September 3, 2010

Tips for a Successful Walk-Through of Your New Home

By Steve Squire, Berscheid Builders, Inc., President Central Minnesota Builders Association

Before you go to settlement on a new home, you and your builder will do a “walk-through” to conduct a final inspection.  The walk-through provides an opportunity for you to spot items which may need to be corrected or adjusted, and allows you to learn about the way your new home works.

Some things a builder should address during the walk-through are:

  • The operation of the home’s components
  • The buyer’s responsibilities for maintenance and upkeep
  • Warranty coverage and procedures

When you buy a new house, you will receive a stack of instruction booklets on how to operate the kitchen appliances, the heating and cooling systems, the water heater and other features in the home.  Most likely you won’t be able to get through all of the material while also managing a move.  Use the walk-through to have the builder go over the operation of these items so you can operate them correctly until you have time to read the material.

You will also need to learn about your maintenance and upkeep responsibilities as the home owner. Most new homes come with a one-year warranty on workmanship and materials.  However, such warranties do not cover problems that develop because of failure to perform required maintenance.  Many builders provide a booklet explaining common upkeep responsibilities of new home owners and how to perform them.

When inspecting the house, an effective way to handle this is with a checklist.  The list should include everything that needs attention, and you and your builder should agree to a timetable for repairs.  Builders prefer to remedy problems before you move in because it is easier for them to work in an empty house.  Some items may have to be corrected after move-in.  For instance, if your walk-through is in the winter, your builder may have to delay landscaping adjustments until spring.

It is important that you be thorough and observant during the walk-through.   Carefully examine all surfaces of counters, fixtures, floors and walls for possible damage.  Sometimes disputes arise because a buyer may discover a gouge in a countertop after move-in, and there is no way to prove whether it was caused by the builder’s workers or the buyer’s movers.  Many builders ask their buyers to sign a form at the walk-through stating that all surfaces have been inspected and that there were no damages other than what has been noted on the walk-through checklist.

Here’s a checklist to help you through this process.

Grading

  • Does the ground around the foundation slope away from the house?
  • Make sure the water does not pond in swales. To check, water the areas with a hose, if possible.
  • Are there signs of erosion?
  • Is the shrubbery placed at least 2-3 feet from the foundation?
  • If the house has a basement, are the basement window wells clean and graveled?

Roof and Gutters

  • Are the shingles flat and tight?
  • Is the flashing securely in place?
  • Do the gutters, downspouts and splash blocks direct water away from the house?

Exterior Appearance

  • Are the windows and doors sealed and protected by weatherstripping?
  • Are the trim and fittings tight? Are there any cracks?
  • Does the paint cover the surface and trim smoothly?
  • Has landscaping been installed according to the terms of your contract?

Doors and Windows

  • Are all doors and windows sealed?
  • Do they open and close easily?
  • Is the glass properly in place? Is any loose or cracked?

Finishes

  • Is the painting satisfactory in all rooms, closets and stairways?
  • Did the painters miss any spots?
  • Are the trim and molding in place?

Floors

  • Is the carpet tight? Do the seams match?
  • Are there any ridges or seam gaps in vinyl tile or linoleum?
  • Are wooden floors properly finished?

Appliances, Fixtures, Surfaces, Etc.

  • Do all of the appliances operate properly?
  • Are all of the appliances the model and color you ordered?
  • Check all faucets and plumbing fixtures, including toilets and showers, to make sure they operate properly.
  • Check all electrical fixtures and outlets. Bring a hair dryer to test the outlets.
  • Do the heating, cooling and water heating units operate properly? Test them to make sure.
  • If the home has a fireplace, do the draft and damper work?
  • Are there any nicks, scratches, cracks or burns on any surfaces, including cabinets and countertops?
  • Test the doorbell. Also test the intercom system, garage door opener and any other optional items.

Basement and Attic

  • Are there indications of dampness or leaks?
  • Is there significant cracking in the floors or foundation walls?
  • Are there any obvious defects in exposed components, such as floor joists, I-beams, support columns, insulation, heating ducts, plumbing, electrical, etc.?

Certificate of Occupancy

  • Has your local municipality signed off on your house?

Some problems may not be readily apparent during the walk-through. Even a professional inspector might miss a few. Most warranties cover any such problems that are the result of faulty workmanship. However, warranties usually exclude problems that result from owner neglect or improper maintenance.

A thorough walk-through will give both you and your home builder peace of mind and allow you to enjoy your brand new home for years to come!

January 21, 2010 | Filed Under CMBA

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