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Your home renovation project is coming to an end, and you couldn’t be more excited to enjoy your new space. So is your install team! But before they pick up the last of their tools and drop cloths, there’s one more very important stage of your project: the post-renovation walkthrough.
A reputable home expert team will guide homeowners through this final stage of the renovation process, ensuring they have peace of mind that the contracted work has not only been fully completed but that it also meets the expectations of the homeowner. Here’s what to know about your home renovation final inspection.
What’s a Post-Renovation Walkthrough, and Why Does It Matter?
The post-renovation walkthrough is an inspection tour of your newly renovated space taken with the lead installer or team supervisor. The goal is to show the completed work and to identify any spots that still need to be fixed or finished before the job can officially be called done.
Ensures Quality & Accountability
It’s natural for a homeowner to be excited about the end of the renovation project, especially if you’ve been living among drop cloths and sawdust for a while. But the home improvement walkthrough is a non-negotiable step for both you and your home expert team.
Reputable home professionals guarantee their workmanship, so it’s in their best interest to ensure that the job you are paying for has indeed been done well. It’s a sign of the home expert’s commitment to transparency about the work that has been done.
The Final Step Toward Peace of Mind
As much as you are eager to enjoy your newly designed space, it pays to keep your team around just a little while longer to ensure that everything in the project has been completed satisfactorily. The process won’t take long, but don’t rush it.
What Should Be Included in the Walkthrough?
A post-renovation walkthrough will certainly look a bit different from one home to another, depending on the work that was completed. That said, there will be some things in common.
Workmanship & Materials Review
You and the home professionals on your team will inspect the work to confirm that everything has been completed/installed according to the contract. Not sure what to check after renovation? Homeowners can focus on aesthetics and operation for starters.
For example, you may need to learn how to operate a new appliance, or you might spot some scrapes on a newly painted wall. Look for anything that still needs to be finished or adjusted—although chances are good that a Great Day Improvements home expert will do this before you do!
Functionality & Safety Checks
Watch carefully—and take notes, if necessary—while the team demonstrates the proper use and any necessary maintenance tasks for the proper upkeep of new features. This might be anything from showing you how to properly use the quiet-close kitchen drawers to how to tilt in your window sash so you can clean the glass.
Don’t worry about taking a few extra minutes to get a feel for your new space. Understanding the safe operation of any new installation is important to maintaining its appearance and functionality over time.
Punch List Creation & Review
The final home renovation checklist is commonly referred to as a punch list. Essentially, it is a to-do list of tasks that still need to be addressed before the project is completed and the homeowner’s final payment to the contractor is rendered.
The document is created by the owner and lead installer or supervisor. Items and tasks get added to the list when the group inspects the work or tours the home. The duration of a home improvement walkthrough ultimately depends on the scope of the project. Expect the work in a single room of your home to last 5–20 minutes.
Warranty & Maintenance Information
Collect any warranty paperwork and ensure you know the websites where you can access the digital documents. Be sure to obtain confirmation of warranty registration to avoid any unpleasant surprises down the road.
Keep in mind, too, that the homeowner will still be responsible for maintenance on any items under warranty. This could be anything from routine tune-ups for an HVAC system to avoiding certain cleaning solutions on carpet or hardwood floors. Negligence during use can void a warranty.
Tips to Get the Most Out of the Walkthrough
Now that you know what a renovation sign-off process looks like, here are some tips on how to make the most out of this final step.
Take Notes & Photos
A pad of paper and a pen are useful tools for a post-renovation walkthrough, but so is your smartphone. Keep yours out of your pocket and ready to snap some “before” photos that you can then compare to the “after” when the punch list is completed.
Visual learners may want to record a video of the home pro as they demonstrate the proper use of an appliance or product so they can play it back as they grow accustomed to their upgraded space. This is especially important if you share the decision-making with someone else in your household who can’t be there for the final walkthrough.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Reminder: you should ask common homeowner questions you have during any stage of the home renovation project. A reputable home expert will appreciate the opportunity to remain on the same page as the homeowner during the process, so go ahead and ask questions—anything from what they did to solve an earlier problem to how to open and close a new window.
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Confirm Next Steps & Follow-Ups
The punch list will likely include small tasks that can be completed on the same day or with one final visit from your home expert team. If it’s the latter, be sure to confirm the schedule for that day.
What to Expect from a Trusted Home Renovation Partner
So how can you get to the happy-ever-after stage of your renovation project? Working with a trusted home improvement company is a great start.
Our team at Great Day Improvements is committed to expert guidance and transparent communication throughout the entire process. We value our customers and the value they are adding to their homes, so we welcome questions at any stage of the process to make that investment feel a bit easier.
Like the warranties behind new products and appliances, a good home expert team stands behind their work. During the renovation sign-off process, we will discuss Great Day Improvements’ warranties for workmanship and products. The final walkthrough might be the final day we come to your home, but we’re here for you should any questions or concerns arise. We want you to enjoy living in your newly renovated home.
Ready to compare quotes with confidence? Request your free renovation quote from Great Day Improvements today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a post-renovation walkthrough, and why is it important?
A post-renovation walkthrough is the final step in your remodeling project where you and your home improvement team review the completed work together. It’s essential for ensuring everything meets your expectations and that any outstanding items are identified for correction.
What should I look for during my final walkthrough after a renovation?
Pay close attention to functionality, finish quality, cleanliness, and safety. Test all windows, doors, lights, and fixtures. Check for paint touch-ups, hardware alignment, and any areas that feel incomplete or off-spec.
Who participates in the post-renovation walkthrough?
Typically, the homeowner and the installation lead or project manager from the remodeling company will walk through the space together, reviewing each detail of the work completed.
How long does a post-renovation walkthrough usually take?
The walkthrough usually takes about 5–20 minutes depending on the size and complexity of the remodel. You should allow enough time to give your full attention and ask questions.
What happens if I find issues during my walkthrough?
Any concerns or defects you identify will be documented and scheduled for correction. A reputable company like Great Day Improvements will address punch list items promptly and thoroughly.
What makes Great Day Improvements different during the post-renovation process?
Great Day Improvements stands apart by owning every step of your project—from design to installation—so there are no handoffs or finger-pointing. Your walkthrough is with the same team that brought your vision to life, ensuring accountability and peace of mind.
