What to Check Before Closing on a New Construction Home in Louisiana
Alvarez Construction builds new homes in Baton Rouge, St. George, Central, Denham Springs, Zachary, Gonzales, and Madisonville, and no matter which community you're building in, the final walkthrough is the same critical step: your last real chance to catch something before you sign. It's not the time to request new changes. It's the time to confirm everything already agreed upon is actually done, and every system works.
What a Final Walkthrough Actually Is
A final walkthrough is different from a home inspection. An inspection is an independent, professional evaluation — often done at more than one stage — that produces a written report. A final walkthrough is a buyer-led review with the builder, scheduled shortly before closing, to confirm punch-list items are complete and the home is ready to move into. Many buyers use blue painter's tape to mark anything that still needs attention, which is why it's sometimes called a "blue tape walkthrough." Plan for two hours, not thirty minutes.
Room-by-Room, System-by-System
- Doors, windows, and locks — open and close every door and window, including the garage door and sliding doors. Confirm locks engage and there are no gaps that could let in air or water.
- Plumbing — run every faucet, check hot/cold pressure and drainage, flush every toilet, check under sinks for leaks.
- Electrical — test every outlet and switch. Confirm every light fixture is installed and working.
- HVAC — run heating and cooling and confirm smooth operation. Ask where the air filter is and how to change it.
- Cabinets and drawers — open and close every one fully. A cabinet that sticks or won't close is often an installation issue, not cosmetic.
- Walls, flooring, and paint — look for nicks, uneven texture, or incomplete paint. Rule of thumb: stand four to six feet from a surface — if a flaw is visible from there, flag it.
- Exterior — check siding, paint, gutters, and grading. Gutters should direct water away from the foundation, not toward it. If you're dealing with new sod or landscaping, see our Louisiana lawn care guide.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors — press and hold the test button on every unit. Confirm placement on every level and near sleeping areas.
Bring Your Punch List — and Keep Your Own
If you attended an earlier pre-drywall or pre-closing walkthrough, you likely already generated a punch list. Bring it to the final walkthrough and confirm each item is actually resolved, not just scheduled. Keep your own notes and photos as you go — it's the easiest way to have a clear record if anything needs follow-up after move-in.
If Something Isn't Finished
Small cosmetic touch-ups are common and expected. For anything affecting safety or function, it's reasonable to ask that it be resolved before you sign, not after. Get any remaining commitments from the builder in writing, with a specific timeline — not a verbal assurance.
After Closing: Your Warranty Starts
A final walkthrough isn't the end of the process — it's the start of your home's warranty coverage. Every Alvarez home includes a structural warranty. See our guide to the Alvarez 5-2-1 warranty for exactly what's covered and for how long. Keep appliance manuals, warranty booklets, and model/serial numbers for your major systems together somewhere easy to find.
Walking Through Your New Home With Us
Every Alvarez home goes through this process with our team alongside you. Learn more about our construction process leading up to your walkthrough, or call (225) 240-4662 with questions.
