The final walkthrough is the last step of the house buying
process before you actually get the keys and move in. This is your opportunity
to ensure that the house you are buying, as you saw it during your showings, is
exactly the house you're going to get - and that you’ll get the house in the
agreed upon condition. On your final walkthrough, it’s vital that you do a
thorough home inspection in order to spot any potential issues before you sign
the paperwork. Use this handy checklist on your final walkthrough to make sure
you don’t overlook anything.
The Items You
Purchased With The House
On your final walkthrough, bring the original contract of
purchase and sale to act as a reference point for what you purchased along with
the home. Common items can include kitchen appliances like the stove or
refrigerator, as well as a microwave, washer, dryer, light fixtures, drapes or
other window coverings, hot tub, and sometimes furnishings and electronics.
Ensure that all of these items have been left in the home, and that they are
all functioning and in good condition.
Changes In The Home's
Condition
Because water damage, along with other forms of damage, can
occur at any time, you want to ensure that the home itself is in the same
condition as it was when you decided to purchase it. Check for new water damage
and mold, and pay special attention to the bathrooms and kitchen area. Look
closely around windows, as well as inside cabinets and around water pipes. Be
thorough and look for any new damage to floors, walls, ceilings, handrails and
other fixtures. Don't forget to check that the alarm, intercom, and doorbell
are working as well.
Check For Plumbing
Problems
There can sometimes be problems or disappointments in a
home's plumbing, especially when it isn't checked upon the final walkthrough.
Run each faucet. Check how fast the water heats up as well as the water
pressure, and ensure that each toilet in the house in flushing properly. You
can run bathtub faucets and showers to ensure they are functioning and draining
properly. Taking this step will also ensure that you are made aware of any
possible leaks in the home's plumbing lines.
Check The Home's
Electric Fixtures
Ensure that each electric component of the house is
functioning properly. Turn on lights and make sure they are working, and check
each electric outlet as well as the circuit breaker box. If you’re buying an
older home, check each of the fuses and the surrounding area inside the fuse
box. Check the voltage and current ratings of each fuse. Record these details
and store them in a safe place. Make sure any wires in or around the fuse box
are insulated and taped. You should also ensure that each appliance that
involves electricity is functioning properly as well. This is often as simple
as being thorough and ensuring the power is connected properly, and the
appliances are turning on.
As long as you are thorough in your final inspection of the
home, you are very likely to be pleased with everything once you move in. With
your trusted real estate agent by your side, you can easily obtain a lengthy
final walkthrough checklist and additional advice that will ensure you receive
exactly the home you bargained for. Don't be hesitant to ask: contact your
realtor to get your walkthrough checklist today!
Interested in selling your
Charleston area home? Visit: www.jeffcookrealestate.com
Interested in buying a Charleston
area home? Visit: www.discovercharlestonareahomes.com
-Jeff Cook
Jeff Cook
Real Estate
Charleston,
SC
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