Use this new home inspection checklist to organise visible concerns during your builder walkthrough. Record the room, exact position and what you observe. It supports the conversation with your builder and does not certify the building or replace an agreed professional inspection.
15 visible items to check before handover
- Entry door: note damage to the door, frame, trim or visible hardware.
- Internal doors: operate them normally and note binding, scraping or difficulty latching.
- Windows and sliding doors: check accessible operation without forcing stiff fittings; identify the affected opening.
- Paintwork: record visibly incomplete coverage, marks or finishing concerns.
- Plaster and cornices: note visible damage, cracking or unfinished joints for assessment.
- Floor coverings: photograph chips, scratches, damaged edges or unfinished areas once surfaces are clean enough to assess.
- Cabinet doors: check visible panels, fronts and edge strips for damage and alignment concerns.
- Drawers and shelving: note interference, binding or visible movement during normal use.
- Benchtops: record visible chips, damage and unfinished junctions, with their locations.
- Tiles: note cracked or chipped tiles and noticeable uneven edges for assessment.
- Grout: record missing areas, holes or unfinished joints.
- Visible sealing: note incomplete junctions around accessible wet-area finishes. This does not establish the condition of a membrane beneath tiles.
- Accessible fittings: record visible damage, loose components or incomplete installation without dismantling them.
- External finished areas: note accessible damage or incomplete paving, fences and other work included in the agreed scope.
- Incomplete work and cleaning: identify missing items and areas that cannot yet be assessed because work or cleaning is unfinished.
Make each observation useful
Take an overview photo and a close-up. Include the room and position in the description. “Sliding door binds on the bottom track when opening” is more useful than “door is bad”. Describe the observed condition rather than guessing a hidden cause.
A visible concern still needs assessment against the relevant specification or requirement. A checklist does not set universal tolerances or establish that every mark is defective.
What this checklist cannot establish
A finished-home walkthrough cannot verify concealed framing, waterproofing beneath tiles or hidden services. GoInspect’s standard handover inspection assesses visible and safely accessible work within the agreed scope. Appliances are not tested. External roof inspection, engineering and specialist testing require separately confirmed services.
Do not force hardware, remove electrical covers, climb into unsafe areas or attempt destructive testing. If work needs checking before it is covered, discuss the timing of a construction-stage visit early.
Keep documents and agreed action together
Have relevant plans and specifications available. Keep the photographs, inspection report, builder responses and agreed rectification record together. Discuss handover documents and any missing information with the builder. A report does not automatically decide completion or payment obligations.
A follow-up inspection to check reported repairs is optional and separately priced. See our handover service and sample report, or check your current inspection price.