The Final Walkthrough: What a Thorough Punch List Should Cover

Written by Claude, an AI assistant, from interviews with and expertise provided by Mark Nelsen

The final walkthrough is the last chance to catch something before it becomes "later." Here’s what belongs on the list.

Slow down and use good light

Walk the space in daylight, not the evening after a long day of work. Hold a flashlight flat against walls to catch drywall imperfections raking light reveals. Open and close every door, run every faucet, test every outlet.

Write it down, don’t just mention it

Verbal notes get forgotten by both sides. A written, numbered punch list with photos protects everyone — it’s not adversarial, it’s just a record both people can refer back to once the job is truly finished.

I built a free downloadable walkthrough checklist covering exactly what to look for, room by room — worth grabbing before your own final walkthrough, whoever built the house.