The final walkthrough inspection -10 key steps to make the walkthrough more productive!

Purchasing a home for most families is the single most important investment they will make in a lifetime.  As a professional home inspector of over 12 years I can’t stress the importance of the final walkthrough inspection.  The final walkthrough inspection typically occurs within 48 hours of the property closing. It’s a very important part of the home buying process, yet buyers spend on average, less than 30 minutes at the house. I can only attribute that fact to one key ingredient; buyers don’t have an idea of the scope of the walkthrough. The purpose of the final walkthrough inspection is to make sure the property is in the agreed upon purchase condition, ensure that the agreed upon repairs have been completed, and the condition of the property hasn’t changes since the home inspection.  The following steps should be used as a minimum, but will give you a jumpstart and make the walk through inspection an inspection instead of just a walkthrough.

1. Plan to spend the proper amount of time at the walkthrough inspection. Never schedule the walkthrough 20 minutes before closing.  The day before the closing or 5-6 hours prior to closing is best. Any issues that arise as a result will need time to be resolved.
2. Purchase a cheap electrical tester.  Most can be purchased for under $35 at chain stores. Start at the highest level of the house and check every outlet and light switch. In most cases the majority of the receptacles are covered with stored items and furnishings during the initial home inspection. Make a list of malfunctioning outlets and switches if any.
3. Run the water the entire time you are at the walkthrough. YES! The entire time.  Check the sink drain lines in all bathrooms and kitchens. Observe the waste lines where visible. If there is a septic, walk the leeching fields and septic tank area to observe any changes in moisture and odor. Simple leaks can occur while the current homeowner is removing their belongings. How many items from the refrigerator get dumped down the toilets and sinks when cleaning the house for closing?
4. Check the heating system. Turn up the thermostat and allow the heating system to supply heat to all of the habitable rooms.  A period of 20minutes is recommended.
5. Check all of the appliances. Items included in this list are: garage door openers, ice and water makers, stove, microwave, vents, attic and ceiling fans, garbage disposals, dishwasher (run a cycle),washing machine and dryer, etc.
6. Open and close all of the windows.  In most cases, your inspector didn’t have the opportunity to check all of the windows during the initial inspection. Check the windows for missing hardware. Casement windows should have all of the handles intact and functional.  Double hung windows should slide easily and tilt in properly.
7. Check the attic. The attic should be free of clutter and stored items. In many cases the current homeowner forgets boxes and holiday decorations.
8. Doors. Open and close all of the doors.  Take some time to notice any defects that occurred during the move out process. Note any damage.
9. Check the air conditioning. Make sure the air conditioning is functional and air is produced at each vent.  In some cases the initial home inspection occurred during the colder months and testing of the air conditioning wasn’t possible.
10. The basement. After running the heat, the water for an extended period of time, the air conditioning, and other appliances it’s a great idea to walk through the basement.  Especially in an unfinished basement where the plumbing and mechanicals are visible.
11. The exterior. A once over of the exterior and a walk around the property are recommended. Any debris left around should be noted.

These ten steps should give you a great guide for performing your next final walkthrough inspection! Above Grade home inspections offers a full range of inspection services, including  a final walkthrough inspection with an instant report. Call today to schedule. 845-565-1122