Before you finalize the closing of your new home with your title company and your mortgage company, your builder will walk with you through your new home to conduct a final inspection. This provides you, the homebuyer with an opportunity to learn the workings of your new home and to identify any corrections or modifications that need to be made. Builders often use this opportunity to inform buyers of warranty and coverage policies and procedures, maintenance responsibilities and the community at large. It helps to have someone there who understands and can give you a quick crash course on your maintenance responsibilities. Most new homes come with a one-year warranty on materials and workmanship. However, this warranty can be voided if problems arise because of failure to perform required upkeep. It is a good idea to ask your builder for a booklet or list that explains required responsibilities and how to complete them. It is also a good idea to ask your builder for their policy on reporting warranty service problems. Generally, most service requests should be in writing to protect you the owner, and to ensure that the builder understands and agrees to the request. This is especially important because often times, the builder contracts out the work. As far as the community at large is concerned, most builders have information packages detailing various aspects of the community such as schools, utility companies, and points of interest. After all it is these aspects that draw prospective home buyers to the area in the first place.
Most builders prefer to fix any problems in the home before the move in occurs, for the simple reason that it is easier to work in an empty home. For this reason, it is extremely important that you carefully examine everything from countertops to fixtures, as well as floors and walls. After move in, it is virtually impossible to prove that a problem was a builder's problem and not a mover's problem. Most builders require buyers to sign a form stating that they have inspected the house and that they are satisfied with the condition of the home and have noted all corrections to be performed. This document is a legal and binding contract. Please be sure before you sign that you understand everything and ask as many questions, as you need to. There are NO stupid questions and it is better to be informed and safe then sorry later.
As far as the actual inspection of the house is concerned, it is a good idea to prepare a series of guidelines or a checklist that will help you and your builder remember what repairs are needed. Here are a few general areas of attention that should be addressed:
Exterior
Let's talk about the exterior of your new home. First is the foundation. Check to see if the ground around the foundation is sloping away from the house and if water collects in pools around it. Check the ground for erosion. If there is a basement or attic, check windows and make sure their framework is smooth. Landscaping around the foundation should be two to three feet away. As far as roofs and gutters are concerned, make sure roof shingles are flat and secure in all aspects. All parts of gutters including downspouts and splash blocks should direct water away from the house. Make sure windows and doors are protected by weather stripping and are puttied if necessary. All windows and doors should open and close easily. Make sure the glass in all windows and doors is properly secured and note any cracks. The trim and fittings should be very tight and all cracks should be noted. Make sure your landscaping is performed as specified in your contract. Your paint should cover all surfaces smoothly, and any cracks, blotches or unevenness should be noted as well.
Interior
We've discussed exterior, now let's address interior. Your interior paint should be as near perfect as possible in all rooms, closets, stairways, hallways, etc. Note missed spots and make sure trim and molding are in place. Carpets should be secure and seams should match. Vinyl, tile and linoleum floors should not have any gaps or tears. Wood floors should be properly finished. All appliances should operate correctly and should be exactly what you ordered. Check faucets, plumbing fixtures, toilets, showers, and test electrical outlets. Make sure all central air and heating units, air conditioners, heaters and water heaters work properly. Check cabinets and countertops for any damages. The intercom, doorbell, garage door opener, and any other extra should be checked also. Basements and attics should be inspected for leaks, cracking in the walls and floors, and any other visible defects like exposed wires, damp insulation, poor plumbing, etc.
As you can see, the final walkthrough is very important and is something to be taken very seriously. After you signoff on the inspection and attend closing, the house is yours. Remember, no one wants to take possession of a faulty home. There are already enough expenses associated with owning a new home and a lawsuit or repairs should not be part of those expenses!
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