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If you are in the market for a new home, you may consider purchasing a custom build or new construction home. If this is the route you choose, you will end up doing a blue tape walkthrough after the construction is complete. A blue tape walkthrough helps you and the builder identify any issues that may need to be addressed before move-in. These include safety hazards, appliance functionality, and cosmetic issues. You basically walk through the home with a roll of blue painter’s tape and stick tape on anything you notice needs fixing. Typically your realtor and the builder’s agent will complete the walkthrough with you. For this reason, it is important to be sure your realtor is not associated with the builder.
I asked our readers to share some of the top things to look for during the blue tape walkthrough, so here I have them listed out for you. Be sure you take a level, flashlight, and tape measure with you. The builder’s agent should provide the blue tape. Have your phone ready to take photos or videos of each room, plus have a notebook handy. Once you have completed “blue taping” the home, you will want to number each piece of tape and write down what it was for. You can take pictures to compare the before and after once the items are fixed.
What to look for during the walkthrough:
Entry & Garage
- Be sure exterior doors open inward and not outward. Look for any gaps.
- Ask about and record the layers of flooring and what type of flooring was used.
- Check that the deadbolt is properly aligned.
- Check that the garage door(s) opens smoothly.
- Ask and record how to flush the hot water heater.
- Ensure the attic is insulated and boards are nailed properly.
Throughout the Home
- Check that all windows open and close easily. Be sure they are level.
- Check the ceiling and baseboard for quality and paint imperfections.
- Check the painted surfaces around doors and windows.
- Check the flooring for any cracks and uneven areas. Ask about and record the layers of flooring and what type of flooring was used.
- Check that all light fixtures, switches and outlets are functional. Taking your cell phone charger with you is an easy way to check outlet function. Check that every room has a light switch at the entry.
- Check the paint job for any imperfections.
Kitchen
- Ensure that cabinets are level and that all doors open and close easily.
- Make sure all drawers open smoothly.
- Run the garbage disposal to make sure it works.
- Turn on any appliances to be sure they are functioning. Make sure you turn them back off.
- Check for any missing grout or cracking and gaps in it.
Bathrooms
- Check for any missing grout or cracking/gaps in it.
- Fill up the bathtubs to make sure the stopper works and see how long it takes them to drain
- Flush the toilets.
- Check for working stoppers in sinks.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. Your real estate agent can help provide you with a more thorough checklist. This at least gives you an idea of what to expect and may even includesome things you wouldn’t think of. Hopefully this will give you a head start. Nothing is more exciting than moving into a new home, so you want to be sure it is just the way you want it!
