What Should I Check Before Closing on a New Build in Pace or Milton?

Three things: an inspection before the walls close up if the builder allows it, an independent inspection before closing, and a final walk-through with any fixes listed in writing while the builder can still make them. A brand-new home still needs checking. Builders make mistakes too.

Vivian Corwin is a bilingual Realtor and Military Relocation Professional with IXL Real Estate Florida in Pensacola, FL, helping military and relocating families buy and sell homes across Pensacola, Pace, Milton, Gulf Breeze, and Navarre. New construction is one of my specialties, and I work directly with D.R. Horton, Adams Homes and Holiday Builders.

New doesn't mean perfect. A home is built by many crews over many weeks, and small misses happen. An independent inspection before closing can catch them while the builder can still fix them. After closing, getting the same fix made is usually harder.

1. Before the walls close up. If the builder allows it, an inspection at this stage sees what drywall will soon cover. Ask about it before you sign.
2. Before closing. An independent inspection once the home is finished.
3. The final walk-through. You walk the finished home and confirm everything on the list was fixed.

My post on what happens at a home inspection explains what inspectors look at.

It's your last look before you sign. You check that the home matches your selections, that items from the inspection were fixed, and that nothing new needs attention. Any fixes get listed in writing before closing, while the builder can still make them.

• Your appraisal. Your lender orders it. With a VA loan, the appraiser also checks the home against VA's minimum property standards. My page for military and VA buyers covers that step.
• Your insurance. Line it up early, since a closing can't happen without it.
• Your closing date. Confirm it with the builder and your lender, especially if it moved. My post on what happens if a new build isn't ready before your PCS move covers delays.

• Skipping the inspection. New doesn't mean nothing was missed.
• Not asking about an inspection before the walls close. Ask before you sign the contract.
• Relying on a verbal promise. Get every fix in writing.
• Rushing the final walk-through. Take your time in every room.
• Leaving insurance until the end. It can delay closing.

Here's an example of how I lay out the steps. It shows the process, and it isn't a real client's story.

• Before you sign. We review the builder's contract, including inspections.
• During the build. An inspection before the walls close, if the builder allows it.
• Home finished. An independent inspection, and a list of items for the builder.
• Appraisal and insurance. Lined up with your lender and insurance agent.
• Final walk-through. We confirm every fix, in writing.
• Closing. Keys to a home that was checked first.

My post on having your own Realtor for new construction covers the earlier steps.

Do I need an inspection on a new construction home?

Yes. Builders make mistakes too, and an independent inspection before closing can catch them while the builder can still fix them.

Can I inspect before the drywall goes up?

If the builder allows it. Ask before you sign the contract.

What is the final walk-through on a new build?

Your last look before closing, to confirm the home matches your selections and that fixes were made.

How do I make sure the builder fixes what we find?

Get every fix listed in writing before closing, while the builder can still make it.

Vivian Corwin is a bilingual Realtor and Military Relocation Professional with IXL Real Estate Florida in Pensacola, FL, helping military and relocating families buy and sell homes across Pensacola, Pace, Milton, Gulf Breeze, and Navarre. I'm not affiliated with the U.S. military, the VA or any base. Let's talk about your goals and your timeline before you sign a builder's contract.

See how I help new construction buyers, or schedule a time to talk with Vivian.