What’s a Blue Tape Walkthrough? Here’s a Checklist
The foundation is in place, the walls are up, and the flooring is down. What was only a blueprint and a dream has transitioned into reality. Now, it's time for the blue tape walkthrough, which is an opportunity for you and the builder to inspect each room to make sure each detail aligns with your vision.
As you approach the completion date for your new build, use this blue tape checklist to guarantee no stone is left unturned and everything meets your expectations before you receive the keys.
The Blue Tape Process Overview
In this collaborative process, you find yourself on-site at your new home, accompanied by the builder, builders agent, or customer service representative three to four weeks before the completion of your new home. You'll go in with rolls of blue tape and collectively inspect each room while using the tape to mark any imperfections or areas that require attention.
The New Construction Blue Tape Walkthrough Checklist
By following this detailed checklist, you are setting yourself up for success and ensuring your new home meets and exceeds your expectations.
Here's what you need to look for:
Interior
☐ Doors: Inspect doors for smooth operation and proper sealing to ensure they provide security and privacy. Also, check for cosmetic issues like scratches, dents, or misalignment.
☐ Walls: Look for cracks, dents, or inconsistencies in the paint or drywall. Your walls should look flawless and have a uniform appearance that matches the aesthetics of your home. Additionally, take a close look at the paint and confirm it's of high quality and consistently applied throughout the space.
☐ Flooring: Examine the floors for scratches, stains, or uneven areas. Ensure any carpet is secured correctly and staples aren't sticking out from anywhere. If your new home has a staircase, you'll want to confirm that the installation of the stairs and railings is correct and has the proper finishes.
☐ Kitchen: Check that the cabinetry, appliances, and countertops are installed correctly and are functioning as expected.
☐ Electrical: Test electrical outlets, switches, and light fixtures to confirm they are in perfect working order to reduce the chance of an electrical fire.
☐ Bathrooms: Evaluate the plumbing functionality in all bathrooms. You'll want to look for leaks, test the water pressure, and make sure everything is properly draining. Also, ensure the fixtures are functional and have the proper finishes.
☐ HVAC and Plumbing: Test the heating and cooling systems to ensure they provide a consistent and comfortable temperature. Furthermore, examine your plumbing systems to guarantee no leaks, drips, or issues with water pressure. Lastly, Check ventilation systems for proper operation to maintain indoor air quality and prevent humidity and odor issues.
Exterior
☐ Garage Doors: Give your garage doors a good test run to confirm they're operating smoothly and check that they're properly secured and that the locking mechanism works so an intruder can't break into your home.
☐ Outdoor Amenities: If you're lucky enough to have outdoor amenities like a balcony, patio, or pool, give them all a thorough inspection. Do you feel safe standing on your balcony? Is everything draining correctly from your pool? Does the vibe match your vision for an outdoor space?
☐ Siding and Paint: Step back and take in the overall look of your home's exterior. Your siding and paint should be flawless, and your gutters should be securely attached and positioned to guide rainwater away from the siding and exterior features.
☐ Foundation: Remember to check the foundation for cracks, settling, or other structural issues. A solid foundation is necessary for the structural integrity and longevity of your new home.
☐ Roof: Your roof is your home's helmet from natural elements, so make sure it's in top condition. Inspect for any missing or damaged shingles and look for signs of leaks or improper installation.
☐ Landscaping: Walk around your property and consider the landscaping and pathways. Does it reflect your style and compliment your home? Also, pay attention to the driveway. It should be smooth, even, and free of cracks or drainage issues.
☐ Utility Connections: Confirm that utility connections, such as water and electrical meters, are precisely installed and accessible for readings and future repairs.
Fixing Damages Found During a Blue-Tape Walkthrough
Once you use your blue tape to mark your issues, you'll also want to document them using photos from various angles, guaranteeing the tape and the extent of the problem are visible. Next, you'll provide a detailed, written description of each issue, including its location, size, and nature, to give the builder a clear understanding of what needs fixing. You'll share these details with your builder and set a realistic timeline for the repairs to make sure you can still move in on time.
The inspection process usually doesn't top the list as the most exciting part of building your dream home. Still, it's arguably one of the most important. The timing of the walkthrough allows your builder ample time to make necessary adjustments. It ensures when the moment comes for you to finally step through the door as a homeowner, you have a space created as it should be down to the very last detail.
Your NewHomesExpert will help you stay proactive by following up with your builder as the repair date nears. After completing the repairs, hire a licensed home inspector to ensure the construction and repairs have no additional missed issues. Taking the time for a thorough final inspection can save you from costly repairs and disappointments down the road.
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