[spinner1001]

We are closing on a Designer house of new construction. I have heard the developer’s new house warranty works well.

With the developer’s warranty, how careful should I be during the walk through with the builder on the day of closing to spot problems?

What areas should I pay particular attention?

[retiredguy123]

No need to be extremely careful. But, take a good flashlight, an electric outlet tester, and some blue painters tape. Put tape on obvious defects and take photos. Operate appliances, light switches, electric outlets, fans, toilets, faucets, etc. I like to shine a flashlight parallel to large walls to look for large drywall bows, and at all ceilings and floors to look for roof leaks and cracks. Don't forget closet ceilings. Open and close all doors. If the countertops are granite or quartz, I would run my finger over all edges, top and bottom, to look for chips and cracks, and inspect the seams. All of this can be done in less than 30 minutes. Good luck.

[Accidental1]

We did very little at closing. They asked that I turn in a punch list of issues within a week or so after closing so you have plenty of time to inspect and find things. They promptly addressed those items within a couple weeks.

[vintageogauge]

You most likely won't find much during the builder walk through, when we bought our second new home our agent allowed us to go through the house before the walk through so that we weren't rushed and could make a list to show the builder. There was very little wrong and it was all cosmetic, fixed within a few days. As far as the reply above looking for cracks and roof leaks, you won't find much as the homes is most likely only a few weeks old the way they have been selling. They do have a good warranty and will fix everything quickly, usually within a few days, same thing when you do your one year inspection.

[Kenswing]

Unless there is a major problem that needs immediate attention the walk through isn't really to look for problems. In our case we went over the operation of the house, how warranty worked, who to call in case you have a major system failure. Who to call to schedule more in depth system orientations. Program your garage door openers and rekey your locks.

[JohnN]

Do the best you can on the walkthrough, the builder's are pretty fast about fixing 'em up. That said, you'll find things after the fact, just contact Villages warranty during the first year and they'll fix those up too. Congratulations.

[VApeople]

Originally Posted by spinner1001

how careful should I be during the walk through with the builder on the day of closing to spot problems?

Just watch your step so you don't fall and hurt yourself.

Originally Posted by spinner1001

What areas should I pay particular attention?

Nothing.

If you find a problem later (like we did) the warranty office will fix it VERY QUICKLY.

[Garywt]

We closed through the mail so there was not walk through the day of closing. Our first trip down my son who is a contractor walked through and wrote down everything that needed attention and then we called warranty to get everything fixed.

[WindyCityzen]

Get an accredited home inspector! No if’s ands or buts.

[thevillages2013]

Originally Posted by WindyCityzen

Get an accredited home inspector! No if’s ands or buts.

Yes but not before closing. The inspection should be a month before warranty ends

[Gobragh]

Make sure they take out the builders code out of your garage door key pad!

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

No need to be extremely careful. But, take a good flashlight, an electric outlet tester, and some blue painters tape. Put tape on obvious defects and take photos. Operate appliances, light switches, electric outlets, fans, toilets, faucets, etc. I like to shine a flashlight parallel to large walls to look for large drywall bows, and at all ceilings and floors to look for roof leaks and cracks. Don't forget closet ceilings. Open and close all doors. If the countertops are granite or quartz, I would run my finger over all edges, top and bottom, to look for chips and cracks, and inspect the seams. All of this can be done in less than 30 minutes. Good luck.

I agree with R6.
TV is great about getting things replaced/repaired.
Note flaws in cabinet stains, door/wall/trim painting.
Watch for hairline cracks in grout.
Caulk gaps.

[Ritagoyer]

I would check the seams if you have a rolled vinyl flooring. I have a bubble in floor as well as a seam that never was put down that needs to be fixed

[baustgen]

The Villages will correct any problem in the first year. You should concentrate on how things work, especially the cut off valves for the sprinklers and water. How the thermostat works. That you have all the manuals for the appliances and mechanical. After 6 months, hire Frank DiAngelo to do your punch list. He found 17 items for us we never would have listed. Best $300 I ever spent.

[jedalton]

caulking