Final walkthroughs aren't part of home inspections but rather a separate task that should be done before finalizing. As tempting and cost-saving as it may sound, do not negotiate repairs that need to be fixed by home inspection tools or a sale contingency with the seller during these times. A final house or condo home inspection ensures that the house is in the same or better condition as when you bought it, including any agreed-upon repairs and the absence of new issues.

Homebuyers may feel time pressure as the closing date approaches and reconsider this offer. The scope of the final walkthrough depends on the house's size, your client's honesty, and any surprises, but the rough estimate you need to give yourself is about 3090 minutes to tour the house room by room.

Walk-Through vs Home Inspection

Do not confuse this with another formal house inspection as you prepare for the final walk-through. The inspection probably happened a few days after you signed the original contract, so this is more of a chance to make sure that anything found at that time has been remedied.

So that you may be certain that everything is in order, your real estate agent should bring along any necessary paperwork. Everything from the seller's disclosure form you get after signing the purchase agreement to the inspection report and any agreed-upon repair revisions are part of this that will be done with home inspection tools. During the final walk-through, your agent should ask the seller to provide receipts for any repairs they made following the house inspection.

After having major problems identified during your condo home inspection, it's a good idea to arrange for a follow-up inspection to check that the renovations were executed correctly. Many dream home inspections will incur further charges, but the final walk-through will not. Additionally, arranging the re-inspection before your final walk-through is recommended to avoid any potential closing delays.

Tips to Have The Perfect Final Walkthrough

It is normal to feel rushed while performing your walkthrough. Remember these dream home inspections pointers to get the most out of your final condo home inspection.

Take Time

Plan your last house or condo home inspection on the day before your loan closing. If something comes up during the walk-through, the seller and lender will have more time to fix it. During your visit, be sure to have a camera and copies of your contract and house inspection report to refer to.

Supervise Final Repairs

Before proceeding, verify that the seller has removed any work orders and warranties from the property and that all repairs listed in the inspection report have been completed using the home inspection tools. Remember to contact the repairman or business if anything goes wrong.

Check Items Included In Sale

Here, the purchase agreement you signed after your offer becomes relevant. Everything from window blinds to appliances will be included in the transaction. You should wait until the seller has left before visiting with your final walk-through checklist to ensure that everything you expect is there. Furthermore, this will assist you in making sure that the property is clear of trash and construction waste once the repairs have been completed using home inspection tools.

Inspect Bathrooms

Check bathrooms for mold, water damage, and standing water, especially near sinks, sprayers, and toilets. Mold may spread in a few days, so it's important to check the area again, even if you don't find any. Turn on all faucets, including the showerhead, to ensure hot water, no spraying, and no leaks when switched off. Every bath and sink should drain quickly and accurately.

Review The Kitchen

Check for the same signs of mold or water damage in the kitchen. Pay careful attention to the areas under the sink, dishwasher, and refrigerator.

Test All Appliances

Start testing all the appliances that come with the house. Check that the dishwasher and oven can cycle and heat without gas odor. Proceed to the laundry area to run the washer and dryer. Before continuing, fill the utility sink and verify its drainage.

Test Heating And Cooling Units

Upon completing the condo home inspection checklist, turn on the heat and verify its operation, even in 90-degree weather. Turn on the AC and pass it through a diagnostic test to see if it is working well.

Test Electrical Systems

Plug into each outlet to make sure it is functioning properly. If the wiring is not working properly, you should probably fix it before closing on the home since there could be more serious issues. Also, look for malfunctioning doorbells, security systems, or garage doors.

Vigilantly Tour

Your house's exterior, especially the landscape, should conform to expectations. Moving out may be a pain for sellers, who have been known to pull plants out of their yards. Once you are pleased with the terrain, verify that the exterior features, such as irrigation systems and gates, are operational.

Look For Pests

Dry-rotted timbers have a spongy feel or are crumbling and might be damaged by termites or another bug. Pay close attention to evidence of small pests, such as droppings or other evidence of insects.

Why a Final Walkthrough Is Essential

Suppose you're purchasing the home of a local sportswriter who moved to another city. The house was abandoned soon after listing. The condo home inspection went well. No dream home inspection findings meant no urgent issues. No aspect of this situation was concerning.

Your realtor proposes turning on the water and power on the last tour to check everything, but you're too excited about the "new home" to notice. You reject your agent's advice and arrange the living room sofa and window curtains.

Thankfully, your agent was at the walkthrough. As you and your agent strolled about the house, you struck toilet handles and water faucets. A sulfurous geyser emerged in the backyard almost immediately. Your agent's flushing caused tree roots in the sewage system. The sewer repair estimate will be $5,000 the following day. Here, you and your agent saved a huge repair that would have cost you 5 grand if it was not for the final walkthrough.