• There is no such thing as perfect new construction.building inspector,woman image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com
  
  The lure and excitement of acquiring a new home can distract buyers from performing a diligent final walk-through inspection. According to the American Home Inspector Directory, newly constructed homes demand the same scrutiny as older homes because "all new homes have apparent and unapparent defects regardless of the quality of construction." The final walk-through is your last chance to have the builder repair flaws at their expense before closing on the home. So take a checklist, a camera, something to write with, and most importantly, take your time.
  
  

Interior

• "Start the inspection inside and work to the outside," advises Ask the Builder. Check paint, finishings and flooring. Inspect wall and ceiling surfaces for proper drywalling, making sure it looks good in both natural and artificial light, advises the San Diego Union-Tribune. Paint jobs should be clean with neat edges and without paint on door hinges or trimmings. Moldings should be uniform with no gaps. Floors, including, carpeting, tile, laminate and wood, should be free of scratches, chips, paint or dirt. Check for ripples and loose carpeting by walking the room's perimeter and checking inside carpeted closets. Also, listen closely for squeaky floors as you perform the walk-through. Check all doors and windows to ensure they open, close and lock properly. Doors should be cut straight and even, with all six sides completely painted, says the Union-Tribune. Tracks on sliding doors and windows should be well-lubricated, and glass should be clean and screens in place. Ask for attic weight restrictions and how its ventilation system works. In basements, check for water damage and find out how the sump pump works. Also, find out where the crawl space vents are.
  
  

Electrical/Mechanical

• Prevent inconveniences upon moving in by making sure everything mechanical operates, says Ask the Builder. Turn all lights, appliances, faucets and fans on and off. "Be sure all wall outlets and switches operate correctly" and handle fixtures to make sure they are well anchored, says the Union-Tribune, which recommends sitting on the toilet to make sure it is securely fastened. Have the builder -- who should accompany you, or at least make himself available during the walk-through -- show you how to operate the electrical panel, water heater, furnace and thermostat. Find out where the water shut-offs are located. Check the garage door opener to make sure it opens automatically when met with resistance by inserting a block-type object under the door as it closes. It should automatically reverse direction. Request instruction manuals for every appliance in the house, such as the range, refrigerator, dishwasher, furnace, heat pump, water heater and electronic thermostat, says the Union-Tribune. This will help you troubleshoot and properly maintain the appliances.
  
  

Exterior

• Check the home's exterior for paint defects and damaged or unfinished wood or stucco. "Be certain all openings are caulked and there are no gaps for air to infiltrate," advises the Union-Tribune. This will also help prevent future pest infestations. Inspect the garage and driveway floor for cracks. A discussion on the types and causes of cracks that occur in poured concrete slabs or floors can be found at Inspectapedia, a resource website. Make sure the grading (yard's ground) slopes away gradually from the house, says the Union-Tribune. Switch faucets, lights and irrigation systems on and off. Also, look around for standing water, as this may indicate improper grading.