New Home Walkthrough

[jhayx7]

Exciting day! after 1 1/2 years my new loft is ready! We are scheduled to do our first walkthrough next Wednesday. I know to look for the obvious things but what else, based on your exp., would you look for when doing the first walkthrough? Thanks!!

 

[SaltBoy]

If there is ANYTHING that you're not happy with, even if it is small, bring it up. It is the builder's job -- not your job -- to take care of everything wrong with the house before you buy it. After you buy the house, unless there's some magical warranty, you're stuck with the problem.

 

[lokiju]

Watch "Holmes on Homes" a few times and you'll get some really good ideas on what to look for. I think it's on A&E.

 

[Savij]

Paint spots on the carpet. Doors that don't open and close properly. Windows that are stuck. Toilet paper on the ceiling.

 

[jhayx7]

Originally posted by: Savij
Paint spots on the carpet. Doors that don't open and close properly. Windows that are stuck. Toilet paper on the ceiling.

LOL what?!?

 

[giantpinkbunnyhead]

When my house was being built, I remember at one point I observed the builders using some sort of solvent on the carpet for some reason. Later during the walkthrough, I remembered seeing that and brought it up. The carpet looked fine on the surface but when they looked closer, whatever stuff they'd used on the carpet damaged the bottom really bad. So, if you remember seeing anything amiss during construction... pay attention to those areas.

 

[Baked]

Look for brown recluse spider colonies.

 

[Queasy]

First...proof that you're a brotha? 😉


Check each and every power outlet.
Check every door and lock (the rear door lock on my first house didn't work during walkthrough)
Check every faucet and sink.
Check bathtubs, showers, sinks for any cracks (my gardentub was cracked and had to be fixed).
Check the joints on the walls where the sheet rock meets. Make sure there isn't any sagging or warping on the walls.
Check each and every window. Make sure they open and close properly. Make sure that they are all properly caulked.
Check every light fixture and light switch.
Check to make sure that the carpet is laid out properly and fully stretched to each wall. Check that you don't feel any carpet tacks/nails staples sticking out anywhere.
Check your AC/Heating unit and make sure that everything is running properly.

 

[GasX]

Key things to focus on:

1. Is it empty?
2. Is it clean?
3. Are there holes in the walls?
4. Is there any damage that moving furniture, rugs, or appliances exposed?
5. Was all work demanded in the offer completed?
6. Do all remaining appliances still work?

 

[ArchCenturion]

Check the attic for rats?

 

[ahurtt]

Make sure there are no dead hookers in the basement, crawlspace, garage, and attic.

 

[d3n]

Drainage, Drainage, Drainage. This will ruin a house faster than anything.

Check flashing and downspouts around the outside. Look at the bottom corners of windows for moisture or stains. Make sure everything is graded away from the structure. Any Air handeling units should have a chatch pan and a drain that is accounted for. If a water heater is on the second story it should have one too.

Check for excessive nail pops on the dry wall. Make sure all doors open and close properly.

Look in the attic to make sure the sheeting was properly secured and that the ventilation has not been impacted by insualation or not being installed.

Just all that poped into my head right now.

 

[Garet Jax]

Originally posted by: jhayx7
Exciting day! after 1 1/2 years my new loft is ready! We are scheduled to do our first walkthrough next Wednesday. I know to look for the obvious things but what else, based on your exp., would you look for when doing the first walkthrough? Thanks!!

• Make sure all windows seal tightly.

• Make sure air conditioning/heating is consistent and effective. Nothing worse than having one or two freezing rooms and the rest warm.

• Water pressure and temperature at every extremity.

• No leaks once the water extremities are turned off.

• All light switches work.

• All electrical plugs work.