New-Construction Walkthrough Checklist For McKinney Buyers

Are you getting close to closing on a new construction home in McKinney? The final walkthrough can feel exciting and a little overwhelming. You want to catch real issues, protect your warranty, and avoid surprises after move-in. This guide gives you a clear, construction-savvy checklist tailored to McKinney and Collin County so you can walk the property with confidence, know what to prioritize, and decide if you should bring in an independent inspector. Let’s dive in.

McKinney-specific checks before you walk

Before you focus on paint touch-ups, make sure the basics are covered for a safe, legal close in McKinney.

• Confirm the City of McKinney has issued the final Certificate of Occupancy. This is required for legal occupancy and often affects utility activation.
• Verify which utility providers serve your lot. Many new communities in Collin County use Municipal Utility Districts. MUDs can affect your property tax bill and sometimes the timing of permanent water and sewer connections.
• Ask for the HOA contact, recorded covenants, and fee schedule. Review any transfer fees and the assessment calendar before closing.
• Check floodplain and drainage details. Review flood maps and any elevation certificates provided. On site, look for positive drainage away from the foundation and that finished grade matches the plan.
• Keep copies of permits and city inspections. Framing, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and final inspections should be completed. Retain any reports the builder can share.
• Understand your recourse. If a dispute arises, Texas resources include the Texas Real Estate Commission, the Texas Attorney General under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, and local code enforcement. Your builder warranty may also specify mediation or arbitration.

Your final walkthrough game plan

Schedule your final walkthrough as close to closing as possible, usually 24 to 48 hours before you sign. If you can, also plan an earlier pre-drywall visit to see framing, mechanical runs, and insulation before walls close.

Walk the home in an organized loop. Start with safety and systems. Then move to exterior and site drainage. Finish with interior finishes and cosmetics. Use a punch list form and write every item down.

What to bring

• Phone with camera and video, plus a flashlight
• Small ladder or step stool
• Measuring tape and a basic level
• Outlet and GFCI tester
• Notepad or printed checklist and markers
• Protective shoe covers
• Your ID, the builder’s punch list form, and your agent

Tip: Record short, date-stamped videos of each room and system as you test. Narrate what you are checking for clearer records.

Priority checklist: safety and systems first

Address habitability and safety before cosmetics. If you find a safety issue or something that can cause damage, flag it in writing and ask for an expedited fix.

Certificate of Occupancy

• Confirm the final Certificate of Occupancy has been issued by the city.

HVAC

• Turn the system on. Verify both heat and cool cycles.
• Check thermostat operation and that a correctly sized filter is installed.
• Stand under each register to confirm airflow. Listen for unusual noise.

Electrical

• Test every outlet, including GFCIs in kitchens, garages, and baths.
• Flip every switch and verify all lights and exterior outlets work.
• Check the breaker panel for clear labeling and accessible shutoffs.
• Confirm smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and powered.

Plumbing

• Run every faucet and tub. Check hot water and steady flow.
• Inspect under sinks while water runs for leaks or drips.
• Flush each toilet and confirm proper refill and seal.
• Test shower and tub drains for quick drainage without backup.
• Inspect the water heater for temperature setting, a proper discharge pipe on the pressure relief valve, and correct venting if gas.

Gas appliances (if applicable)

• Test ignition and burners. Watch for steady flame.
• Check for any unusual odors and confirm shutoff access.
• Verify proper venting for ranges, water heaters, and fireplaces.

Structural, roof, and attic

• Look for missing shingles or signs of leaks.
• Enter the attic if accessible to check insulation coverage and ventilation.
• Confirm roof penetrations are sealed and the attic hatch closes tightly.
• Check stair handrails and guardrails for solid, secure installation.

Windows and doors

• Open and close every window and exterior door.
• Confirm locks, seals, screens, and weep holes function as designed.
• Test garage door openers, wall buttons, and safety sensors.

Exterior and site drainage

• Sight the grade around the foundation. Water should slope away on all sides.
• Confirm gutters and downspouts are attached and directed away from the slab.
• Walk the driveway and sidewalks for major cracks or tripping hazards.
• Test the irrigation system if installed. Run each zone and look for overspray.

Appliances and ventilation

• Run the oven, cooktop, microwave, and dishwasher through basic functions.
• Check range hood venting and dryer vent installation.
• Verify washer and dryer hookups are secure and labeled.

Interior finishes and hardware

• Inspect flooring for gaps, scratches, or squeaks.
• Open all cabinet doors and drawers. Check alignment and soft-close features if included.
• Look at countertops for cracks or chips. Scan tile grout and caulking.
• Review paint and trim consistency. Note obvious blemishes for touch-up.

Landscaping and fencing

• Check sod and plantings for condition and coverage.
• Open and close all fence gates. Verify latch function and alignment.

Pest prevention

• Look for gaps at penetrations or exterior trim where insects could enter.
• Consider a wood-destroying insect inspection if required by your lender or for peace of mind.

Cosmetics vs. function: how to prioritize

Focus first on anything that affects habitability, safety, or can cause damage. HVAC performance, active leaks, electrical hazards, and structural issues should be addressed before closing when possible. Cosmetics like paint scuffs or small trim gaps can follow on the punch list, but you should document them in writing with target dates for completion.

When to hire a third-party inspector

Independent inspections on new construction are common and can add real value.

• Pre-drywall inspection. A qualified inspector can review framing, fire blocking, mechanical routing, and rough plumbing and electrical before walls close. This is the best time to catch concealed issues.
• Final inspection before closing. Even with builder inspections, a neutral home inspector may find installation errors, incomplete work, or code concerns.
• Specialists as needed. Consider a structural engineer for notable cracking or sagging, an HVAC specialist for sizing or performance issues, a roof inspector for suspected leaks, a termite inspection for added assurance, or a drainage engineer if water ponds near the foundation.

Weigh the cost against the peace of mind and potential savings if a problem is found early. For many buyers, a pre-drywall inspection plus a full final inspection offers the best return.

Warranties and timelines to know

Many builders follow a common 1-2-10 pattern, but you should always read your specific warranty.

• 1 year: workmanship and materials
• 2 years: mechanical systems like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC
• 10 years: major structural defects affecting load-bearing elements

Submit warranty requests in writing as soon as you find an issue. Keep copies, and follow the builder’s process, whether that is a portal, email, or mailed form. For safety concerns or active damage, notify the builder immediately in writing, take reasonable steps to mitigate risk, and document everything with photos and video.

Documentation and escalation made simple

Strong documentation gives you leverage and keeps everyone aligned on next steps.

• Record dated photos and short videos of each item.
• Use the builder’s punch list form and get written confirmation of receipt.
• Save emails, texts, and portal screenshots. Keep a simple log with dates and summaries.

If progress stalls, follow a clear path:

1. Start with the on-site construction manager or superintendent.
2. Escalate to the builder’s customer service or warranty department.
3. Involve the sales or community manager if needed.
4. Ask your real estate agent to help document and advocate.
5. Contact local code enforcement if you suspect code violations that are not being corrected.
6. Review your warranty’s mediation or arbitration requirements and consult Texas consumer resources if disputes remain.

Quick printable checklist: final walkthrough

Use this short list on site. Add details and photos as you go.

• Confirm Certificate of Occupancy is issued
• HVAC heats and cools, airflow in all rooms, filter installed
• All outlets and GFCIs work; lights and exterior outlets tested
• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed and powered
• Hot water at all fixtures; run taps and drains; no leaks under sinks
• Toilets flush and refill properly
• Water heater set correctly with proper venting and discharge pipe
• Gas appliances ignite, no odors, shutoffs accessible
• Roof has no missing shingles; attic insulated and ventilated
• Stairs, handrails, and guards secure
• All windows and doors open, close, and lock; garage door sensors work
• Grading slopes away from foundation; gutters and downspouts direct water away
• Driveway and walks free of tripping hazards
• Irrigation zones run and heads aligned; no overspray on the house
• Appliances run through basic functions; dryer and range hood vented
• Cabinets, counters, tile, paint, and trim inspected for defects
• Landscaping and fencing complete; gates latch and swing freely
• Mailbox, address numbers, hardware, and keys complete
• All earlier punch list items verified as complete

Suggested timeline you can follow

• Pre-drywall inspection: during framing, before insulation
• Rough-in review: mechanicals and framing, prior to insulation
• Final walkthrough: 24 to 48 hours before closing
• Move-in check: within 30 days to catch items under normal use
• 11-month review: submit a thorough list before the 1-year warranty expires

Move forward with confidence

A careful walkthrough protects your budget and your peace of mind. Prioritize safety and systems, document everything in writing and video, and do not hesitate to bring in an independent inspector if you want an extra set of trained eyes. If you would like a hands-on partner with construction know-how and local experience in Collin County new builds, our team is here to help you plan, inspect, and negotiate your punch list so closing day is a win.

Ready to get started or have questions about a specific McKinney community? Reach out to Texas Life Real Estate LLC for buyer guidance tailored to your build and timeline.

FAQs

What should I confirm with the City of McKinney before closing?

• Verify the final Certificate of Occupancy is issued and that required municipal inspections have passed, since this affects legal occupancy and utilities.

How do MUDs affect my new home in Collin County?

• MUDs can change your property tax bill and sometimes impact timing for permanent water or sewer; confirm the utility provider and any temporary service setup.

Is a third-party inspection worth it for a new build?

• Yes, especially a pre-drywall check and a full final inspection; independent inspectors often catch installation errors or code concerns before you move in.

What issues should be fixed before closing vs. after?

• Safety and habitability items like leaks, electrical hazards, HVAC failures, or structural concerns should be addressed before move-in; document cosmetic items on a written punch list.

How should I submit and track warranty claims after closing?

• Send requests in writing through the builder’s required process, keep copies and photos, state if the issue is safety-related, and track dates and scheduled repairs in a simple log.