Pre-Closing Walkthrough Suggestions 

You’ve completed your inspections and the home purchase process has proceeded to the day of closing. Typically you have the right to visit the home this final day, prior to closing, and verify that conditions are substantially the same as when you entered into the contract to purchase the home

The home was probably occupied and furnished earlier when you, your agents and inspectors visited. Items of personal property, furnishings, etc. limited your ability to view all aspects of the dwelling, and mechanical systems and appliances have continued to be used.

Here are some suggestions for items to check during your pre-closing walkthrough; every house is different so these suggestions are not all inclusive but may prove to be a helpful guide!

bulletGeneral.…….were the negotiated repairs/replacements, pest treatments, etc. (if any) accomplished? Do you have the associated work orders, receipts and warranties, if any? Are there any persisting unsafe conditions? Do the smoke/carbon monoxide detectors work?
bulletMoisture……..are any sub-surface areas (basements and crawlspaces) and the attic dry? Have the pre-existing stains on finish surfaces changed, or have new stains appeared? Is the sump pump functioning?
bulletAppliances……operate them all (this includes heating and cooling as well as kitchen, laundry and other appliances). Just because they were functioning properly at the time of the home inspection, it does not mean they still are! TIP: Systems should be allowed to rest for fifteen minutes between heating and cooling tests. Air conditioning systems should not be tested if the exterior temperatures were below 65 degrees Fahrenheit for 48 hours.
bulletPlumbing……operate every fixture at the home’s interior and exterior including exterior hose bibs/faucets. And, at the most remote bathroom in the home, run all of the fixtures simultaneously to ensure satisfactory water flow/pressure.
bulletElectrical……operate all of the lights, fixtures. TIP: Bring light bulbs of various wattages, a receptacle tester or small lamp, and a flashlight. Low voltage landscape lighting, timers/sensors should be operated as well. NOTE: Thermostatically controlled attic exhaust fans may not activate due to colder attic temperatures; temperature settings may range between 60 – 120 degrees.
bulletWindows…..operate all of the windows. Many are not accessible under normal living conditions and typically only a representative sample is tested during a home inspection. Is there any cracked or broken glass?
bulletInterior surfaces…..look for cracks, stains, damage, deterioration and/or missing items that may not have been present or visible at the time of previous inspections. Pay particular note to areas that were specifically identified by the home inspector as cluttered, partially and wholly inaccessible.
bulletAdditional Services…….were potable water supplies, sprinkler systems, private disposal systems, pools and/or spas, drainage systems, burglar alarm systems, built-in vacuum systems, and environmental concerns such as lead paint, asbestos, mold/mildew and/or underground fuel storage tank location and testing services, etc. accomplished as recommended by the home inspector.

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All Through the House, LLC 
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Revised: September 12, 2005