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Final Walkthrough Guide: What to Check Before Moving In

This is a practical final-walkthrough guide for first-time builders and renovators. It tells you what to check, who to invite, a simple timeline to follow, realistic cost expectations, and a room-by-room punch list so you can spot defects and avoid expensive surprises. Follow the checklist, document everything, and you’ll move in confident that fixes are tracked and payment is fair.
House A-Z Team
Sep 27, 2025·4 min read
Final Walkthrough Guide: What to Check Before Moving In

Table of Contents

Who This Is For:

  • First-time self-managing builders
  • Homeowners renovating or having a new build completed
  • Project managers needing a simple final-check routine
  • Anyone in Europe coordinating acceptance and handover

What to Expect:

A clear timeline for scheduling the walkthrough, quick actions you can take today, realistic cost ranges for inspections and fixes, common pitfalls, and a final room-by-room checklist to use on the day.

Key Checklist:

  • Book the walkthrough 7–14 days before handover; invite builder, architect/engineer (if applicable), and trades.
  • Bring the signed contract, drawings, manuals and guarantees.
  • Walk every room in daylight, test sockets, windows, heating, and drainage.
  • Photograph and timestamp every defect; create a written punch list and agree on deadlines.
  • Retain final payment until critical defects are fixed or hold a retention per contract.

TL;DR

This is a practical final-walkthrough guide for first-time builders and renovators in Europe. It tells you what to check, who to invite, a simple timeline to follow, realistic cost expectations, and a room-by-room punch list so you can spot defects and avoid expensive surprises. Follow the checklist, document everything, and you’ll move in confident that fixes are tracked and payment is fair.

Quick Overview

Worried you'll miss costly defects on move-in day? A final walkthrough helps you spot problems early, document them, and secure fair fixes. Check every room, systems, and finishes with a simple punch list. Invite the builder, subcontractors, and your inspector if possible. Take dated photos, note defects, and agree fixes and deadlines in writing. Follow this process to avoid surprises and pay fairly for completed work.

Key Points:

  • A thorough, documented walkthrough prevents costly surprises and unfair final payments.
  • You leave confident that defects are tracked and will be fixed.
  • Document everything with photos and dates; get agreed deadlines in writing.

Quick Wins You Can Do Today

Quick checks that catch costly defects early, speed fixes, and strengthen negotiation leverage during final walkthroughs.

Key Points:

  • Total time needed
  • Money saved estimate

Project Timeline

A focused 4–6 week plan to move from final checks to confident occupancy. Use this timeline to schedule who to invite, document defects, track fixes, and protect final payments.

Common Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Small oversights are common. Here’s a quick list to spot and fix them before moving in.

Key Points:

  • Prevention is easier than fixing
  • When to get help

Your Action Checklist

Final walkthrough essentials — check, document, and confirm fixes before move-in.

Key Points:

  • Time needed: 60-90 minutes
  • You've got this!

Quick Overview

Quick Wins You Can Do Today

Print checklist, wear flat shoes, bring tape measure and camera/phone; photograph defects with notes and timestamps.

💰 Creates undeniable proof and speeds snag reporting.⏱️ 5 minutes

Project Timeline

A focused 4–6 week plan to move from final checks to confident occupancy. Use this timeline to schedule who to invite, document defects, track fixes, and protect final payments.

Prep & document

1 week

Gather contracts, plans and warranties; build a room-by-room checklist; take baseline photos and note known issues; decide who should attend (builder, key trades, architect/engineer, independent inspector, and client).

Dependencies: Construction complete

Schedule & invite

1 week

Agree a walkthrough date that suits all parties, circulate the checklist and inspection scope, and book any independent inspector. Flag priority systems (electrical, plumbing, heating, waterproofing).

Dependencies: Prep & document

Final Walkthrough

1-2 days

Run a structured, room-by-room inspection using the checklist. Photograph and record each defect, mark safety hazards for immediate action, and capture brief on-site sign-offs where appropriate.

Dependencies: Schedule & invite

Repairs & verification

1-3 weeks

Builder/trades complete agreed repairs. Log each item with target completion dates and photos. Re-inspect repaired items (prioritise safety and weatherproofing). Escalate unresolved issues promptly.

Dependencies: Final Walkthrough

Final sign-off & handover

2-3 days

Confirm clearance of the punch list or agree a retained sum and timeline for outstanding items. Collect warranties, manuals, keys, and meter readings; record final acceptance and release payments per contract.

Dependencies: Repairs & verification
Total Duration:4-6 weeks
Critical Path:
  • Document a complete room-by-room punch list on the walkthrough
  • Resolve safety-critical and weatherproofing defects first
  • Agree and record retention/final payment terms before release

Common Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Why it happens: Assume installation works or schedule pressures rush checks

Solution: Run each appliance, heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical; document failures with photos and timestamps.

Impact: Unexpected repair costs, delayed move-in

Your Action Checklist

  • ✓Invite builder, architect, and independent inspector
  • ✓Test lights, outlets, plumbing, heating, and ventilation
  • ✓Photograph defects, log issues, schedule repairs
final walkthroughmove-in checklisthome inspectionpunch listbuilder walkthroughmove-in inspectionclosing day checklistnew home defectsdocument repairsphotograph defectsrepair deadlinessubcontractor walkthrough
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House A-Z Team

Expert home building and renovation advice from the House A-Z team.

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