Are you building a new home in Star and wondering what to look for before the walls close up? You are not alone. Whether you are local, buying from out of state, or navigating your first new build, walkthroughs can feel intimidating. This guide gives you simple checklists, clear timing, who should attend, and how a trusted local agent coordinates every step so you close with confidence. Let’s dive in.
How walkthroughs work in Star, Idaho
New homes in Star are typically permitted and inspected by either the City of Star or Ada County, depending on the subdivision and annexation. Your builder is required to secure permits, pass rough and final inspections, and obtain a Certificate of Occupancy before you move in or close. Ask your builder which jurisdiction handled permitting for your lot and request proof of final approval before closing.
Many Star communities have HOAs with CC&Rs and design review. HOA standards can affect final grading, landscaping, and access to amenities. Confirm what must be finished before occupancy and what can be completed after closing.
Utilities and site work deserve attention as you approach closing. Verify water and sewer providers, stormwater plans, and final grading. Driveways, sidewalks, and yard completion sometimes trail the home’s interior schedule, so set clear expectations with the builder.
Warranties vary by builder. Most provide a limited express warranty for workmanship, with longer coverage for major systems or structural items. Read the warranty and your purchase contract so you know how to submit claims, what is covered, and how timing works.
The 3 walkthroughs: what, when, who
Pre-drywall walkthrough
- When: After framing and rough mechanical, electrical, and plumbing are installed, before insulation and drywall.
- Purpose: Confirm layout and locations while everything is visible. Check framing, rough-ins, and openings so issues can be fixed before they are concealed.
- Who attends: Builder superintendent, you and your agent, and optionally a third-party inspector.
Blue-tape (punch list) walkthrough
- When: When the home is substantially complete, usually 1 to 2 weeks before closing.
- Purpose: Create a detailed punch list of cosmetic and functional items for the builder to fix before closing or under an agreed repair window.
- Who attends: Builder superintendent, you and your agent. A third-party inspector may assist.
Final walkthrough
- When: Typically 1 to 3 days before closing.
- Purpose: Verify punch-list repairs, confirm systems work, collect manuals and keys, and ensure final approvals are in place.
- Who attends: You, your agent, and the builder representative.
Pre-drywall checklist
- Plumbing rough-in: Drain locations, water line routing, water heater placement and strapping if required.
- Electrical rough-in: Outlet and switch box locations, dedicated appliance circuits, attic light/box, panel location and labeling plan.
- HVAC/mechanical: Duct routing and sizes, return and supply placement, clearances around equipment, proper venting.
- Framing and structure: Headers, beams, bearing walls, stair framing, fireblocking where required.
- Window and door rough-ins: Rough openings, flashing details, egress where applicable.
- Insulation and air sealing: Cavity and attic insulation plans, vapor barrier strategy, air sealing at rim joists.
- Site and drainage: Rough grade sloping away from the foundation, window well placement, retaining walls and exterior steps vs plan.
- Documentation: Take wide and close-up photos. Request copies of municipal rough-in sign-offs and inspection reports.
Blue-tape walkthrough checklist
- Interior finishes: Paint coverage and touch-ups, trim and baseboards, door alignment, hardware operation.
- Drywall and caulk: Nail pops, taped seams, consistent finish, caulk at trim and counters.
- Flooring: Scratches or gouges, tile alignment and grout, sound subfloor, clean transitions.
- Cabinets and counters: Alignment, gaps, hardware installed, appliance clearances, countertop seams, caulk at backsplash.
- Kitchens and baths: Faucets and drains, hot water, showerheads, tub surfaces, grout and caulk, shower door sealing.
- Appliances and vents: Install and operation, dryer venting to exterior, dishwasher and microwave hookups and function.
- Electrical and lighting: Switched outlets and lights, GFCI/AFCI locations, smoke and CO alarms in place.
- HVAC: Thermostat operation, airflow to each register, condensate drain routing.
- Exterior: Siding and paint touch-ups, soffit and fascia, flashing, gutters and downspouts, garage door operation and remotes.
- Site work: Driveway and sidewalk completion, finish grade, landscaping status, fence and mailbox locations if applicable.
- Safety and manuals: Panels labeled, manuals and warranty packets collected, keys and remotes noted.
- Documentation: Use blue painter’s tape to mark items. Photograph each item with context and compile a written punch list for the builder.
Final walkthrough checklist
- Punch list completion: Re-check every blue-tape item and note any incomplete work.
- Systems test: Run heat and cool, test all appliances, flush toilets, run showers, check garbage disposal, and sump pump if present.
- Utilities and approvals: Confirm utilities will be on at closing and verify final inspections and Certificate of Occupancy.
- Warranty and documents: Collect the builder warranty, manuals, service contacts, and warranty start date.
- Keys and access: Keys, garage remotes, gate codes, and mailbox keys.
- Final site: Grade slopes away from the foundation, driveway and sidewalk condition, plantings and sprinklers if installed.
- Closeout terms: Confirm any agreed holdbacks or escrow for unfinished items and put timelines in writing.
- Final acceptance: Sign off only after critical systems and punch items are complete or scheduled in writing with deadlines.
How your agent coordinates everything
A strong process keeps your build on track. Here is how a local advocate like Dana structures new-construction walkthroughs so you do not miss critical details.
Contract review and setup
- Confirm walkthrough and inspection rights, completion deadlines, and remedies in the purchase contract.
- Gather builder contacts: sales rep, superintendent, and project manager.
- Ask for permit numbers and typical inspection timelines for your subdivision.
Scheduling and attendance
- Set the pre-drywall walkthrough and invite a qualified third-party inspector. If you are remote, attend by live video and receive the inspector’s report.
- Schedule the blue-tape walkthrough about 1 to 2 weeks before closing. If you cannot attend, arrange a professional punch-list inspection and live video tour.
- Reserve the final walkthrough right before closing and confirm the target date for final completion and the Certificate of Occupancy.
Documentation and tracking
- Use standardized checklists and a photo log. Mark items with blue tape at the punch list stage.
- Send a written punch list to the superintendent with a requested deadline and get acknowledgment in writing.
- Track every item in a shared spreadsheet with dates, responses, and repair verification photos.
Communication and escalation
- Share reports, photos, and timelines quickly. For remote buyers, provide weekly status summaries or milestone updates.
- If deadlines slip, reference contract remedies and escalate to builder management in writing. Use closing holdbacks when permitted.
- Order re-inspections for safety or structural items.
Closing and post-closing
- On closing day, verify the Certificate of Occupancy and final municipal inspections. Confirm keys, codes, and manuals.
- Continue to track outstanding items post-closing under the builder’s warranty and confirm the path for warranty claims.
Special tips for Star buyers
If you are out of state
- Require live video for each walkthrough and hire a third-party inspector who provides a formal report with photos.
- Have your local agent attend every walkthrough to maintain continuity and advocate for your punch list.
- Coordinate utility starts, mail forwarding, and how keys and gate codes will be transferred if you arrive after closing.
If you are a first-time new-construction buyer
- Expect some cosmetic touch-ups. Plan for paint, grout, and caulk fixes during or shortly after move-in under the warranty.
- Learn the warranty process. Most builders require written notice, so document issues with photos and dates.
- Engage early. Pre-drywall is your best chance to verify locations and correct rough-in items before they are costly to change.
Common defects to watch
- Grading and drainage that do not slope away from the foundation.
- Missing or poorly installed flashing at windows and doors.
- Drywall and paint quality issues, nail pops, and visible seams.
- Misaligned doors or cabinets and gaps at trim or counters.
- HVAC airflow imbalances leading to hot or cold rooms.
- Plumbing leaks or slow drains from construction debris.
- Electrical labeling errors, missing covers, or improper grounding.
- Exterior finish damage or improperly installed gutters.
- Missing smoke or carbon monoxide detectors.
Close with confidence
You deserve a smooth handoff and a home built to plan. By using these checklists, documenting every stage, and keeping communication clear, you will reduce surprises and protect your investment. If you want a hands-on local advocate to schedule, document, and track your walkthroughs in Star, connect with Dana Hanks for guidance from contract to keys.
FAQs
What is a pre-drywall walkthrough in Star, Idaho?
- It is a site visit after framing and rough mechanicals are installed but before insulation and drywall, where you confirm locations and quality while everything is still visible.
Who should attend the blue-tape walkthrough on my new build?
- You, your agent, and the builder’s superintendent should attend, and you may add a third-party inspector for an objective punch list.
Do I need a Certificate of Occupancy before closing?
- Yes, you should verify the builder has final approvals and a Certificate of Occupancy from the city or county before you close or move in.
Can I do walkthroughs remotely if I live out of state?
- Yes, attend by live video, have your agent on site, and hire a third-party inspector who provides a written report with photos.
What items belong on my final walkthrough checklist?
- Re-verify punch-list repairs, test all systems and appliances, confirm utilities, collect warranties and manuals, and ensure keys, codes, and the Certificate of Occupancy are ready.
