Your builder wants to deliver a polished product. You want a home worth your dreams and money. A blue tape inspection ensures both of you come away satisfied. Together, you can inspect the house and mark off any items that need attention – that’s where the blue tape comes in. All the tagged parts of the home create a “punch-list,” or “punch-out list,” for the builder to correct. Here are some of the areas you should review carefully. Major Damage And Repairs Needed A blue tape walkthrough helps you and your builder identify problems, both big and small. That way, you can address any issues before you move in. Some may be a higher priority or need more work than others. But, left untreated, major damage may pose a real risk to the integrity of the home and you and any other residents’ safety. Keep a watch out for red flags that require repair, such as: In a new construction, you’re more likely to find minor defects rather than major ones. However, the walkthrough gives you the chance to address anything and everything. Safety Hazards Buyers should beware of potential safety hazards in their new home. If you don’t pay close attention during the walkthrough, you may miss something that could pose a danger to you – personally and financially. Some possible risks to your new home’s interior and exterior include:
- Signs of pests, like rodents, termites, ants, and larger animals such as raccoons
- Mold growth in moist areas, like the bathroom and kitchen
- Improperly installed structures like handrails, flooring or lighting
- Faulty wiring
- Clogged gutters
- Early water damage
- Cracks in the foundation (allowing water and radon to seep in)
- Other environmental hazards such as carbon monoxide
Window Quality
During the walkthrough, the homeowner and construction representative inspect every surface, from floors to mirrors to walls. At that time, it’s important to check the windows as well. That involves every part of the window, including the glass, screen, latches, locks, and frame.
Look for the following:
- Glass is clean and easy to see through, with no scratches or cracks
- Window frame appears square (or otherwise correctly measured)
- No cracks, rot, or decay in the frame or trim
- Screen is intact without any tears
- Screens do not pop out easily
- Opens easily and latches properly
- Weep holes installed
- Uniformly caulked
Your windows are more than an aesthetic accessory. They also play a key role in protecting your home. A window that doesn’t open correctly becomes a fire hazard, and a poorly installed one invites cold air, water damage, and mold.
Door And Drawer Mobility
Like windows, drawers and doors need to move smoothly. Nothing should be painted shut, or you risk a safety hazard at worse and an inconvenience at best. This includes any type of door or drawer, like front doors, back doors, interior doors, garage doors, storm doors and cabinets.
Look for any of these problems in your doors:
- Issues with closing or opening, such as dragging or sticking
- Not flush with the frame
- Noisy hinges
- Wood frames with damage
- Sensor issues with the garage door
Examine your front door in particular. It’s a focal point and adds curb appeal, which can help with prospective buyers in the future.
Appliance And House System Functionality
Before you sit down with a checklist, you may not realize how many systems and appliances there are in a home. But each one needs to be examined during the blue tape walkthrough.
So, make sure to review the functionality of appliances like:
- Ovens
- Stoves
- Dishwashers
- Washing machines
- Dryers
- Refrigerators
- Freezers
Test these appliances as you go through. For example, see if the oven heats up, if the freezer dispenses ice and water, and if the dishwasher makes it through a run cycle.
You also want to inspect home systems like:
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Plumbing
- Electricity
For instance, you can examine the wiring on your electrical systems, the ductwork for your HVAC (heating and cooling) systems, and the pipes for your plumbing.
If you find any issues with a particular product your contractor installed, consider contacting the manufacturer or local supplier. Also, review the warranty process on the item in question.
Minor Cosmetic Issues
When you do a blue tape walkthrough, you’re looking at little problems as well as big ones. But even if they’re small, you’ll want them addressed. After all, this is your new home we’re talking about. Appearances are important, and you want to move in happy with the final product.
Keep an eye out for these cosmetic issues:
- Cracks or blemishes in the paint
- Stains in the carpeting
- Scuff marks on the floor
- Scratches on surfaces like countertops or on appliances
- Dents in the structure
- Nail holes
The nice thing about cosmetic concerns is that your builder can easily address them. It just takes a thorough look over to find them. So, take your time as you move through the house. Again, having others inspect with you, such as a partner or friend, may help lessen the workload.
As a seasoned expert in the field of home construction and inspections, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and depth of expertise to guide you through the crucial process of ensuring your newly built home meets the highest standards. The article you provided emphasizes the importance of a blue tape inspection, a critical step in the construction process that allows homeowners to identify and address issues before moving in.
Let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
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Major Damage and Repairs Needed:
- Uneven floors
- Broken or severely damaged appliances and home systems
- Poor ventilation
- Leaking roof
- Cracks in the foundation
- Threats to structural integrity (e.g., rotten wood, poor drainage)
-
Safety Hazards:
- Signs of pests (rodents, termites, ants, larger animals)
- Mold growth
- Improperly installed structures (handrails, flooring, lighting)
- Faulty wiring
- Clogged gutters
- Early water damage
- Cracks in the foundation (allowing water and radon to seep in)
- Environmental hazards (e.g., carbon monoxide)
-
Window Quality:
- Clean and scratch-free glass
- Square and well-measured window frame
- No cracks, rot, or decay in the frame or trim
- Intact and tear-free screens
- Proper functioning (opens easily, latches properly)
- Adequate caulking and weep holes
-
Door and Drawer Mobility:
- Smooth opening and closing
- No dragging, sticking, or misalignment
- Noisy hinges
- Lack of damage in wood frames
- Proper sensor functioning for garage doors
-
Appliance and House System Functionality:
- Testing functionality of appliances (ovens, stoves, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, freezers)
- Inspecting home systems (air conditioning, heating, plumbing, electricity)
- Checking wiring, ductwork, and pipes for potential issues
-
Minor Cosmetic Issues:
- Cracks or blemishes in paint
- Stains in carpeting
- Scuff marks on the floor
- Scratches on surfaces (countertops, appliances)
- Dents in the structure
- Nail holes
Addressing these aspects during the blue tape walkthrough ensures not only the resolution of major structural and safety concerns but also the attention to detail needed for a flawless and aesthetically pleasing final product. Taking the time to conduct a thorough inspection, possibly with the assistance of a partner or friend, is crucial for a satisfactory homeownership experience.
