It’s finally happening! After months of planning and hard work, you get a call informing you that the front door has been installed, meaning your home is nearly ready! But before you pack up all your belongings and start moving out, let’s slow down and consider the blue tape walkthrough that needs to take place before your home is 100% ready to live in. This step ensures that everything is as you imagined when you officially move in, and you can settle into your new home without any lingering issues.
What is a blue tape walkthrough?
A blue tape walkthrough offers a straightforward quality control method near the end of your project’s lifecycle. After scheduling a date, you and your contractor walk through the property together, marking any imperfections with blue tape. This process ensures you and your contractor identify and correct all minor or major issues before the final handover. By doing so, you gain clarity on how close you are to your move-in date. This approach also saves you time and money, ensuring your home is aesthetically pleasing and built to last. A thorough walkthrough gives you confidence and satisfaction in your new environment, knowing that every detail is accounted for.
Knowing what to look for in a blue tape walkthrough can be tricky, especially if you’re unfamiliar with construction details. There’s likely nobody in your household who can keep their full attention on overseeing the project, so things can be overlooked or lost in translation from time to time. Luckily, we’ve created a new construction blue tape walkthrough checklist to save you the hassle, so you can confidently walk through your home and leave no stone unturned!
Blue Tape Walkthrough Checklist:
Exterior
Doors & Windows
- Properly aligned with frames
- Smooth opening and closing
- No gaps or inadequate sealing
- Working locks and handles
Siding & Trim
- No uneven paint job or staining
- No gaps, cracks, or misalignment
- Neatly and evenly applied caulking
Interior
Walls & Ceiling
- Even coverage, no drips or missed spots
- No dents, scratches, or nail pops in the drywall
- Smooth transitions and no gaps in corners/joints
Flooring
- No scratches or dents on the surface
- Consistent instillation
- Proper edge finishing, no gaps between floor and trim
Trim & Molding
- Well-fitted and smoothly finished
- No gaps
- Even application
Cabinetry & Countertops
- Leveled and properly-aligned cabinets
- No scratches, chips, or stains on the countertop
- Knobs/handles secure and working
Doors & Hardware
- Smooth opening/closing
- Locks/handles secure and working
Fixtures & Appliances
- Working and securing light fixtures
- Functioning, properly-installed sinks, faucets, and toilets
- Secure, functioning switches and outlets
HVAC
- Working heating and cooling systems
- Secure, clean ventilation and filters
As you’ve concluded your blue tape walkthrough, take a moment to assess the home’s cleanliness and any debris that may need attention. This is also the perfect time to consider the invaluable assistance of professional new construction inspection services. Their expertise can provide you with a sense of security and confidence, knowing that your new home is in top-notch condition.
Completing a blue tape walkthrough is a great way to ensure that every detail in your new home meets your expectations. It’s your chance to ensure everything is finished to a high standard, allowing you to move in with total confidence instead of rushing into an unfinished job. Taking this final step helps ensure that your new space is beautiful, functional, and ready for you to enjoy! Beyond just checking for cosmetic issues, this process can reveal areas needing more attention, allowing you to address them before they become more significant problems. By being thorough, you can truly personalize your home and ensure it fits your and your family’s lifestyles perfectly.
If you need expert help with your new home, Kissee Inspection Services is here to assist you with precise and reliable inspections. With a wide variety of services, well-trained and personable staff, and unbeatable quality, it’s no wonder we’ve earned hundreds of 5-star Google reviews. Give us a call or text us at (469) 438-8509 to request a free quote and bring your dream home to life!
