Prepare before the appointment
Ask how the walkthrough will be conducted and what you can check.
- Bring the relevant plans and specifications.
- Prepare a list for each room.
More on prepare before the appointment
Record observations clearly enough to identify the exact location later.
Keep a copy of the follow-up list
Make sure you know what happens after the visit.
- Keep any agreed record of items.
- Ask who handles follow-up and how to contact them.
More on keep a copy of the follow-up list
Take contract or warranty questions to the appropriate professional; noting an issue does not establish a remedy by itself.
The basics
What the walkthrough is for
Before completion, your builder may invite you to inspect the finished home. You walk through with a builder representative, note anything incomplete or damaged, and receive a written record of those items. These items are often called deficiencies.
The walkthrough is your first look at the real home. It is also the start of a paper trail that may matter later if you need to make a home warranty claim.
Why it matters
Why careful notes protect you later
BC Housing says a repair offered by a builder without written notice to the warranty provider does not count as a formal claim. If the problem returns after coverage ends, you may have lost your chance to claim.
Good walkthrough notes give you dates, locations and photos. Those make any later conversation with the builder, the warranty provider or your strata much easier.
How it works
Running the walkthrough well
Bring the right papers
Take your floor plan, specifications list and any upgrade orders. Check that what was installed matches what you bought.
Go in a set order
Start at the door and work room by room. Look up, down and behind doors. Open every cabinet, window and tap. Test outlets with a small device.
Record precisely
Write the room, the wall and the item for each note. Take a photo with something for scale. Vague notes are hard to follow up.
Check finishes against the contract
BC’s real estate regulator notes contracts often allow substitutions of a similar nature and quality. If something looks different from the specifications, ask and write the answer down.
Get a copy before you leave
Make sure the written list is signed or confirmed and that you have a copy. Ask who will fix each item and when.
Learn your warranty dates
Find your warranty provider and the expiry dates for each coverage period. Read the 2-5-10 home warranty to understand what each period covers.
Avoid these
Walkthrough mistakes
Relying on verbal promises
A spoken promise to fix something is hard to prove later. Get every item on the written list.
Treating builder repairs as warranty claims
BC Housing says you must give written notice to both the warranty provider and the builder for a formal claim. Do this before coverage ends.
Ignoring problems that get worse
BC Housing says owners must take reasonable steps to stop damage spreading. Coverage may be reduced if you do nothing about a leak.
Hiring outside trades too early
Work by someone other than the builder or warranty provider may limit your claim. Check with the warranty provider first.
Example
A sample walkthrough record
Illustration of the level of detail that helps later. Your builder may use its own form.
| Kitchen, north wall | Scratch on lower cabinet door left of sink, photo 04 |
|---|---|
| Main bathroom | Shower door does not close fully, photo 07 |
| Bedroom 2 | Window latch stiff, does not lock |
| Living room ceiling | Paint patch visible near light fixture, photo 11 |
| Follow-up | Builder contact, promised repair date and your copy of the signed list |
Keep this record with your warranty documents and any later claim letters.
Questions to ask
Questions to ask at and after the walkthrough
The builder representative
- Who will fix the items on this list, and by when?
- How do I report new issues after I move in?
- Who is my warranty provider?
- Which items are cosmetic and which affect function?
Your warranty provider
- What are the expiry dates for my coverage?
- How do I submit written notice of a defect?
- Can I get the claims history for this home?
Your strata, for common property
- Who reports defects in hallways, roofs and parking?
- When will common areas be inspected before warranty dates?
- How do owners raise a common property problem?
FAQ
Common questions
What should I check during a new home walkthrough?
Check every room systematically: walls, floors, ceilings, doors, windows, cabinets, taps, appliances and outlets. Compare finishes to your specifications. Record each issue with its exact location and a photo.
Is the walkthrough list a warranty claim?
No. It is a record of items the builder agreed to look at. BC Housing explains that a formal warranty claim requires written notice to both the warranty provider and the builder.
Can I refuse to complete if there are deficiencies?
Your contract decides that, not the walkthrough list. Ask your lawyer or notary what the contract says before completion day.
Who handles defects in common areas of a strata?
BC Housing says the strata corporation must report defects in common property. Owners report problems in their own unit. Tell your strata council if you notice a common area issue.
How long are warranty repairs covered?
BC Housing says work completed under warranty is covered for defects in materials and labour until the later of one year after the repair or the end of the original coverage period.
A practical example
Use a room-by-room record
Prepare headings for each room and record observations with enough detail to identify the location later.
- Follow the appointment process and keep a copy of any agreed list.
- Ask who handles follow-up and what communication to expect.
Keep contractual or warranty questions separate for the appropriate professional review.
A detail to keep in mind
Noting an item does not by itself establish an agreed remedy, timing or right to delay completion.
Official information
Start with these resources, then confirm the details for your property and circumstances.
BC Financial Services Authority: presale purchasesBC Housing: Home warranty insurance claimsReference review: October 6, 2026