What Is a Blue Tape Walkthrough? What to Look For Before Closing on New Construction
If you're buying a newly constructed home in Texas, you may have heard the term "blue tape walkthrough" come up during your build process. So what is it, and why does it matter? Let's walk through what to expect, and what to look for, so you feel confident and prepared as your new home nears completion.
What Is a Blue Tape Walkthrough?
A blue tape walkthrough is a scheduled inspection of your new construction home, usually done shortly before closing, where you and someone from the builder's team, like the construction manager, walk the home together. During this visit, you'll mark areas that need touch-ups, repairs, or finishing work, typically using blue painter's tape. Sometimes, a second color of tape will be used to mark drywall that needs to be repaired.
This is your opportunity to ensure that your home was built according to your contract, design selections, and quality expectations.
What Should You Look For?
Bring a notepad (or use your phone's camera and notes app), and take your time walking through the home and around the exterior. Here are some key areas to inspect:
1. Walls and Paint
- Check for scuffs, nail pops, or uneven texture.
- Look at corners, ceiling lines, caulking, trim paint, and seams for clean finishes.
- Touch test for smoothness, especially on cabinets and baseboards.
2. Floors and Carpeting
- Look for cracks, chips, or scratches on hard flooring.
- Check for loose tiles or grout gaps. Ensure carpet seams are tight and stretch marks are minimal.
3. Windows and Doors
- Open and close all doors and windows. Do they stick or drag, and is there proper weather stripping?
- Look for cracked panes, uneven caulking, or missing screens.
- Confirm door hardware is installed and secure.
- Check the garage door and sensors to make sure they operate correctly and smoothly.
4. Cabinetry and Countertops
- Check for dings, gaps, or misaligned doors and drawers.
- Ensure countertops are level and caulked properly.
- Open every drawer and cabinet door.
5. Plumbing and Fixtures
- Run all faucets (hot and cold), flush toilets, and test the shower.
- Check water pressure.
- Check for leaks or drips under sinks.
- Make sure fixtures are aligned and sealed correctly, and not chipped.
- Learn where the water shut-off is.
6. Electrical
- Test every light switch and outlet.
- Check that ceiling fans, lights, and any pre-installed appliances are working and are not making any unusual noises.
- Check to make sure the fan direction matches the season (counterclockwise in summer).
- Verify smoke detectors are in place and working.
7. Appliances, HVAC, Water Heater & Softener
- Check appliances to make sure they are present, properly installed, operational, and not making unusual noises.
- Learn how AC filters are changed and how often.
- Learn recommended maintenance for the water heater and softener.
8. Exterior Items
- Walk around the perimeter for cracks in the foundation or siding.
- Look for unsealed edges on windows or doors.
- Run sprinklers to make sure all are functioning, and note the location and zones.
- Review grading and drainage, does water flow away from the home?
- Ensure landscaping is present as agreed upon.
9. Additional Items
- Locate appliance and technology manuals, as well as a copy of warranty documents.
- Check for emergency service phone numbers, like a professional plumbing service, HVAC, etc.
- It's highly recommended to keep fire extinguishers in your home, see note in Final Thoughts below.
- If you will have pets in your home, an easily visible note is recommended that includes what type and how many, in case of an emergency.
Should You Bring a Professional?
Some buyers choose to schedule a third-party inspection before their blue tape walkthrough. While it's optional, it is highly recommended. For new construction, a third-party inspection is also recommended earlier in the construction phase, before drywall goes up.
After the Walk-Through: What Happens Next?
Your builder typically schedules any necessary repairs or touch-ups before your closing. Be sure to get a written timeline and confirm that items are addressed to your satisfaction before signing final documents. You can schedule a walkthrough of the home the day before or on the day of closing to make sure everything has been completed.
Final Thoughts
A blue tape walkthrough is a valuable part of the new construction process. Take your time, ask questions, and bring up any items of concern you might have. You've waited patiently for your home, now it's time to make sure it's everything you hoped for.
Also, in Texas, fire extinguishers are not required by law to be provided with new homes, so builders typically do not include them unless specified in your contract or as part of an upgrade package.
It's highly recommended that new homeowners install at least one multipurpose fire extinguisher, ideally:
-
In the kitchen
-
Near the garage
-
On each floor of the home
--
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, construction, or real estate advice. Dueñas Realty Group, its agents, or its broker are not liable for any loss, damage, or injury resulting from the use of this information. Always consult with your builder, inspector, or a licensed professional for guidance specific to your home.
