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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 that 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 materials.
You will also need to learn about your maintenance and upkeep responsibilities
as the homeowner. 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 homeowners 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
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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. You can find a
walk-through checklist at www.nahb.org/forconsumers.
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. www.nahb.org
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