New Home - Final Inspection

At Mhvillages.com, we frequently get questions from new owners about what to check when they inspect their new homes. Typically the builder does an inspection with you a week or a few days prior to giving you possession. Keep in mind that it's much eaiser for the builder to make repairs before you take possession. Plan on spending at least an hour looking though the home.

Also see:
 * New Home - Pre-drywall Inspection
 * New Home - Move-in Check List

Here's a good list of things to check:

Exterior
Bring:
 * Long hose(100')
 * A extention ladder(The longer the better for two story homes)

Irrigation & Drainage

 * Run timer manually to check that each stations zone is working properly
 * Check all sprinkler heads that they are not clogged and are aligned properly
 * Check that drains are not filled with dirt or construction debris.
 * Run water in rear yard drains to make sure they flow properly to drain at street.

Fence

 * Check for bowed or broken fence boards
 * Check for bowed or misaligned posts.
 * Check that gates latch properly

Siding

 * Check for stucco cracks
 * Thoroughly inspect paint job, especially the trim.

Roof

 * Check for missing or damaged roof tiles.
 * If you see any from street, ask to have the roof inspected by the roofing contractor. We identified 9 broken tiles, but the inspector found 18.
 * Check that gutters are free of construction debris
 * Run water in gutters to make sure they are properly connected to drain system.

Doors

 * Check that all door hardware is lined up properly and that they latch
 * Make sure doors don't stick or are hard to close
 * Check for weather stripping on exterior doors

Windows

 * All windows latch properly
 * Check each window for cracks or defects.
 * There should never be moisture between two double pane windows

Woodwork/Cabinetry

 * Check that cabinets are free from defects
 * Check banister rails for broken dowels.
 * Make sure all drawers and cabinet doors open and close properly

Paint

 * Check that walls are all fully painted
 * Inspect all trim, especially behind doors for missing or damaged paint

Other

 * Check that all tile grout is complete
 * Check that all caulking is complete

Equipment
Important note on appliance warranty. if you catch the problem in the walk though, the builder will handle warranty. If you wait till they hand you keys, you'll have to go though the manufacturer.

Heater/AC

 * Check that system both heats and cools
 * While running, check that each register(air outlet) is producing sufficient air flow
 * Check that air filters are installed

Range Top

 * Check that all burners work and that flame is uniform and blue. This might require running the gas a bit to clear any air in the lines.
 * Check that electric starters all work properly.

Microwave

 * Heat a cup of water to boiling. Bring a glass measuring cup with you to test that microwave works properly.
 * Check that clock and timers are working properly

Refrigerator

 * Check that water is hooked up and working properly
 * Check that Ice maker works
 * Check temperature for both refrigerator and freezer.

Washer/Dryer

 * Run washer though a full cycle.
 * Make sure it drains properly
 * Make sure both hot and cold water are connected and working properly
 * Run dryer
 * Make sure it heats
 * Make sure vent lines are connected properly

Other

 * Test that oven heats properly
 * Test garbage disposal
 * Test that gas fireplace lights and works properly

Electrical
Invest in an Outlet Tester (available in any hardware store)
 * Test that all outlets are wired properly and working with tester
 * Test all GFI outlets


 * Check that all recessed lights are working properly
 * Check Under cabinet lights in kitchen

Garage door opener

 * Check that garage door both opens and closes properly
 * Check that weather stripping seals to concrete across length of door
 * Check that safety sensors work

Alarm System

 * Test Arming and disarming
 * Test that doors and windows trip the sensors
 * Test exterior alarm

Plumbing

 * Check that all toilets flush and drain properly
 * Check for both hot and cold water at each sink
 * Check under each sink to make sure there are no leaks in drain system
 * Check for hot and cold water at each bath & Shower