What to Look for During a New Home Walkthrough

“Home is not a place; it’s a feeling”

Buying a new build home should be - and more often than not, is - an exciting milestone. But it’s also one of the most significant investments that some people will make in their lifetime and requires attention to detail. A new home walkthrough is your chance to ensure everything meets expectations and that the builder has delivered on their promises. Whether a first-time buyer or an experienced homeowner, knowing what to look for during this crucial inspection can save you time, money, and future headaches.

The Snaggit app is an excellent pocket resource to have during the new home walkthrough but this guide will also help you stay informed.

Exterior Inspection

Start by walking around the outside of the home. Look for signs of quality craftsmanship and potential issues that might arise. Even the most inexperienced property owner can spot immediate visual issues without an intrusive inspection.

• Foundations: Check for cracks, uneven surfaces, or signs of settling around the initial few courses of bricks.

• Roof and Gutters: Ensure shingles are properly installed, gutters are secured, and downspouts are directing water away from the home. This will be very difficult to properly as the initial inspection is often visual but the eyes will immediately spot on glaring issues.

• Siding and Paint: Look for consistent paint coverage, no peeling or bubbling, and properly aligned siding or brickwork.

• Windows and Doors: Verify that all exterior doors and windows are properly sealed, open and close smoothly, and have no gaps.

Interior Walls, Ceilings, and Floors

Once inside, inspect the walls, ceilings, and floors for any cosmetic or structural issues.

• Paint and Plasterboard: Look for nail pops, cracks, larger holes, or uneven paint coverage. Some cracks are expected during the settling period of the property but these should be hairline.

• Floors: Walk across all rooms to identify any squeaky or uneven areas. Check for chips or scratches in tiles or hardwood. If carpets were part of the package, check that they have been fitted correctly with no visible markings.

• Ceilings: Keep an eye out for stains or cracks, which could indicate leaks or poor construction.

Plumbing Fixtures and Systems

Water systems and plumbing are critical parts of your new home. Test all fixtures to ensure they work properly.

• Taps and Showers: Turn on all taps and any showers showers to check for leaks, proper water pressure, and hot water availability.

• Toilets: Flush each toilet to ensure they work correctly and refill without issues.

• Drains: Run water in sinks and tubs to ensure it drains quickly and without gurgling noises. Gurgling noises are bad!

• Central Heating: Confirm that the central heating switches on using the thermostat(s) and that all radiators heat up. Ensure that there are no cold zones on the radiators. Check that multi-zone systems work independently.

Electrical Systems and Fixtures

A thorough check of your electrical systems can prevent potential safety hazards and ensure your home is move-in ready.

• Light Fixtures: Test all installed lights, switches, and electrical sockets.

• Outlets: Bring a small device or phone charger to check all outlets for power.

• Electrical Board: Ensure it’s labeled correctly, and you know where the main breaker is located. You aren’t expected to check that anything is completed to the correct installation standards but it’s great practice to see that the main switchboard is neatly labelled and circuits are identified (downstairs sockets, upstairs lights etc).

• Smoke Detectors: Confirm smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and operational. You don’t need to set the property on fire to test this. Each detector should have a test button located on it. Some builders may install hard-wired carbon monoxide detectors and some may provide a portable one. Either way, it should be located by the boiler.

Kitchen Appliances

If your new home comes with appliances, inspect each one thoroughly. Some builders include appliances and white goods in their basic packages whereas others sell these as upgrades.

• Refrigerator: Ensure it’s cooling properly.

• Oven and Stove: Test burners and oven settings to confirm they work.

• Dishwasher: Run a cycle to ensure proper functionality and drainage.

• Microwave: Test it with a simple function like heating a cup of water.

• Kitchen Units: It’s also good practice to check all kitchen inits and drawers for proper alignment and operation. Should your units have soft-close hinges? Have all units been provided? Have any kitchen upgrades been installed?

Doors and Windows

Doors and windows are key components for security and energy efficiency. Your house will be provided with an Energy Performance Certificate, the result of which is largely based on the energy efficiency of these components.

• Interior and Exterior Doors: Ensure they open and close smoothly and have no gaps.

• Locks: Test all locks on doors and windows if possible. Some builders won’t provide keys to windows until the final handover package.

• Screens and Glass: Look for tears in screens and any cracks or scratches in glass panes.

Final Inspections

Don’t forget to check over the finishing touches that make your house a home.

• Fixtures and Hardware: Ensure all doorknobs, handles, and fixtures are secure and aligned. Ensure any upgrades that you have paid for are present and correct.

• Paint Touch-Ups: Make a note of any areas that need additional paint or refinishing. During construction, multiple trades are in the property and multiple decorating companies can come and go. In some instances, there could be slight variations of paint used.

• Builder’s Snagging List: Review any items the builder has already identified for completion or correction.

Note: While the checklist above covers a thorough inspection, not all builders will provide you with the time or flexibility to carry out such an in-depth walkthrough during the home walkthrough period. It’s important to prioritise the most critical items and document any issues you find. If time is limited, focus on areas that are difficult to fix later, such as structural concerns or plumbing and electrical systems. Remember, you can always follow up with the builder after move-in to address any unresolved defects or concerns. Your home is a significant investment, so do what you can to protect it!