I've purchased a new constructed house, and I'm about to go…

Below is a list of items that you should look at and make sure that there are no issues.

Exterior
• Driveway and concrete: Look for cracks in the concrete and ensure the pavement is level. If you specified a specific coating or material for the driveway or garage floor, make sure they check out.
• Gutters: Gutters should empty away from the home’s foundation, not toward it or on top of it. Check that gutters are installed below the drip edge of the roof. Gutters should also be cleaned before move-in.
• Hardscaping: Turn on hardscaping features like fire pits, outdoor kitchens, or pergola fixtures. Keep them on for at least five minutes to ensure they work properly.
• Irrigation: Turn on all water spigots and sprinkler systems. Make sure all irrigation systems work and have good water pressure.
• Landscaping: Check out the curb appeal. Any grass and plants on the lot should look move-in ready.
• Paint: Keep an eye out for paint bubbling, cracking, or discoloration. Make sure all window, floor, and door trims are painted well. Check that all exterior and interior paint are the exact colors you wanted.
• Roof: Use binoculars to make sure all shingles or roof tiles are level. All corners and edges of the roof should be properly sealed.

Garage
• Garage doors: Open and close garage doors to see if they run smoothly along the tracks. Make sure each garage door opener works.
• Lighting and features: Turn any lights and features like security systems on and off to see if they’ve been installed correctly. Any requested garage shelving should be installed to your specifications.
Balconies, decks, patios, and porches
• Flooring: All outdoor flooring should be installed well and match your order. This includes tiles, pavers, rails, and any other features.
• Rails and guards: Check for safe, secure installation.
Doors
• Doors: Open and close all doors to make sure they don’t stick or creak. Check the door’s paint. Check that hinges, knobs, and locks work well.
• Doorbell: Ring the doorbell to make sure it works.
Floors and stairs
• Floors: Walk on different parts of the floor to check for cracks and squeaks. Keep an eye out for missing grout or molding. Check that any carpet is installed evenly and nothing pokes through the edges.
• Stairs: Stair safety is very important. Check that all carpet or flooring has been installed well and there aren’t any tripping hazards. Check all railings and make sure they’re safe and secure.

Walls and ceilings
• Ceilings: Look up at the ceiling to see if it is painted thoroughly in your chosen color. Check for any bulging or cracks, which can be signs of water damage and other problems.
• Trims: Check that baseboards, moldings, wainscoting, and other details are well painted in your chosen colors.
• Walls: The wall should be painted evenly, and the color should match your order. Check for any scuffs and chips in the paint.
Windows
• Windows: Open and close each of your windows. Check that screens are securely installed on each window, and ensure all locks, panes, and tracks look good.

Kitchen
• Cabinets and drawers: Open and close all drawers and cabinet doors to see if they move smoothly. Look for chips and scuffs on the paint.
• Kitchen sink: Make sure the faucet works well. Turn the sink garbage disposal on and off.
• Kitchen surfaces: Check kitchen countertops and floors for cracks or imperfections. Look at the grout lines between tiles to make sure the floor is installed correctly.
• Appliances: Any appliances included with the home should be in working order. Check that the dishwasher works, the stove turns on, and the oven heats up.

Bathrooms
• Cabinets and drawers: Open and close all cabinets and drawers. Check that all hinges or tracks work. Check for any chips or scuffs in the paint.
• Fixtures: Check that each toilet paper dispenser, towel holder, and other bathroom fixture is securely installed.
• Sink, toilet, and tub: Test each sink, toilet, and tub. Make sure that each has good water pressure and drains properly.

Electrical
• Breaker box: Have the builder or contractor show you the breaker box and ensure all switches are clearly labeled and work properly.
• Fixtures: All installed electrical fixtures should turn on. Make sure they all match your specifications and are free of dents or cracks.
• Outlets: Use the small electrical device you brought to check that all outlets work.
• Switches: Flip all wall switches on and off. Check that they turn on the appropriate light or appliance.

Plumbing
• Faucets: Turn each faucet on and off. Make sure plumbing fixtures have good water pressure and that there aren’t any leaks above or below the sink. Check that faucets supply cold and hot water.
• Washer and dryer hookups: Check all spigots, drains, and pipes in the laundry room.

Heating and cooling
• Heating and cooling: Turn the heat and air conditioning on and off to see if they operate properly.
• Vents: With the AC, heat, or system fan on, check each vent for proper airflow. Make sure vents don’t become too hot to the touch.
Attic and basement
• Attic and basement: Check that your attic and basement are either finished or unfinished, based on what you and your builder agreed upon. Check for any signs of water damage. Check for proper insulation and ventilation.