10 Common Punch List Items Found in Final Walkthroughs

You’ve reached the final stretch: your new home is nearly finished, and it’s time for the final walkthrough before closing. This is when excitement peaks—but it’s also when critical details can easily be overlooked.

Enter the punch list—a checklist of unfinished, incorrect, or damaged items that the builder must fix before you take possession of the home. But many buyers don’t know what to look for, or worse, assume the builder has already caught everything.

At Dwellinspect Arizona, we’ve conducted hundreds of final inspections on new builds. Here’s what you need to know about punch lists, and the 10 most common items we find that buyers often miss.

What Is a Punch List?

A punch list is a formal document created during your final walkthrough, usually 5–10 days before closing. It identifies minor cosmetic flaws, incomplete installations, or quality concerns the builder agrees to fix before—or shortly after—you move in.

It’s your chance to:

• Ensure your selections (colors, finishes, hardware) are correct

• Confirm everything is functional, aligned, and undamaged

• Hold the builder accountable to the standards in your contract

A strong punch list helps protect your investment and ensures that you’re moving into a home that meets the expectations you’ve paid for.

10 Common Punch List Items (That Are Easy to Miss)

1. Paint Overspray & Touch-Ups

Check baseboards, ceilings, cabinet edges, and around fixtures. Sloppy paint lines or splatter are common in production homes, especially near transitions between trim and walls.

2. Misaligned or Sticking Doors

Test every interior and exterior door. Look for doors that won’t close fully, drag on the floor, or don’t latch properly—often caused by frame settling or rushed hinge installation.

3. Loose Electrical Outlets & Switches

Light switches or outlets that wiggle in the wall are more than cosmetic—they can be safety issues. GFCI outlets should also be tested for proper function.

4. Cracked or Uneven Grout

In tile showers and flooring, cracks or gaps in grout can lead to water intrusion. Watch for areas that are already chipping or discolored.

5. Cabinet Damage or Misalignment

Inspect kitchen and bathroom cabinets for scratches, dented doors, and uneven spacing. Make sure drawers glide smoothly and hardware is tightly secured.

6. Missing or Torn Window Screens

Builders sometimes forget to install window screens, or screens may be damaged during construction. Count and test each one.

7. Baseboard & Trim Gaps

Look along floor edges and around windows/doors. Gaps in trim or sloppy caulk lines may not affect function but can impact aesthetics and resale perception.

8. Non-Functional Fixtures

Turn on every faucet, flush every toilet, test every light fixture, and run all fans. If anything flickers, leaks, or doesn’t work, it should be documented.

9. Scuffed Flooring or Carpet Seams

Floors can get damaged in the final weeks of construction. Look for dents in hardwood, separated carpet seams, or scratches in vinyl plank.

10. Improperly Installed Appliances

Check that all included appliances are installed, level, and fully functional. Make sure dishwasher brackets are anchored and range hoods are vented.

Why Buyers Should Bring Blue Tape, and a Professional Inspector

The blue painter’s tape isn’t just a fun walkthrough tradition—it’s a visual aid for marking imperfections on the spot. But it’s not a replacement for a professional inspection.

Here’s why:

• Buyers focus on finishes (like paint or cabinet alignment), while inspectors dig deeper into functionality, safety, and structural integrity.

• Inspectors catch issues not visible to the untrained eye, such as attic insulation gaps, incorrect roof flashing, or HVAC duct damage.

• A third-party inspector provides detailed documentation, which carries more weight when submitting punch list items to the builder.

The best approach? Use blue tape to highlight visible issues during your walkthrough, and let a licensed inspector perform a full final-phase inspection to catch what’s behind the scenes.

How to Submit a Complete Punch List to the Builder

Once your walkthrough and inspection are complete, you’ll submit a formal punch list to your builder, usually through a customer portal or email to your assigned construction manager.

Tips for submitting a strong punch list:

• Be specific: Instead of “door is off,” say “Primary bedroom entry door doesn’t latch when closed.”

• Attach photos: Clear images from your inspector’s report make it harder to dispute the issue.

• Group items by room: This makes it easier for trade contractors to address items efficiently.

• Keep a copy: Save everything you submit in case you need to follow up or escalate.

Most builders will address punch list items before closing or as part of a post-close repair schedule, depending on urgency and trade availability.

Final Thoughts

The final walkthrough is your last chance to ensure your new home lives up to the promises made in your contract. By creating a thorough punch list—supported by a professional inspection—you can move in with confidence, knowing your investment is protected.

At Dwellinspect Arizona, we specialize in final-phase inspections for new construction homes, providing buyers with the detail and documentation needed to get things done right the first time.