Do I really need my own inspector if the builder already inspects the home?

Yes. The builder's inspections and any municipal inspections serve the builder and the code process, not you specifically. An independent, third-party inspector you hire works only for you, and their findings become your documentation, not the builder's internal notes.

What is the pre-drywall walk, and why does it matter so much?

It's a walkthrough after framing, rough plumbing, rough electrical and HVAC ducting are installed but before drywall covers the walls. It's the last point where structural, plumbing and electrical issues are cheap and easy to fix. Once drywall goes up, correcting the same issue can mean cutting into finished walls.

What should I bring to the final walkthrough?

A written checklist, a phone for photos and video, painter's tape or sticky notes to flag issues room by room, a phone charger to test outlets, and enough time to actually run every fixture and appliance rather than glancing at them.

What if I find issues during the final walkthrough?

Document everything in writing with photos, and get a signed punch list from the builder before closing, with specific items and a plan for how and when each will be resolved. Items that can't be verified as fixed before closing should have a clear written commitment, not a verbal promise.

How does the home warranty relate to the punch list?

The punch list covers items identified before closing; the warranty covers issues that surface after you move in, under whatever terms the builder's warranty document specifies. Register your warranty at the orientation walkthrough and keep a written log of anything you report afterward.

Can Lori attend these walkthroughs with me?

Yes — coordinating and attending pre-drywall and final walkthroughs alongside your independent inspector is part of how Lori supports buyers through a new-construction closing.

Buyer walking through a framed new construction home before drywall installation

New Construction · Walkthroughs

New Construction Walkthrough Checklist

A new build gives you three real chances to catch problems before closing: the pre-drywall walk, the orientation, and the final walkthrough. Each one has its own checklist.

Ask Lori about new construction Call or text (512) 545-9568

New construction gives buyers something a resale purchase doesn't: multiple structured opportunities to inspect the home before it's finished, each catching a different category of problem. Skipping any one of them, or rushing through it, means losing a window that doesn't reopen once the next phase of construction covers it up.

The three key stages are the pre-drywall or frame walk, the orientation and systems demonstration near completion, and the final walkthrough just before closing. Each has a different purpose and a different checklist, and none of them substitutes for an independent, third-party inspection working for you rather than the builder.

Treat every walkthrough as a documentation exercise, not just a tour. Photos, written notes and a signed punch list turn a verbal impression into something you can actually hold the builder to.

Approaching a walkthrough?

Send Lori your build stage and she'll help you get ready for it.

Stage one

The pre-drywall (frame) walk

This happens after framing and rough-in are complete but before insulation and drywall close up the walls — the last easy look at the home's bones.

Framing: check for straight walls, proper bracing, and that door and window openings match the plan.
Sheathing and house wrap: look for gaps, tears or improperly sealed seams that could allow water intrusion.
Plumbing rough-in: confirm pipe routing, supports and that fixture locations match the plan you approved.
Electrical rough-in: check outlet, switch and fixture locations, wire routing and panel labeling as far as it's visible.
HVAC ducting: look at duct routing, sizing and connections, and confirm register locations match the plan.
Window flashing and waterproofing: verify flashing is installed correctly around window and door openings.
Blocking for future fixtures: confirm blocking is in place for items like grab bars, towel bars, or wall-mounted TVs if you requested them.

Stage two

Orientation and systems demonstration

Near completion, most builders schedule an orientation where a representative walks you through the home's systems and how to operate and maintain them. Treat this as a working session, not a courtesy tour — take notes, ask questions, and don't sign off on anything you haven't actually seen demonstrated.

Water, gas and electrical shutoffs: locate every shutoff and confirm you understand how to operate it in an emergency.
Electrical panel: confirm breakers are labeled and understand what each one controls.
HVAC system and filters: learn the filter location and size, and how to operate the thermostat and any zoning.
Irrigation system: understand the zones, controller operation and where the shutoff valve is located.
Warranty registration: confirm your warranty paperwork is complete and you know how to submit a claim after move-in.

Stage three

The final walkthrough, room by room

Go slowly, test everything under actual use, and write down anything that isn't right — even small items.

Doors and hardware: open and close every door, including closets and the garage entry, checking for sticking or misalignment.
Drywall and paint: look across walls at an angle in good light for seams, nail pops, or uneven texture and coverage.
Flooring: check for gaps, scratches, uneven transitions and squeaks across every room.
Tile and grout: look for consistent grout lines, cracked tiles, and proper caulking at tubs, showers and countertops.
Cabinets and counters: open every cabinet and drawer, check alignment, and look for chips or seam issues on countertops.
Outlets and switches: test outlets with a charger or tester, and confirm GFCI outlets trip and reset properly in kitchens, baths and exterior locations.
Plumbing fixtures under load: run every faucet and shower, flush every toilet, and check for leaks under sinks while water is running.
Appliances: run each included appliance through at least one cycle rather than just confirming it powers on.
Attic access: if accessible, look for proper insulation coverage and no visible daylight or gaps.
Roof and gutters: view from the ground for obviously misaligned shingles, and confirm gutters and downspouts direct water away from the foundation.
Grading and drainage: confirm the lot slopes away from the foundation and there are no low spots pooling near the home.
Driveway, walkways and fencing: check for significant cracking, proper drainage and secure fence installation.
Landscaping: confirm sod, plantings and irrigation coverage match what was included in your contract.

Documentation

Independent inspection and the punch list

1
Hire your own inspector
Schedule an independent, third-party inspection at the pre-drywall stage and again before closing — someone working only for you.
2
Document as you go
Photograph and note every issue at each stage, with dates, rather than trying to remember everything at the end.
3
Build a written punch list
Compile every outstanding item from the final walkthrough into a single written list, reviewed and acknowledged by the builder.
4
Get resolution commitments in writing
For items that can't be completed before closing, get a specific written commitment on how and when they'll be addressed.
5
Keep records after move-in
Log any issue that surfaces after closing with dates and photos, and submit it through the builder's warranty process in writing.

Good questions

Walkthroughs and punch lists: common questions

Keep exploring

New construction: keep exploring

Representation

Do I need a realtor for new construction?

Why the on-site representative works for the builder, and what a buyer's agent adds.

Read the guide

Incentives

Builder incentives explained

What builder incentives typically include, and the strings usually attached.

Read the guide

Touring

What to look for at a model home

Reading a model home for what's standard, upgraded, or staged.

Tour smarter

New construction

New construction overview

How building in Central Texas generally works, community by community.

Explore new construction

Buyers

Texas home buying process

A general walk through the steps from pre-approval to closing.

See the process

First-time buyers

First-time home buyer guide

Foundational steps for a first purchase, new build or resale.

Start here

This checklist is general education, not an inspection standard or a substitute for a licensed, independent third-party inspector. Builder processes, warranty terms and construction sequencing vary by builder and community; verify the specific process and documentation requirements for your home. Nothing here is engineering, legal or inspection advice.

Coming up on a walkthrough?

Call or text Lori at (512) 545-9568 and she'll help you get organized before the appointment.

Contact Lori (512) 545-9568