What to Look for During a New Construction Walkthrough in South Carolina

You walk into your brand-new home, admire the kitchen, and immediately start imagining where the sofa will go. Understandable—but before you mentally unpack, open a few cabinets and turn on the faucets.

Whether you are buying in Columbia, Lexington, Blythewood, or elsewhere in South Carolina, your new construction walkthrough is an opportunity to check the finished work, learn how your home operates, and document anything that needs attention.

Start with what you ordered

Bring your selections sheet, a phone for photos, and a notebook. Compare the installed finishes and features with your written agreement: cabinet colors, countertops, flooring, fixtures, appliances, and paid upgrades.

That kitchen island may look lovely, but is it the one you selected?

Look closely at the finishing touches

Move through each room slowly. Look for paint drips, scratched surfaces, chipped tiles, gaps around trim, and damaged flooring. Open doors and windows, check the locks, and notice anything that sticks or scrapes. These are among the checks included in the National Association of Home Builders’ walkthrough checklist.

Use the same routine in every room so excitement does not distract you halfway through.

Turn things on

With the builder’s representative, check faucets, drains, toilets, lights, fans, and included appliances. Watch for leaks beneath sinks while water is running. Ask for a demonstration of the heating and cooling system, including the thermostat and any separate temperature zones. Builder walkthrough guidance includes checking these functions before moving in.

If something cannot be tested, record it and ask when it will be checked.

Take a lap outside

Give the exterior as much attention as the kitchen. Check doors, visible finishes, steps, railings, and the garage door. Look for construction debris and areas where water appears to collect near the foundation.

Ask the builder to explain how the yard’s grading—the slope of the ground—and drainage direct water away from the home. Drainage and secure exterior components are part of NAHB’s final walkthrough checks.

If your South Carolina home includes a porch or covered patio, add those spaces to your checklist. Keep your checks at ground level and leave roofs and difficult-to-access areas to qualified professionals.

Ask for a quick homeowner lesson

Before leaving, ask the builder to show you the main water shutoff, electrical panel, thermostat, and filter locations. Find out what routine maintenance the home needs.

Also, request the written warranty and homeowner manual. NAHB recommends reviewing both when having a new home built. Ask what is covered, how to report an issue, and which deadlines apply.

Make the repair list specific

A punch list is the written list of unfinished work or items needing correction. Photograph each concern and identify its location clearly.

“Kitchen drawer left of the oven sticks” is more useful than “fix cabinets.”

Ask for a copy of the list, agreed completion dates, and a follow-up check. If the builder uses blue tape to mark defects, keep written notes too. Discuss unresolved concerns with your real estate agent and builder before signing an acceptance form. Your next steps should reflect your purchase agreement rather than assumptions about what every builder allows.

Give your new home a careful welcome

A walkthrough complements an independent home inspection; it does not replace one. Arrange inspection access and timing with the builder in advance.

You can be excited about your new home and thorough at the same time. Ask questions, test what you can, and document what needs attention—then get back to deciding where that sofa belongs.

Thinking about buying new construction in South Carolina? Reach out, and let’s talk about what to ask before choosing a builder and how to prepare for each step toward closing.