New Home Walkthrough Checklist

Before you move in, you want to know exactly what you’re dealing with—issues the seller didn’t mention, appliances that barely work, leaks waiting to happen, and electrical problems you don’t want to discover after you unpack. This walkthrough catches the stuff people normally miss.

For follow-up once you’re moved in, see First Week in a New Home Checklist, New Homeowner Safety Checklist, and Home Appliance Safety Checklist.

1. Exterior and Structure

[ ] Walk the entire exterior for cracks, rot, gaps, damaged siding, or wood-boring insect signs.
[ ] Inspect foundation walls for bulges, leaning, or moisture marks.
[ ] Check grading—water should drain away from the house, not toward it.
[ ] Confirm exterior paint or sealant isn’t peeling or exposing bare wood.

2. Roof, Gutters, and Attic Access

[ ] Scan roof for missing or curled shingles.
[ ] Ensure gutters are attached, sloped correctly, and not overflowing with debris.
[ ] Check attic access for proper insulation, ventilation, and any signs of pests.
[ ] Verify no daylight shows through roof boards.

3. Doors, Windows, and Entry Points

[ ] Test every door and window for smooth opening and tight locking.
[ ] Look for drafts around frames—common energy loss point.
[ ] Ensure sliding doors latch firmly; check tracks for damage.
[ ] Verify house numbers are visible from the street.

4. Plumbing Systems

[ ] Run every faucet—hot and cold—to check pressure and temperature consistency.
[ ] Look under all sinks for moisture, mold, or leak stains.
[ ] Flush toilets to confirm fast refill and no wobbling.
[ ] Identify the main water shutoff valve and test that it works.

5. Electrical System

[ ] Locate the breaker panel and confirm circuits are labeled accurately.
[ ] Test every outlet using a simple 3-prong tester if possible.
[ ] Inspect outlets for scorch marks or loose faceplates.
[ ] Test GFCIs in kitchens, bathrooms, garage, and exterior locations.

6. HVAC, Ventilation, and Airflow

[ ] Replace or inspect air filters immediately.
[ ] Test heat and AC to verify both run without strange odors or noises.
[ ] Check vents in every room for consistent airflow.
[ ] Inspect visible ductwork for gaps or loose connections.

7. Kitchen Appliances and Systems

[ ] Test stove burners, oven preheat, and ventilation hood.
[ ] Run dishwasher briefly to check for leaks or odd noises.
[ ] Check fridge temperature settings and door seals.
[ ] Confirm garbage disposal spins freely and drains properly.

8. Bathrooms and Laundry

[ ] Turn on showers and confirm proper drainage.
[ ] Check for grout cracks, loose tiles, or failing caulking.
[ ] Inspect washer hookups for leaks or corrosion.
[ ] Ensure dryer vents outside and isn’t restricted.

9. Safety Gear and Detectors

[ ] Test smoke alarms and CO detectors throughout the home.
[ ] Ensure fire extinguishers are present and accessible.
[ ] Confirm stair railings, handrails, and steps are secure.
[ ] Look for tripping hazards like loose carpet edges or uneven transitions.

10. Final Check and Priorities

[ ] List every issue found and rank by severity—water damage and electrical problems top the list.
[ ] Photograph damage or wear for documentation or negotiation.
[ ] Ask for repair receipts, warranties, and manuals for appliances and systems.
[ ] Plan follow-up tasks for move-in week using the First Week in a New Home Checklist.

A careful walkthrough saves you thousands in surprise repairs and lets you move in with confidence instead of crossing your fingers. Spend an hour now and avoid weeks of frustration later.