Fire-damaged room with a burned ceiling and debris. Shown to illustrate the work described; not a job for this site or at any address named here.
Odor and air
- Run the furnace or air conditioning for at least an hour before the walkthrough and check every room for smoke odor.
- Open closets, cabinets and the attic hatch and smell inside.
- Check that the furnace filter is new and registers are clean.
Room-by-room checks
| Area | Look for | Test |
|---|---|---|
| Walls and ceilings | Visible seams, nail pops, uneven texture, paint misses | Look with a flashlight held flat to the surface |
| Floors | Gaps, lifted edges, mismatched transitions, scratches | Walk every floor and listen for squeaks |
| Doors and windows | Gaps, sticking, missing hardware, damaged screens | Open, close and lock each one |
| Cabinets and counters | Alignment, door gaps, scratches, missing pulls | Open every door and drawer |
| Electrical | Cover plates, working fixtures, labeled panel | Test every switch and outlet, including GFCI test buttons |
| Plumbing | Leaks, drainage, hot water at each tap | Run each fixture and look underneath |
| Alarms | Smoke and CO alarms installed where required | Press the test button on each |
| Exterior | Siding, trim, roof edges, gutters, cleanup of debris and nails | Walk the perimeter and check the yard |
Paperwork to collect before final payment
- Permits
- All permits finaled, with dates
- Lien waivers
- From the contractor and any subcontractors and suppliers
- Product information
- Paint colors, flooring and cabinet product names, appliance manuals
- Photos
- The contractor's progress photos, especially before walls closed
- Final invoice
- Matching the approved estimate and any signed change orders
Common questions
What if I notice smoke odor weeks after move-in?
Write down where and when you notice it, including the weather and whether the furnace was running. Contact the contractor promptly with those notes. Odor that appears only in one room or closet usually points to a specific missed source rather than the whole house.
Should I hold back money until every small item is done?
Follow your contract. Many contracts allow a reasonable amount to be held until the punch list is finished. Holding back far more than the open items are worth can create a dispute of its own, so keep the amount proportionate and in writing.
Is it worth bringing someone else to the walkthrough?
A second set of eyes helps. A friend who has been through a remodel, or someone who did not visit during construction, often spots things you stopped noticing weeks ago.
General information for Westminster, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.