When you are buying a home, the final walkthrough is an extremely important step. This is your last chance to make sure that everything is in order before you sign the purchase agreement. By doing a thorough inspection of the property, you can avoid any nasty surprises after closing.
In this blog post, we will discuss what to look for during your pre-closing walk-through.
What Is A Final Walkthrough?
The final walkthrough is the last chance for home buyers to inspect the property before ownership papers are signed. This way, the buyer and their real estate agent can go through each room together to check for any issues.
The walkthrough is an opportunity for the buyers to inspect the home and make sure that any promised repairs by the seller have been completed and that nothing has been taken from the home since they last saw it. It gives buyers peace of mind knowing that they will not be unexpectedly responsible for any damage that may have occurred during the selling process. For these reasons, it is important to schedule a final walkthrough with your real estate agent before signing any ownership papers.
Final Walkthrough Checklist
Once the closing moves forward and the buyer has moved into the home, it will likely be too late to bring up any problems that have arisen. For that reason, it is of utmost importance that the final walkthrough is completed with diligence.
Make sure that all the seller’s items are removed from the home for better inspection. The buyer’s real estate agent should serve as a keen extra set of eyes to help point out any areas of concern.
Be sure to check the following parts of the house and items on your final walkthrough checklist:
Other Guides for Buying:
Kitchen Area
1. Inspect all appliances and make sure they are in working order.
The kitchen is often the heart of the home, and keeping it in good working order is essential for any homeowner. Appliances are a major part of the kitchen, and it’s important to make sure they’re in good condition.
2. Test the sink, faucets, and garbage disposal to make sure they are functioning properly.
The key is ensuring everything is in working order when you take possession of the property. Test all the faucets and make sure there are no leaks, and check to see if the garbage disposal is working properly.
3. Run the dishwasher through a full cycle to ensure it is properly cleaning dishes.
Running the dishwasher through a full cycle is a great way to ensure that it is properly cleaning dishes. This practice will help confirm that everything is functioning correctly. If all dishes come out clean, then this is a strong indication that the machine is running properly.
4. Check that the stovetop and oven are working properly and that there are no gas leaks.
It’s important to ensure that your stovetop and oven are working properly and that there are no gas leaks. You can do this by checking the knobs to see that they’re in the correct position, testing the igniter to see if it sparkles, and making sure that there’s no hissing or leaking from the gas lines.
5. Ensure that all cabinets and drawers are properly installed and functioning correctly:
The last thing you want is to get into your new home and find that the cabinets or drawers are not properly installed. Check to make sure they open and close with ease, without any wobbling and that they are securely attached to the walls.
Bathrooms
1. Flush the toilets and ensure that they are working properly.
Make sure to flush all of the toilets in the home to make sure there are no plumbing issues or clogs. The water should fill up quickly, and all toilets flush properly.
2. Confirm that the bathrooms have been cleaned and that any fixtures are in working condition.
A clean bathroom is essential for a happy home. Make sure that all bathrooms have been thoroughly cleaned, and any fixtures are in working condition, such as the shower head, faucets, sink drains, and lights.
3. Check for water pressure, leaks, or mold
Watch out for signs of water leakage around the bathtub/shower, sink or toilet. Make sure to also check for any signs of mold, mildew, or discoloration. Molds are a sign of moisture and incorrect ventilation and can cause health complications if not properly addressed.
4. Run hot water in all the sinks and bathtubs
Test out the hot water in each sink and tub to make sure it is working. Let it run for at least 5-10 mins to ensure there aren’t any signs of water leakage or problems with the water heater.
Living Room and Bedrooms
1. Inspect all walls, ceilings, and floors for cracks, bubbling paint, and any signs of water damage.
These are some of the most common signs of water damage and should be addressed before taking possession of the property. Visible signs of water damage can lead to more serious underlying issues, such as mold or even structural damage.
2. Heating and air conditioning
Be sure to check the thermostat and any external vents to make sure there are no blockages. If the HVAC is connected to a humidifier, check that it is operating properly. Use a thermometer to verify that the temperature is correct and that it can hold the temperature you set.
3. Windows and doors should be opened and closed to make sure they are properly functioning.
There should be no tweaking sounds, loose latch, or scraping sounds. This is also a good time to check and ensure the locks are functioning properly.
4. Check for any pest or rodent activity
Holes on walls, rodent droppings, and foul smell are all signs of a pest or rodent infestation. If you find any, contact the property owner immediately to arrange for treatment. You may want to re-inspect the property after the treatment is completed to make sure that all pests and rodents have been eliminated.
5. Turn all light switches on and off
The smallest things can create the biggest problems in a home. Check for any flickering lights and wall outlets to make sure they are properly wired. Electrical problems is the last thing you want to deal with after moving into a new home.
The Exteriors And The Home System
1. Walk around the house and check the gutters and downspouts and check for any damage
Check for any visible signs of water damage, such as standing water around the foundation or cracks in the fascia boards. Clogged gutter systems can cause major damage to the exterior of the home, so make sure they are clean and draining properly.
(It might not hurt to check the roof too, but this requires expertise so we didn’t include this on our standard list!)
2. Garage door remote and springs should be checked for proper function
Abnormal noises and slow movement of the garage door might be an indication of old, broken, or malfunctioning springs. Watch out for any signs of rust or visible defects in the springs, and make sure that the remote control for the garage door is working properly.
3. The yard, driveway, and sidewalk should all be inspected for debris
Make sure that the sidewalks and driveway are clear of any obstructions, such as fallen branches or overgrown bushes. Trash that came from the house clean-up should also be cleared away.
4. CCTV systems and other home security systems should be checked
Test out all the home security system’s features to ensure it is working properly. Access to the control panel should be checked to make sure that it is not locked or restricted. Make sure all cameras and motion detectors are pointed in the right direction and recording properly.
5. Have all keys changed asap after closing
Having keys that can open the doors of your home is a major security threat, so make sure to have them by a professional locksmith. Check all locks, bolts, and door knobs to ensure they are secure and properly functioning.
Final Thoughts
A home inspection is an essential part of the home-buying process, as it will give you a good idea of what to expect in terms of repairs and maintenance once you move into your new home.
Doing a final walk-through of your soon-to-be personal property before closing on a home is just one more step to ensure that everything is in order and that you get precisely what you paid for.
This is why you always want to make sure you have a knowledgeable real estate agent and be sure to have a plan on the day of your final walk-through. Feel free to print this walk-through checklist and use it as you please!
