Final Walkthrough Inspection Checklist (New Construction): What to Document, Photo-by-Photo
A final walkthrough inspection (new construction) isn’t about “finding defects in a new home.” It’s about catching incomplete work, functional issues, and water-management mistakes before close, when fixes are cheapest and everyone is still paying attention.
This checklist is built for speed: what to check, what photos to take, and how to write findings in a way builders can act on.
Note
This is general inspection guidance. Your scope depends on your SOP and contract. Phrase issues as observable conditions and recommended corrections.
The Walkthrough Flow (So You Miss Less)
Use a repeatable order:
- Exterior water management
- Garage + electrical panel
- Mechanical/HVAC
- Kitchen + baths (plumbing + GFCI)
- Windows/doors operation
- Attic/crawl (if accessible)
- Finish defects (punch list)
The Photo-By-Photo Set (Minimum)
Exterior (10)
- Front/rear/side elevations (4)
- Grade at foundation (2)
- Downspout discharge points (2)
- Roof overview (1)
- Any siding/stucco clearance issue (1)
Electrical (6)
- Panel closed + open (2)
- Panel label/main breaker (1)
- Representative GFCI/AFCI test result (if you test) (1)
- Any defect close-up (2)
Plumbing (8)
- Water heater full + data plate (2)
- TPR discharge (1)
- Under-sink plumbing: kitchen + one bath (2)
- Tub/shower function issue if present (1)
- Any leak evidence close-ups (2)
HVAC (6)
- Air handler/furnace overview + data plate (2)
- Condenser overview + data plate (2)
- Filter location/condition (1)
- Condensate drain routing/termination (1)
Interior punch list (10+)
- 1 context photo per issue + 1 close-up
Key Takeaway
If you recommend a correction, attach at least one photo that supports it.
Exterior Checklist (High ROI)
- Grading slopes away from structure
- Downspouts discharge away (extensions where needed)
- Roof-to-wall intersections (kickout flashing where applicable)
- Siding/stucco clearance to grade (avoid soil contact)
- Caulk/sealant at penetrations
- Trip hazards at walks/steps
Windows & Doors
- Open/close/lock all representative windows
- Check for binding/racking
- Verify exterior doors latch and weatherstripping is continuous
- Check garage door safety reverse (if SOP allows)
Kitchen & Baths
- Run hot/cold; verify drainage
- Check for leaks under sinks
- Verify GFCI presence and function where applicable
- Test toilets for rocking/running
- Check shower/tub diverter function
Electrical Safety Notes
- Panel labeling present (or not)
- Open knockouts/missing covers
- Double taps (if visible)
- Exterior receptacles weatherproof
HVAC Functional
- Heat/cool operation (note seasonal limitations)
- Airflow at representative registers
- Condensate drain routing correct
- Filter present
Attic/Crawlspace (If Accessible)
- Insulation coverage and voids
- Bath fan termination to exterior
- Evidence of moisture staining
- Unsafe wiring/open splices (visual)
Report Language Templates
Builder-friendly punch list
“Location: ____ . Condition: ____ . Impact: ____ . Recommend: Builder/qualified contractor correct prior to close.”
Seasonal HVAC limitation
“HVAC operation testing was limited due to ambient/seasonal temperature conditions at the time of inspection.”
Incomplete work
“Component appears incomplete (____). Recommend completion/correction prior to close.”
Where ReportWalk Helps
Final walkthroughs are punch-list heavy and time-sensitive. ReportWalk helps you dictate issues in a consistent format and pair each note with the right photo so your report is clean and builder-actionable.
