Final Walkthrough with Contractor
The most important meeting of your renovation. This thorough review ensures everything is complete and correct before you release final payment. Be detailed, be fair, and protect your investment.
Quick Summary
Time needed
1-2 hours
Cost
Free
Difficulty
Easy
Why the Final Walkthrough Is Critical
You've invested tens of thousands of dollars and months of disruption. The final walkthrough is your opportunity to ensure you received exactly what you paid for. Once you release final payment, your leverage to get issues fixed drops dramatically.
Critical Timing: Never make final payment before the walkthrough. Most contracts specify withholding 10-20% until all work is complete and approved. This percentage gives you the leverage to ensure your punch list gets addressed.
Professional contractors expect a detailed walkthrough and punch list. They build it into their timeline. Being thorough isn't being difficult - it's being a responsible homeowner protecting a major investment.
Complete Walkthrough Checklist
Cabinets
Check:
- All doors open and close smoothly, gaps are even
- All drawers slide smoothly and close completely
- Soft-close mechanisms work on all doors and drawers
- No scratches, dents, or finish defects on any surface
- All hardware is tight and aligned consistently
- Cabinet interiors are clean and free of debris
- Shelves are level and shelf pins are secure
- Crown molding or top trim is secure and caulked
- Light rail or bottom trim is properly installed
Countertops
Check:
- No chips, cracks, or scratches anywhere
- Seams are tight and level (if applicable)
- Edge profile matches specification
- Overhang is consistent and secure
- Backsplash joint is properly caulked
- Sink cutout is smooth and sealed
- Cooktop cutout is precise and sealed
- Surface is level (use a level to check)
Appliances & Fixtures
Test:
- Refrigerator runs, makes ice, temperature correct
- Dishwasher runs full cycle, no leaks
- Range/cooktop - all burners heat properly
- Oven heats to correct temperature
- Range hood fan works on all speeds, light works
- Disposal runs smoothly, no leaks
- Sink faucet - hot and cold water, no leaks, spray works
- All drains flow freely with no backup
- Check under sink for any moisture or leaks
Flooring
Check:
- No scratches, dents, or damage to flooring
- Pattern/grain alignment looks intentional
- Transitions to other rooms are smooth and secure
- No gaps or lippage between planks/tiles
- Floor feels solid, no squeaks or flexing
- Grout lines are clean and uniform (if tile)
Paint & Trim
Check:
- Paint coverage is even, no missed spots or thin areas
- No drips, runs, or splatters anywhere
- Cut-in lines are clean and straight
- Baseboards have tight joints, properly caulked
- Crown molding joints are tight and caulked
- All nail holes are filled and sanded smooth
- Caulk is smooth and painted (where applicable)
Electrical
Test:
- All light fixtures work, bulbs included
- Under-cabinet lighting functions properly
- All outlets work (test with phone charger or tester)
- GFCI outlets test and reset properly
- Light switches control correct fixtures
- Dimmer switches function smoothly
- Outlet and switch plates are installed and level
Creating an Effective Punch List
Your punch list is a written record of everything that needs completion or correction. Be specific, fair, and thorough.
How to Document Issues:
- •Be specific: Not "cabinet door broken" but "Upper cabinet left of sink - door doesn't close completely, rubs on frame"
- •Include location: Use precise descriptions so contractor knows exactly where to look
- •Take photos: Visual documentation prevents disputes about what needs fixing
- •Number items: Makes tracking completion easier
- •Group by type: All cabinet issues together, all paint issues together, etc.
Sample Punch List Format:
CABINETS
1. Upper cab left of range - door sits 1/8" lower than adjacent door
2. Pantry bottom drawer - soft close not engaging
PAINT
3. North wall - missed spot above window casing (2" diameter)
4. Baseboards - touch up needed where joined to walls (multiple locations)
Managing Punch List Completion
Set Clear Expectations:
- • Agree on timeline for completion (typically 1-2 weeks)
- • Schedule follow-up walkthrough to verify completion
- • Clarify what percentage of payment is withheld until complete
- • Get timeline in writing
Payment Protection:
Never release final payment until all punch list items are complete. This is standard practice and professional contractors expect it. Typical withhold is 10-20% of total contract. Once you've paid in full, you have no leverage.
What Doesn't Belong on Punch List:
- • New work not in original contract (that's a change order)
- • Cosmetic issues that are within industry tolerances (1/8" gaps in paint, slight color variation in natural materials)
- • Normal wear from you using the space before completion
- • Personal preference changes (you wanted matte but specified gloss)
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I do the final walkthrough for my kitchen renovation?
Schedule your final walkthrough when the contractor says work is complete but before you make final payment. Most contracts withhold 10-20% of total payment until punch list items are completed. This walkthrough should happen after cleaning but can be before or after the building inspection, depending on your permit requirements.
How long should a final walkthrough take?
Plan for at least 1-2 hours for a thorough walkthrough. Don't rush - you need time to test everything, look carefully at finishes, and document any issues. Some homeowners do a preliminary walkthrough alone first, then a formal walkthrough with the contractor to discuss the punch list.
What should be on my kitchen renovation punch list?
Document anything incomplete, damaged, or not meeting specifications: paint touch-ups needed, cabinet doors that don't close properly, scratches on countertops, grout that needs cleaning, light fixtures not working, outlets not functioning, trim gaps that need caulking, or any work that doesn't match the contract. Be thorough - this is your leverage for getting issues fixed before final payment.
Should I withhold final payment until punch list is complete?
Yes, absolutely. Your contract should specify withholding 10-20% of payment until all work is complete and approved. This gives you leverage to ensure punch list items get done. Once you've paid in full, contractors are less motivated to return for small fixes. Don't release final payment until you're completely satisfied.
What if my contractor refuses to fix punch list items?
First, refer to your contract - it should spell out completion standards and dispute resolution. Document everything with photos and written communication. If the contractor is licensed, you can file a complaint with your state licensing board. You may need to withhold payment equal to the cost of having issues fixed by another contractor. Consult a construction attorney if the contractor refuses reasonable punch list completion.
Ready for the Next Step?
With your punch list in hand, the next step is scheduling and passing your final building inspection.