After months of searching for the right property and building a home, you finally have a new structure you can call your own. As you take a moment to bask in your new title as a homeowner, you should prepare for the final elements of closing on your home, including the walkthrough.

A walkthrough ensures the final product of your new home is everything you've ever wanted. It confirms your dream home has no issues so you can move in without worry. While things may not always go as you expect, you can make plans to solve any problems as they arise.

Make sure you're prepared for your final walkthrough — and enjoy the beauty of your new home while paying attention to the details.

What to Bring to a Walkthrough

Around two-thirds of adults in the U.S. own the home they live in, though homeownership rates vary by age. No matter how old you are, home ownership is a massive feat that should be celebrated. Just when you think everything is all said and done, you still have a few steps to complete — including the final walkthrough, where you can see your new home in all its perfection.

The final walkthrough is different, as you should expect most issues to be resolved. Still, some things may catch your attention that you need to note. These issues might be fixed before you move in or solutions may occur after you're settled and ready to tackle DIYs.

Here are some things you should bring with you on the walkthrough:

• Binoculars: To see faraway places like on top of your roof.

• Blue tape: In case you want to mark areas of interest that need professional or DIY repair.

• Camera: To take documented evidence of certain things that need repair.

• Notebook and pens: To jot down any notes the old-fashioned way.

What Should You Look Out For?

You might be too busy admiring your home as a whole to notice all the little things, but you should have a keen eye. Unfortunately, there might be a few things that need fixing. Writing down a checklist can help you keep track of the things you need to look out for.

Interior

The interior of your home is where you may notice the most cosmetic issues. You should look for anything unusual, like cracks in tile or baseboards. This is also your opportunity to ensure everything is painted properly.

Make sure to check the windows and doors — that they open, close and lock without any issues. Similarly, the cabinet doors in your kitchen and bathroom should open and close well. The floors should be even and any tripping hazards, like carpet on stairs, must be fixed to the floor so they won't cause worry for anyone in your household.

You should also look for signs of damage. Bulging in the walls or ceiling could indicate water damage that needs to be looked at. Signs of pests may also be apparent. The pest control industry is steadily growing, partly due to the rising concern over ant and termite populations, among other pests. Take care if you notice small holes or wood dust in corners. They might be signs of a termite infestation — if not taken care of, it could cause structural damage to your home.

Outdoors

You should walk throughout the expanse of your property to ensure everything's in line. If you have outside structures, make sure they're secure. Look for rotting or unstable wood on a patio or deck, and confirm handrails are sturdy enough to support someone's weight. If you have a garage, the door should open and close properly with working sensors.

One of the most important things you should notice is the roof integrity. Does it look stable? Use your binoculars to get a closer look. You'll want to identify any sagging or missing shingles or tiles. This way, you can reduce the chance of any accidents occurring on top of your home — which could lead to stable insurance rates or lower premiums.

Electricity

Electricity makes your home function well and allows you to take full advantage of all the wonders a new house can offer you. You'll need to make sure everything works well — you might have a lot of testing ahead of you.

Bring something to plug in. You'll want to test all of your outlets to ensure they're working well. You can try this with something as big as a lamp or as simple as a phone charger. Once you know all the outlets work, you should flip all the light switches. Make sure you know what each one does so you're not left with a mystery once you move in.

After you've tested those, you should turn your attention to the breaker box. Ensure each switch is labeled appropriately and that you fully understand the system. Then, you can test your appliances to make sure they're working and not faulty. For example, you might run a quick rinse cycle on your dishwasher to ensure it doesn't leak.

Plumbing

Next comes the plumbing. Depending on how many bathrooms and sinks you have, this step might take you a while. First, you should test all the faucets to ensure they don't leak and the water pressure is as strong as you remember. Water dripping from a tap could indicate a leak, and it's also one of the easiest ways to identify one. Try to get a leak fixed as soon as possible, lest it lead to water damage.

Your drains should work without issue — which means they shouldn't move slowly. Test out your showers and sinks to check they can hold water when necessary and drain it quickly. You'll also want to ensure every toilet flushes and doesn't leak.

HVAC

One of the final steps in your walkthrough is to test the heating and cooling. A new unit shouldn't have any issues, but you also just want to make sure you can regulate the temperature. Without it, you might have a painful summer or winter trying to adjust to extreme temperatures. You can switch the heating and cooling on easily to test it out. You should also make sure every vent in your home has proper airflow that isn't being blocked by something.

Have Fun on Your Final Walkthrough

Ultimately, your final walkthrough should celebrate your dreams of home ownership coming true. It’s also an opportunity to note if anything needs improvement. After you move in, you can discuss any issues with your builders and they'll be able to rectify it. Then, you'll be able to enjoy your home and make the most of your time in it.