How to walk the new build and write a punch list
To build your new construction punch list, walk the house with the builder's supervisor about a week or two before closing, and allow two to three hours. Test every door, window, faucet, switch and register, mark each flaw, and put the full list in writing with completion dates. Recheck each item before you close, since warranty coverage for most finishes is short.
Why a new construction punch list matters
You're doing two jobs at once: finding what was missed, and creating a dated record. The FTC says builder warranties typically run one year on most components, two years on heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical systems, and up to 10 years on major structural defects. That one-year clock is why cosmetic flaws are worth catching now. Your own warranty sets the real terms, so read it before the walk.
Some things won't appear on any builder list. The FTC says warranties commonly leave out household appliances, items under a manufacturer's warranty, and small cracks in brick, tile, cement or drywall. They also don't pay for costs like temporary housing during a major repair.
How to write a new construction punch list
- Read your warranty first
Note what's covered, for how long, and how claims work. Some builders limit when outside inspectors can visit, so check your contract too.
- Book the walk early
Aim for a week or two before closing, so there's time for fixes and a shorter confirmation walk.
- Go room by room
Mark each flaw with painter's tape. A flashlight held flat against a wall shows up nail pops and seams.
- Run everything
Try each light, outlet, faucet, drain, appliance and register. Feel for airflow in the bedrooms farthest from the unit.
- Walk the outside
Look for ground that falls toward the house, low spots, window wells and where the downspouts drain.
- Write and sign the list
Number each item, attach a photo, and get a completion date from the builder before closing.
- Verify every fix
Bring the list to the final walk and don't check an item off until you've seen it done.
New home walkthrough checklist: what to look for
| Area | What counts as a flaw | Typical builder coverage (FTC) |
|---|---|---|
| Walls, paint, trim | Nail pops, visible tape seams, patchy touch-up, gaps. Check inside closets | One year |
| Doors and windows | Poor latching, deadbolts that don't fully engage, gaps in weatherstripping | One year |
| Siding and stucco | Cracks, gaps, missing caulk at penetrations | One year |
| Heating and cooling | Weak airflow at a register, a condensate line that doesn't drain | Two years |
| Plumbing | Slow drains, running toilets, long waits for hot water | Two years |
| Electrical | Dead switches, bad readings on a plug-in tester, GFCI buttons that don't work | Two years |
| Appliances | Damage or a failed test run | Manufacturer's warranty, not the builder's |
| Foundation and structure | Anything that looks unsafe | Up to 10 years, major defects only |
Grading deserves its own look, since coverage varies. The code section used in Massachusetts, for example, requires the ground to fall at least 6 inches in the first 10 feet from the foundation. Your local rule may differ, so ask your building department.
If the builder punch list isn't finished at closing
If work is still open at closing, the usual options are an escrow holdback or a signed list of open items with target dates. Which one you get depends on your purchase agreement, builder policy and lender. Get it written down: what's open, who fixes it, and by when.
After move-in, follow the warranty's claim steps even if there's a hotline. The FTC suggests putting repair requests in writing, and certified mail with a return receipt gives you proof of delivery. One inspection guide suggests a second inspection at about 11 months, costing about $400 to $600, so you can file claims before year one ends.
Disputes usually go to mediation, then arbitration, which can cost up to several thousand dollars and is often final. Check who pays under your warranty, and speak to an attorney before you start one. Rules differ for FHA and VA loans.
What homeowners say about a new construction final walkthrough
Get every promise from the sales rep or project manager in writing before closing. One new-build buyer found the warranty team wouldn't honor what the project manager had said out loud. (Hacker News)
Bring a level, tape measure, flashlight, small mirror and outlet tester. Open and close every door, window and lock, and look at the edges of doors and trim for missed paint. (DIY Stack Exchange)
New build punch list and warranty questions
Should I pay for an inspection on a brand-new house?
It can pay off, because an inspector checks the systems as well as the finishes. One guide puts a final inspection at about $475 to $650 for a 2,500 sq ft home. Check your contract first, since some builders restrict access.
What is an 11-month warranty inspection?
It's an inspection about a month before typical one-year coverage ends. It leaves you time to send written claims while the builder still has to respond.
Is a builder warranty the same as a home warranty?
No. The FTC says a builder warranty comes with new construction and covers permanent parts of the home. A home warranty is a service contract you pay extra for, usually on existing homes.
Sources: FTC, inspectandtest.net, law.cornell.edu
General guidance for U.S. homes, not professional advice. For gas, electrical and structural work, call a licensed pro.