Why the final walkthrough matters

This is the visit where you stop guessing and start confirming. A new build can look perfect on the surface, then a door sticks, a fan vents the wrong way, or a sink trap drips the first week you move in. The final walkthrough is your chance to catch those items before they become your weekend project. It is not about chasing tiny flaws. It is about getting a home that works the way it should on day one.

When to schedule it

Try to do the walkthrough as close to possession as the builder allows, after the home is cleaned and all trades are finished. If you go too early, you will be looking at work that is still in progress and you will miss the final touch-ups. If you go too late, you may feel rushed. Aim for a time when you can take photos and test things without pressure.

What to bring

• A printed checklist and a pen
• Your phone for photos and short videos
• A small night light or phone charger to test outlets
• A roll of painter tape for marking spots on walls
• A measuring tape if you want to confirm appliance spaces
• A small towel or paper towel for checking under sinks

Dress like you might kneel on floors. You will be opening cabinets and checking corners.

Start outside before you go inside

Outside checks are quick and they prevent many early headaches. Walk the full perimeter if you can.

Grading and drainage

• Soil should slope away from the house near the foundation
• Downspouts should push water away from the wall
• Look for low spots near window wells and near steps

If you see a dip that looks like it will hold water after rain or melt, take a photo and note the location.

Exterior finishes

• Check siding and trim for gaps, cracks, and loose pieces
• Check caulking around vents and around exterior trim
• Look at corners and seams for clean lines

Windows and doors

• Open and close each exterior door
• Confirm weatherstripping is present and not torn
• Confirm locks work and keys match the doors
• Open a few windows on each side of the home and confirm smooth operation

Garage basics

• Test the garage door opener and both remotes
• Confirm the door reverses when it meets an object
• Check the man door from garage to home for a tight seal and smooth latch

Inside the home walk room by room

Pick a direction and stick to it so you do not miss rooms. Many people like to start at the front door and move clockwise.

Walls, ceilings, and floors

• Look for paint runs, patches, dents, and rough texture spots
• Check ceiling corners for cracks or waves
• Walk slowly and feel for soft spots, squeaks, or uneven seams
• Check baseboards for gaps and loose corners

Use small pieces of painter tape to mark flaws so you can find them again fast.

Doors, trim, and hardware

• Open and close each interior door
• Confirm latches line up and doors do not rub
• Check handles for wobble
• Confirm closet doors slide smoothly

Kitchen checks that save you later

Kitchens hide small issues that become daily annoyances. Spend time here.

• Open every cabinet and drawer, check smooth travel and alignment
• Check countertop seams and edge finish
• Run the faucet and check under the sink for drips
• Fill one sink bowl half way, then drain and watch for slow flow
• Run the dishwasher quick cycle start and listen for a clean fill
• Confirm the range hood fan runs and the light works

If there is a fridge water line, look for a shutoff and check that the line is not kinked.

Bathroom checks that catch real problems

• Run each faucet and show the drains some water, then check for leaks under sinks
• Flush each toilet and confirm it fills quietly and stops
• Run showers for a minute and check the shower head and valve feel
• Look at caulking at tubs and showers for gaps
• Turn on the bath fan and feel for airflow

If a fan sounds loud but you do not feel airflow, note it. A fan that vents wrong can add moisture to the home fast in winter.

Mechanical room and comfort systems

This room is not pretty, but it runs your life in Calgary. Spend five minutes here.

Furnace and thermostat

• Set the thermostat a few degrees up and confirm the furnace starts
• Listen for smooth startup with no harsh rattles
• Ask where the filter goes and what size it takes
• Check intake and exhaust pipes for secure connections

Hot water

• Find the water heater and check for a clean install and no water at the base
• Ask where the main water shutoff is
• Ask where the gas shutoff is if you have gas

Ventilation equipment

• If there is an HRV, ask how to change filters and set modes
• Confirm the unit is powered and runs
• Ask where the fresh air intake is outside and keep it clear of snow piles

Electrical checks you can do fast

• Test a few outlets in each room with a phone charger
• Test GFCI outlets in kitchen, baths, garage, and exterior and reset them
• Turn on every light and check for flicker
• Check smoke and CO alarms and ask how to test them
• Look at the panel and ask for clear circuit labels

You do not need to be an electrician. You just want basic function and a clear path for resets.

Laundry and utility areas

• Run the washer box taps if installed and check for leaks
• Confirm the dryer vent route to the exterior
• Check that the floor drain is not covered and has a clear opening

Stairs, railings, and safety

• Shake railings gently, they should feel solid
• Walk stairs and listen for squeaks and feel for bounce
• Check handrails for secure mounting

Basement and storage checks

Even in new builds, basements can tell stories. Look for water control details.

• Check corners for damp marks or white mineral film
• Check around window wells for clean seals and good finish
• If there is a sump, ask how to test it and where it discharges

Paperwork you should ask for

This part is boring until you need it. Then it feels like gold.

• Appliance manuals and warranty cards
• Furnace and water heater serial numbers and service info
• Paint names and codes for touch-ups
• Spare flooring pieces and tile grout info if available
• Garage door opener instructions
• Keys for doors, mailbox, and any storage areas
• A list of shutoffs and where they are located

How to write a deficiency list that gets results

Builders move faster when your list is clear.

• Group items by room
• Use short notes with exact locations
• Add one photo per item when possible
• Focus on function, leaks, safety, and obvious finish flaws

Instead of writing “paint is bad,” write “primary bedroom, left wall near closet, paint drip at eye level.” That kind of detail gets fixed.

What to leave off your list

New homes settle. Some tiny lines may appear after your first heating season. If you fill your list with micro marks that do not matter, the real items get lost in the noise. Save your energy for things that affect water control, comfort, safety, and visible workmanship that stands out.

After you move in what to watch in the first month

• Watch humidity and adjust the humidifier if windows fog
• Listen for new plumbing drips under sinks
• Check intake and exhaust pipes after snow and wind
• Track any door that starts sticking as the home dries
• Run bath fans after showers and keep the home dry

If your builder has a 30 day process, keep notes as you live in the space. Real life finds items a walkthrough can miss.

Final walkthrough checklist you can copy

• Outside grading, downspouts, window wells
• Exterior caulking and vent caps
• Doors and windows open and close smoothly
• Garage opener works and reverses
• Walls and ceilings free of obvious flaws
• Floors feel solid with no big squeaks
• Kitchen drawers, cabinets, faucet, drains, dishwasher start
• Baths run, toilets flush, fans move air
• Furnace starts, filter location known
• Water heater clean install, shutoffs known
• GFCI outlets test and reset
• Smoke and CO alarms present and testable
• Manuals, keys, remotes, paint codes collected

The payoff

A final walkthrough done with calm focus saves you time, stress, and emails later. You move in with a clear list, clean photos, and the confidence that the home works the way it should. In Calgary, that calm matters most when winter shows up fast and you want your new home to feel warm, dry, and easy right away.

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