Final Walkthrough Checklist in Florida: What to Look for Before Closing (Orlando & Miami)

If you’re buying a home in Florida, the final walkthrough is one of the smartest steps you can take before you sign closing documents. It’s your last opportunity to confirm the property is in the same condition you agreed to buy, that repairs were completed, and that the home is truly move-in ready.

At Rey New Homes, I guide investors and families through new homes in Orlando and Miami with personalized support. This checklist is the same type of framework I use with clients so nothing important gets missed.

When should the final walk-through happen?

Ideally, schedule it 24–72 hours before closing. That timing gives you enough room to document issues and request a fix, credit, or solution without being forced into a rushed decision.

What to bring to your final walkthrough

Come prepared so you can verify details quickly and confidently:

• A copy of your purchase contract and repair agreements

• Your inspection report (if applicable)

• Phone (photos/video) + charger

• A simple notes checklist

• Optional: a small outlet tester and a flashlight

Bringing your paperwork and camera helps you confirm the home matches what you negotiated.

The Final Walkthrough Checklist (Florida Buyers)

1) Confirm all negotiated repairs are completed

If the seller agreed to repairs, this is the moment to verify they were done properly and that no new issues appeared afterward.

Pro tip: If you have receipts or proof of completion, review them during the walkthrough.

2) Make sure utilities are ON

You cannot properly test the home without utilities.

Check that electric, water, and gas (if applicable) are active so you can test A/C, appliances, outlets, plumbing, and water heater. Utilities being off is a common walkthrough problem and can justify delaying until you can verify functionality.

3) Test the home’s “big systems”

Florida living makes these systems non-negotiable:

• HVAC / A/C: confirm cooling, airflow, thermostat response

• Plumbing: run faucets, showers, check water pressure and temperature, flush toilets

• Electrical: test switches, lights, outlets, doorbell

These are standard items recommended across professional walkthrough checklists.

4) Appliances and included items

Verify that everything that should stay is still there and working:

• refrigerator, oven, microwave, dishwasher

• washer/dryer (if included)

• garage remotes, smart home devices, keys, manuals

Confirming “conveying items” is a core goal of the final walk-through. (rocketmortgage.com)

5) Doors, windows, locks, and garage

Open and close everything:

• doors/windows operate smoothly and lock correctly

• check screens, sliding doors, and weather stripping

• test the garage door, wall controls, and remotes

This is one of the easiest ways to catch problems buyers notice too late. (rocketmortgage.com)

6) Floors, walls, ceilings, and signs of leaks

Walk every room and look carefully:

• fresh scratches, dents, stains, cracked tile

• water stains under sinks or around baseboards

• any new damage since your last visit

7) Exterior and drainage basics (Florida-specific mindset)

Even if you don’t do a full exterior inspection, do a quick check:

• obvious grading/drainage issues

• exterior faucets working

• landscaping completion (for new builds)
  

New construction walkthroughs often include exterior completion and drainage review.

If it’s new construction: do a “blue tape” / punch list walkthrough

For new construction homes in Orlando or Miami, many builders use a blue tape walkthrough: you mark cosmetic or functional issues with tape and the builder logs them into a punch list (touch-ups, alignment fixes, minor adjustments). (rocketmortgage.com)

Examples of common punch list items:

• paint touch-ups, drywall dings

• sticky doors, uneven cabinet alignment

• loose hardware, trim gaps

• grout/caulk finish details

Your goal is simple: make sure what you selected and what was promised is what you’re receiving.

What if you find a problem during the final walkthrough?

How you respond depends on severity:

• Minor issue: document it and request a written agreement for repair/credit

• Major issue (leak, HVAC failure, missing items): do not feel pressured to close until there’s a clear resolution

• In some cases, buyers negotiate a holdback/escrow arrangement or reschedule closing until repairs are completed

The key is to communicate immediately through your agent and keep everything documented.

A final walkthrough is not about being picky—it’s about protecting your purchase and your peace of mind. If you’re buying new homes in Orlando or Miami, I’ll guide you through the walkthrough step by step so you know exactly what to check, what matters most, and how to handle any last-minute surprises.