Final Walk-Through Inspection
A builder's blue tape walk focuses on cosmetic finish items — paint touch-ups, trim gaps, and surface blemishes that are largely opinion-based and negotiable between the buyer and builder. That is not what this inspection is. A final walk-through inspection by Inspect-O-Graff is a systematic, standards-based verification of your completed home before you take possession. Cosmetic opinions stay in the car. What goes in the report has a rule behind it.
What Is Inspected
Structural, Exterior & Roof
Roof covering, flashing, gutters, grading, drainage, exterior siding and stucco, windows, doors, and garage systems verified for proper installation and code compliance. Where roof access is safe and permitted by the builder, Steve gets on the roof. Drone aerial photography is included at no additional charge — performed by an FAA licensed drone pilot.
Opening Protection — Impact Windows & Hurricane Shutters
The final walk-through is the moment to verify opening protection before keys change hands.Â
- Impact windows and doors — confirmed that installed units carry the required impact rating and that documentation is provided for the wind zone in which the home was permittedÂ
- Hurricane shutters — verify that you have received all shutters for all glazed openings, along with required hardware, installation instructions, and product documentationÂ
- Know your shutters — confirm where they are stored, that the full set is accounted for, and that you have everything needed to install themÂ
Do not leave the closing table without confirming opening protection is complete.Â
Attic
Where builder access is permitted, Steve crawls the attic to verify ductwork installation and routing, insulation coverage, truss condition, and ventilation.
Mechanical Systems
HVAC equipment, ductwork, ventilation, and exhaust systems verified for proper installation and operation. AC supply vents confirmed serving all conditioned rooms.
Electrical
Panel cover removed and interior evaluated — wire sizing, breaker installation, labeling, and service entrance verified. GFCI and AFCI protection, outlet and switch operation, and fixture installation verified. Steve is a state licensed residential electrical inspector.
Plumbing & Functional Drainage Test
Fixtures, supply and drain systems, water heater, and exterior hose bibs verified. Every final walk-through includes a functional drainage test — all water sources run simultaneously for 20 to 30 minutes with multiple toilet flushes to identify any drain backup or flow restriction.
Interior Finish
Drywall, flooring, cabinetry, countertops, and trim reviewed against the NAHB Residential Construction Performance Guidelines and FL-ARCS Residential Construction Quality Control Standards. Items noted as 'subject to homeowner approval' are clearly identified as such.
Infrared Thermal Imaging — Included on Every Final Inspection
The IR camera is used throughout the inspection. Applications include:Â
- Missing or inadequate insulation in attic, walls, and inaccessible cavitiesÂ
- Moisture intrusion at roof, windows, and exterior penetrations
- Electrical hotspots from defective wiring or improper connectionsÂ
- HVAC performance — confirming conditioned air is reaching all roomsÂ
- Concealed deficiencies — including the occasional AC vent covered by drywall during finishingÂ
Exterior Waterproofing Verification
The exterior envelope is one of the most consistently deficient systems on final walk-through and warranty inspections. By the time the final walk-through occurs, stucco, siding, and cladding are in place — making verification dependent on visible evidence at completed surfaces and penetrations.Â
What Is Verified at Final:Â
- Exterior wall assembly — stucco, siding, and cladding for visible signs of improper installation, cracking, or separation • Window and door perimeter sealant — one of the most consistently deficient items at final walk-through and warranty inspectionsÂ
- All exterior penetrations — HVAC lines, electrical conduit, hose bibs, and plumbing penetrations verified for proper sealingÂ
- Roof-to-wall transitions, step flashing, and valley flashing verified at all intersectionsÂ
- Weep screed — confirmed present and unobstructed at the base of stucco wallsÂ
- Sealant at all material transitions — stucco to trim, stucco to window frame, all joints and changes of plane Infrared thermal imaging is used at all suspect areas — identifying active moisture that hasn't yet presented as visible staining or damage. This is particularly valuable at windows and doors where perimeter sealant failures are common but may not be visible to the naked eye at the time of inspection.Â
If signs of active water intrusion are identified during the final walk-through, a dedicated Water Intrusion Investigation can be scheduled to trace the source before closing.Â
Why Inspect-O-Graff Goes Further
- FAA Licensed Drone Pilot — legitimate aerial inspection of roofs and upper elevations, included at no additional charge
- State Licensed Residential Electrical Inspector — panel cover removal and full electrical evaluation beyond standard inspection scope
A Note on How We Report
Every deficiency is documented with the applicable code section, standard, or manufacturer requirement. Items noted as 'subject to homeowner approval' are clearly identified. Everything else is documented because a standard requires it to be corrected.
Why this Inspection Matters
Once you close, your relationship with the builder shifts from buyer to warranty claimant. Deficiencies documented before closing are builder obligations. This inspection gives you the opportunity to identify and document those items while you still have the strongest possible leverage.
Want to see what an Inspect-O-Graff final walk-through report looks like? Review one of our sample reports before you schedule.