWorked out by the form
- FixedWorked out by the form
- Agreed, still openWorked out by the form
- r_disputedWorked out by the form
- Items tapedWorked out by the form
- FixedWorked out by the form
- Agreed, still openWorked out by the form
Systems shown to the buyer
- GuidanceShow each system working and where its shutoff is. Anything that does not work becomes an action on the last page.
- Heating and cooling: thermostat shown, system heats and coolsChoose one
Show the buyer how to set the thermostat and run each mode.
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- HVAC filter location and size shownChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Water heater: location, shutoff and temperature setting shownChoose one
CPSC urges setting water heaters to 120 °F (49 °C) to reduce the risk of scalds. Check at a faucet with a thermometer.
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Main water shutoff shownChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Electrical panel: location shown, breakers labeledChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- GFCI outlets and breakers: test and reset shownChoose one
CPSC advises testing every GFCI at least once a month and after a power failure: press TEST, the power should go off, then press RESET.
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- AFCI breakers: test button shownChoose one
Follow the breaker maker's instructions.
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms sound on testChoose one
The US Fire Administration advises testing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month.
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Gas supply shutoff shown, where the home has gasChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Kitchen appliances run: range, oven, hood, dishwasher, microwave, refrigeratorChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Laundry hookups, dryer vent and washer box shownChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Faucets, toilets, tubs and showers run and drain, no leaks under sinksChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Doors and windows open, close and lockChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Garage door opener and remotes work, door reverses when the sensor beam is blockedChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Exterior: grading, downspouts, driveway and walks, irrigation shownChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Systems needing actionWorked out by the form
- Not checkedWorked out by the form
- Data plates: water heater, furnace, AC condenserScan a label: make, model, serial number
Optional. Scan each data plate to keep the model and serial numbers for warranty registration.
- Photos of the panel, water heater and shutoffsPhotos
Documents, keys and utilities
- Documents handed overTick all that apply
- Builder warranty document
- Appliance manuals and warranties
- HVAC and water heater manuals and warranties
- Roofing, windows and flooring warranty information
- Paint colors and finish schedule
- Certificate of occupancy copy
- Homeowner manual or maintenance guide
- Utility provider list
- Anything still to come, and who will send itNotes
- House keys handed overNumber
- Garage door remotesNumber
- Mailbox keys, gate or amenity fobsNumber
- Construction locks re-keyed or construction cores removed?Yes or No
- Utilities on and in the buyer's nameTick all that apply
- Electric
- Gas
- Water and sewer
- Trash
- Internet
- Meter readings at handoverShort answer
Optional. Electric, gas and water.
- Photo of the documents and keys handed overPhotos
Item count and re-walk
- Items tapedWorked out by the form
- FixedWorked out by the form
- Agreed, still openWorked out by the form
- Not agreed as itemsWorked out by the form
- Share fixed (%)Worked out by the form
- Rooms with open itemsWorked out by the form
- CheckSome taped items are not agreed. Record what the builder said on each one, so both sides have the same list.Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Re-walk needed?*Yes or No
- Re-walk dateDateShown when “Re-walk needed?” is Yes
- What will be checked on the re-walkNotesShown when “Re-walk needed?” is Yes
Result, actions and sign-off
- Items needing actionWorked out by the form
- ResultWorked out by the form
- ActionsRepeat for each action. Each one asks:
- Action*Notes
- PriorityChoose one
- Safety: fix now
- Before closing
- Before the re-walk
- After closing, as agreed
- Who will do it*Short answer
- Due byDate
- Status*Choose one
- Open
- In progress
- Done, checked
- Photo when donePhotosShown when “Status” is “Done, checked”
- Actions still openWorked out by the form
- Decision*Choose one
- Ready to close: no open items
- Close with the listed items to be fixed as agreed
- Not ready: re-walk first
- Summary for the buyerNotes
- Builder representative nameShort answer
- Builder representative signature*Signature
- Buyer nameShort answer
- Buyer signatureSignature
- CheckSigning records what was found and agreed on this walk. It is not a warranty, a home inspection or the building department's approval. The builder's warranty document sets what is covered and for how long.
See it filled in
A completed final walkthrough checklist report, made by SiteSurvey from a fictional site visit: every answer, the photos, the guidance that applied and the sign-off, ready to send as a PDF.
Final walkthrough checklist FAQs
Is the final walkthrough the same as the final inspection?
No. The building department's final inspection is made after the permitted work is complete and before occupancy (International Residential Code section R109.1.6, as adopted locally). The final walkthrough is the builder's own walk with the buyer, about finish and working order. The form asks whether the final inspection has passed and records the certificate of occupancy or permit reference.
What should I check on a new construction final walkthrough?
Every room: walls, ceilings, paint, floors, trim, doors, cabinets, counters, tile and caulk, fixtures and windows. Then the systems: heating and cooling, the filter, the water heater, the main water and gas shutoffs, the electrical panel, GFCI and AFCI test buttons, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, appliances, faucets and drains, the garage door and the outside grading and downspouts. The form has a check for each.
How do you test a GFCI outlet on the walkthrough?
Press the TEST button: the power to the outlet should go off. Then press RESET and it should come back on. The Consumer Product Safety Commission's fact sheet suggests plugging in a lamp to see it, and advises testing every GFCI after installation, at least once a month and after a power failure. Show the buyer where the GFCI outlets and breakers are.
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, What is a GFCI? (fact sheet).
What temperature should the water heater be set to?
The Consumer Product Safety Commission urges setting water heaters to 120 °F (49 °C) to reduce the risk of tap water scalds, and suggests checking the temperature at a faucet with a thermometer. The form has a check for showing the buyer the water heater, its shutoff and its temperature setting.
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Avoiding Tap Water Scalds (safety alert).
How often should the buyer test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms?
The U.S. Fire Administration advises testing smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button, and testing carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month. Test them on the walkthrough so the buyer hears them, and record any that do not sound as an action.
Sources: U.S. Fire Administration, when to test smoke alarms and U.S. Fire Administration, test carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month.
Is this a home inspection or a warranty claim?
No. It is the builder's and buyer's record of the walk: what was taped, what was agreed, what was fixed and what was handed over. It does not replace a home inspection, the building department's approval or the builder's warranty. The builder's warranty document says what is covered and for how long, so keep it with the signed form.
Related
Related templates
Templates that go with the final walkthrough checklist form
Snag by snag record with room, element, photo and priority, checks with no snag, totals and re-inspection.
A customer handover pack record: completion and handover dates, certificates in the pack and to follow, manuals, warranties and keys, each system demonstrated, where the controls and shut-offs are, outstanding items, aftercare and the customer's signature.
A pre-drywall (pre-plaster) inspection: insulation, vapour control, fire stopping, backing for fixtures, service protection and outlet positions checked room by room, with insulation thickness against the specification and a photo record of every wall and ceiling before it is closed up.
A stair, handrail, guardrail and balustrade inspection for new or existing buildings: each stair as a space with riser, going, width, headroom, handrail and guard heights and baluster gaps measured (measure from photo as an estimate) and compared with the values you enter from your code, consistency of risers, nosings, slip resistance condition, handrail continuity, grip and fixings, climbable elements, glass and lighting checked, defects as items with photos and priority, actions and sign-off. Reference notes from Approved Document K (England) and US building department handouts.
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