- open and closer every window - make sure they move freely and seal
- open and close every door - make sure they move freely and seal (check all bottom transoms for proper seals, check locks and dead bolts to make sure they work).
- open and close every water spicket, test out the steam shower
- check every ceiling and wall to locate areas where drywall need to be pointed up
- turn on every light switch
- test every outlet
- look over all wiring in the basement & service panels
- open and close every garage door several times to make sure they are adjusted properly
- turn on every fireplace - make sure they work and vent properly

DW will probably:

- check around every piece of molding looking for cracks
- check over every square inch of painted surface
- open and close every cabinet door, look over every cabinet for scratches, make sure we have all shelves and hardware
- inspect every square inch of granite looking for defects and areas that need buffing
- turn on all appliances and check to make sure they work
- inspect every square inch of outside painting where we expected them to have done some tocuh ups (there is one spot that if she's sees it not fixed - after telling them at least a doxen times - heads will roll!).
- look over all of the light and plumbing fixtures she worked so hard at picking out - look for scratches and defects

That's the list I came up with in 5 minutes drafting this post. There will be others added, I am sure. Our walk through will probably take a FULL day.

Don't laugh - we made the mistake of glossing over things in the last house we bought (not a custom house) - and that was a big mistake. This time we are bringing food and water, our cameras with plenty of batteries, and a very long sheet of paper to document everything. The builder is going to hate us when we are done.

Building New Home / Buying Home Walkthrough Checklist
Heating system
Cooling system
Hot water
Bathroom sinks, toilet, shower and bath
Kitchen sink
Kitchen Dishwasher
Kitchen Microwave
Kitchen Refrigerator
Operation manuals for all appliances
Kitchen countertops
Kitchen cabinets
Kitchen Garbage disposal
Kitchen insta hot
Kitchen water filter
Phone jacks
Cable Jacks
Windows - try every one OPen close lock
Doors and locks - try every one and make sure to get keys
Check all walls for any damage
Check ceiling for any damage
Sump pump
Floors for any damage, especially wood floors
Every light fixture, switch and receptacle
Test button on every GFI receptacle
Security system and any operating instructions
Garage door and opener and be sure to get remotes
Basement foundation for cracks
Exterior water spigot
Roof
Exterior Siding
Exterior lighting and receptacles
Sprinkler system and any operating instructions
Landscaping or plantings
Driveway
Walkways
Stairs and railings
Deck
Painting interior
Painting exterior
Fireplaces
Doorbell
Brick work
Gutters and leaders
Grading and drainage
Any extras as per contract
Appliances
Interior Doors and Trim
Exterior Finish
Final Draw for Funds
Establish New Mortgage
Decks and Patios
Window Treatments
Landscaping
Driveway Surface

It is important to check in detail. Check every receptacle - you can get a plug in tester. Bring a phone and portable TV if you need to check telephone and cable, provided they are turned on. Turn on and try running every appliance. Flush every toilet and run every faucet. Check very carefully on high cost items like kitchen counters and cabinets. Be sure all doors and windows open and close easily and seal properly when closed.

If this is an existing home you are buying there are additional items to look for like insect damage, leak damage and other existing problems.

When you are inspecting a new home or an existing one you are going to move into, leave your emotions at the door. It is a time to be all business.
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And here's one more ...
Residential Home Inspection Walkthrough Checklist
For new homes, used homes, additions, renovations and kitchen and bath remodels

It is important at this stage you feel you have been thorough. Get yourself a plug in tester, which you can pick up for less that $20. With it you can check all receptacles for polarity, power and test GFCI’s. Check every toilet with toilet paper to be sure there are no stoppages. Be sure each hot and cold faucet works and is right as in hot is hot and cold is cold. Make certain all drains drain properly. When checking interior, check inside closets. When checking exterior it is good to see the property after a good rain or water it to be sure there are no pooling or drainage problems.

Interior – Electrical
____ All receptacles and switches work, proper polarity checked
____ GFCI receptacles tested and working
____ Switches and receptacles are the proper color
____ All device plates installed straight and tight to the walls
____ Light bulbs installed in all fixtures and all in working condition
____ Telephone Jacks working
____ Cable TV Jacks working
____ Network jacks working
____ Door Bell working
____ Electrical Panel or panels labeled accordingly
____ Final Electrical Certificate issued if needed

Interior – Plumbing
____ Correct fixtures and colors
____ Toilets all working
____ Faucets all working
____ Showers and bathtubs all working
____ Whirlpool Tub working
____ No scratches, chips or nicks on any plumbing fixtures
____ Hot water heat, each zone working properly
____ Outdoor spigot working
____ Final Plumbing Certificate issued if needed

Interior – General
____ Painting satisfactory in all rooms, closets and stairways no touch-ups required
____ Walls, no dents, scratches, nicks or bad finish
____ Windows all working and sealed properly
____ Doors all working and sealed properly. All keys acquired
____ All glass in windows and doors good with no cracks or chips
____ Wood floors properly installed and finished with no stains or marks
____ Carpets properly installed with no stains and all seams match
____ No squeaking floors or walls
____ Wall coverings installed properly with no damage
____ All interior wood trim and moldings in place and properly installed with no open miters or cracks
____ All Air Conditioning working properly
____ Heating units working properly
____ Appliances are the correct color and models
____ Appliances are all working properly
____ All cabinets and countertops checked for scratches, nicks, cuts, cracks or burns
____ All cabinet doors open and close properly
____ All cabinet hardware installed properly
____ Basement checked for evidence of dampness, cracks in foundation and leaks

Exterior
____ All windows and doors tightly sealed
____ Exterior house finish, siding, brick or mortar matching
____ Exterior shows no cracks or damage
____ Ground graded properly away from the structure
____ Shrubbery at least 2-3 feet from the foundation
____ Gutters and leaders all installed and not damaged
____ Roofing installed flat with no missing shingles and the proper color
____ Landscaping meets contract requirements

Miscellaneous
____ Jobsite is clear of all debris
____ Check all options such as garage door opener, garbage disposal etc.
____ Received all instruction manuals, directions and warranties
____ Fireplace works properly, Draft and damper working
____ All proper paperwork received and Certificate of Occupation
____ All items in the house are the right color, model and size as specified in contract
____ Special instructions for care of floors, finishes, counters etc have been reviewed
It is important to check in detail. Check every receptacle - you can get a plug in tester. Bring a phone and portable TV if you need to check telephone and cable, provided they are turned on. Turn on and try running every appliance. Flush every toilet and run every faucet. Check very carefully on high cost items like kitchen counters and cabinets. Be sure all doors and windows open and close easily and seal properly when closed.

If this is an existing home you are buying there are additional items to look for like insect damage, leak damage and other existing problems.

When you are inspecting a new home or an existing one you are going to move into, leave your emotions at the door. It is a time to be all business.