King Realty Texas  ·  Buyer Resource

New Construction
Walk-Through Checklist

Your complete guide to inspecting your new home with the builder — before you sign at closing. Tap any item to mark it complete.

Shawna King, Broker DRE# 0530151
(214) 697-1742
KingRealtyTexas.com

💡 Shawna's Advice: Don't let the excitement of a shiny new home rush you through this step. This walk-through is your last real opportunity to hold the builder accountable — get every item documented in writing before you close. You have more leverage than you think.

Bring with you:
📏 Tape Measure 🔦 Flashlight 📐 Level 🖊️ Notepad & Pen 📱 Phone (Camera) 🔌 Outlet Tester 🖼️ Mirror 📘 Appliance Manual Request List 🔵 Blue Painter's Tape
Progress 0 / 93 items
🏡
Exterior & Entry Doors
✓
Doors open/close smoothly — no dragging or binding
✓
All six sides of each door are painted
✓
Deadbolts and locks operate cleanly
✓
Weather-stripping sealed along all edges
✓
Thresholds properly adjusted — no gap at bottom
✓
Hinges clean and free of paint drips
✓
Trimmed doors cut at the bottom, straight — not hollow
✓
No visible warping on any door
🪟
Windows
✓
Every window opens freely without sticking
✓
Window locks engage and release properly
✓
Tracks lubricated — no binding when sliding
✓
Screens in place and free of tears or holes
✓
No broken, cracked, or foggy panes (fogging = failed seal)
🖌️
Walls, Ceilings & Paint
Tip

Rake a flashlight sideways across walls to reveal seams, nail pops, and drywall imperfections that daylight hides.

✓
Floor & ceiling moldings uniform with no gaps
✓
Inspect walls under both natural and artificial light
✓
No drywall seams, nail pops, or surface irregularities
✓
Walls are square in every room — verify with level
✓
Paint coverage even — no missed spots or lap marks
✓
All gaps at moldings and trim caulked cleanly
▱
Flooring
✓
Floors feel solid — minimal spring or flex underfoot
✓
Listen for squeaks, especially at subfloor seams
✓
Tile/vinyl: clean, chip-free, no missing grout
✓
Grout joints full — no hollow or crumbly sections
✓
Carpet fits snugly at edges — no rippling in middle
✓
Carpet free of stains and shade variations
✓
Carpet and vinyl seams tight — no lifted edges
✓
Transition molding installed at all floor-type changes
⚡
Electrical
Pro Tip

Bring an outlet tester (under $15 at any hardware store) — it instantly shows if a receptacle is wired correctly.

✓
Test every wall outlet and light switch
✓
All light fixtures securely mounted, correct wattage
✓
Builder walks you through the electrical panel
✓
GFCI outlets in all wet areas — test each one
✓
AFCI breakers on bedroom circuits — builder demonstrates
✓
Smoke alarms operational in all required locations
✓
Carbon monoxide detectors installed and tested
🍳
Kitchen
✓
Countertops scratch- and chip-free
Counters attract every trade's toolbox — inspect carefully
✓
Cabinets level, plumb, and properly anchored
✓
All doors/drawers open fully, close flush
✓
Appliances level and secured — check all units
✓
Range hood fan and light both operate
✓
Outlets present above all countertop work surfaces
✓
Appliance spaces match agreed specs — measure if needed
✓
Request printed manuals for every appliance
🚿
Bathrooms
✓
Sink, tub, and shower enclosure scratch-free
#1 damage spot — workmen set toolboxes here
✓
Sink and tub stoppers hold water properly
✓
Shower drain strainer fastened securely
✓
Toilet firmly anchored — test by sitting, not rocking
✓
Close door — inspect all wall surfaces for flaws
✓
TP dispenser at accessible height and distance
✓
All faucets: good pressure, hot and cold confirmed
✓
Vanity cabinets securely anchored to wall
✓
Caulking around tub, shower, and backsplash complete
❄️
Heating & Air Conditioning
✓
A/C produces cold air at all vents
✓
Heating system confirmed — warm air at vents
✓
Builder explains thermostat programming and operation
✓
No heat registers located directly below thermostat
Causes thermostat to misread actual home temperature
✓
Filter location confirmed — ask about replacement schedule
✓
Cold air returns unobstructed in all rooms
🔧
Plumbing, Water Heater & Ventilation
✓
Main water shut-off valve location confirmed
✓
Individual shut-offs under every sink and at toilets
✓
Water heater operational — capacity and maintenance explained
✓
Gas/propane shut-off valve location confirmed (if applicable)
✓
No visible leaks under sinks, supply lines, or water heater
✓
Bathroom exhaust fans functional, vented to exterior
✓
Kitchen range hood exhausts to exterior
✓
Builder explains ventilation to prevent condensation
Condensation from poor ventilation is often not covered under warranty
🚪
Interior Doors, Closets & Upgrades
✓
All interior doors open/close without sticking or dragging
✓
Closet doors on track and latching properly
✓
Closet shelving secured firmly — no wobble
Upgrades — Compare Against Your Design Center Agreement

Pull your original upgrade/option agreement and verify every item was installed. Compare appliance model numbers and confirm finish selections match exactly what you chose.

✓
Granite countertops
✓
Kitchen tile
✓
Bathroom tile/marble
✓
Correct carpet & pad
✓
Cabinet glass
✓
Shower glass
✓
Laundry room vinyl
✓
Appliance upgrades
✓
Hardware/fixtures
✓
Smart home features
🛡️
Warranties — Builder & Manufacturer
Shawna's Reminder

This is one of the most overlooked conversations at the walk-through and one of the most valuable. You just bought a brand-new home — you have warranty protections most resale buyers never get. Know what's covered, for how long, and how to use it. Get everything in writing before you leave.

Builder Warranty Coverage
✓
1-year workmanship & materials — covers labor and finish defects (drywall, paint, trim, fixtures)
✓
2-year mechanical systems — HVAC, plumbing, electrical; confirm exactly what's included in writing
✓
10-year structural defect — foundation, load-bearing walls, framing; ask who the third-party provider is
✓
Ask what is excluded — normal settlement, cosmetic wear, and owner-caused damage are typically not covered
✓
Receive full written warranty document today — do not leave without it
Appliance & Manufacturer Warranties
✓
Photograph model and serial number labels on every appliance
You'll need these to register warranties and submit future claims
✓
Clarify who handles year-one appliance issues — builder or manufacturer?
Some builders cover appliances; others hand you off to the manufacturer immediately
✓
Register all appliances within 30 days of closing to activate full coverage
✓
HVAC equipment: most manufacturers offer 5–10 year parts warranties — registration required
✓
Collect printed instruction and warranty manuals for every installed system and appliance
How to Submit a Claim
✓
Get builder's warranty service contact — name, phone, email, portal URL
✓
Understand the process: online portal, email, or phone? Response time?
Always submit in writing — email or portal — so you have a dated paper trail
✓
Ask if builder does a 10–11 month walk-through before your 1-year coverage expires
If not offered, request one in writing around month 10
✓
Appliance claims: contact manufacturer directly using model/serial number and closing date as proof of purchase
✓
Store all warranty docs, manuals, and claim correspondence in one folder — these add value at resale
Warranty Contact Notes
Builder Contact
Claim Portal
HVAC Brand
Water Heater
Appliances
Other Notes
📝
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Stand Your Ground at Closing

Builders run on cash flow — which means you have real leverage right before closing. If there's a punch list of outstanding items, do not close until you have every fix in writing with a completion deadline, or until the work is done. A builder's verbal promise after keys change hands is worth very little. Your signature on that closing doc is the last card you hold — play it wisely.

⚠️
Important Disclaimer — Please Read

This checklist is provided as an educational resource to help buyers have productive conversations with their builder at the final walk-through. It is not a substitute for a professional home inspection — and a home inspection is strongly recommended, even on new construction. New builds can have overlooked defects that only a licensed inspector is trained to identify. Always hire a qualified, independent Texas-licensed home inspector before closing. King Realty Texas makes no representations or warranties regarding the completeness of this checklist or the condition of any property.

King Realty Texas Shawna King, Broker  ·  DRE# 0530151  ·  (214) 697-1742
KingRealtyTexas.com  ·  shawna@kingrealtytexas.com
© King Realty Texas. For informational purposes only. Does not constitute legal, inspection, or professional advice.