| Defect | What to Look For | |---|---| | | Scratches, chips, gaps between boards, hollow spots when tapped lightly, uneven edges | | Tile | Chips, cracks, lippage (edges higher than adjacent tiles), cracked or uneven grout lines | | Carpet | Ripples, loose transitions, seams not flush, stains | | Subfloor | Squeaks when walking across any area — mark with tape and note location |
: Open and close every door. Ensure they latch easily, stay open without drifting, and do not scrape the frame. Check that locks work smoothly.
Before you leave the walkthrough, confirm in writing that the builder: blue tape walkthrough checklist pdf better
Open and close all cabinet doors and drawers to test hinges.
The Ultimate Blue Tape Walkthrough Checklist: Why a PDF Makes It Better | Defect | What to Look For |
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Most new construction homes include builder warranties covering structural elements, systems, and appliances for a limited time — typically one year for workmanship and 2-10 years for major structural defects. Keep your blue tape documentation; it may support warranty claims for issues that appear after move-in. Before you leave the walkthrough, confirm in writing
A good PDF checklist is pre-organized by room (Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom 1, Exterior). It includes common defect categories:
: Flip every switch and test every outlet with your phone charger. Ensure GFCI outlets in bathrooms and kitchens trip and reset correctly.
The walkthrough is not complete when the tape run out. To ensure the builder completes the punch list items effectively, follow these closing steps: