Florida New Home Walkthrough Checklist: A Guide for Buyers

A Florida new home walkthrough checklist ensures every system, safety feature, and finish is inspected, covering essentials like breaker boxes, HVAC, impact windows, roofing, and drainage, so you move in confident your home meets state-specific codes and climate demands.

Florida New Home Walkthrough: Essentials You Can’t Skip

A walkthrough is your last chance to spot issues before closing. Here’s what to focus on:

• Breaker box & GFCIs: Verify labeling and test outlets for safety.
• HVAC & air filters: Confirm cooling efficiency and hurricane tie-downs.
• Roof & attic: Check shingles, ventilation, and hurricane clips.
• Impact windows & doors: Ensure certifications and seal integrity.
• Plumbing & water shutoffs: Test pressure and locate all valves.
• Stucco & grading: Look for cracks and confirm drainage slopes away.
• Storm shutters: Ensure proper fit and hardware for quick setup.

Document issues with photos, mark defects with blue tape, and bring tools like a flashlight and tape measure.

 

Pairing your checklist with an inspector’s expertise ensures hidden problems are caught and your investment stays protected. 

Preparation now prevents costly surprises later.

How to Prepare for Your Florida Walkthrough Like a Pro

Your final walkthrough isn’t just a formality, it’s your last chance to catch issues before you sign on the dotted line. 

Plan your walkthrough 1–2 days before closing to address issues without delaying the process. 

Allow 1.5–2 hours for a thorough inspection and avoid distractions by leaving kids, pets, and guests at home.

Tools and Essentials You Must Bring

A walkthrough without the right tools is like fishing without bait, you’ll miss what’s lurking beneath the surface. Bring:

• Pens, a legal pad, and neon green stickers to mark defects and create a punch list. Pre-numbered blue tape works even better for organized follow-ups.
• A high-output LED flashlight to expose paint flaws, drywall seams, and even plumbing leaks hidden by poor lighting.
• Tape measure, level, and calipers to ensure cabinetry, trim, and even window installations meet specifications.
• A phone or camera to document issues with timestamps, perfect for warranty disputes.

These essentials keep your walkthrough efficient and prevent overlooked details from becoming costly headaches. Approach the walkthrough like a seasoned pro, not an excited new homeowner. 

This is your chance to verify that systems function and finishes meet contract standards. By preparing thoroughly and bringing the right tools, you set yourself up for a successful walkthrough. 

Now, it’s time to dive into the detailed checklist to ensure every system, finish, and feature in your Florida home meets standards before closing.

The Ultimate Florida Walkthrough Checklist Before You Sign

Your walkthrough is your final chance to make sure your Florida home is move-in ready and built to handle the state’s unique climate. 

Each step below addresses both everyday functionality and Florida-specific issues that could cost you later if overlooked.

1. Breaker Box & GFCI Outlets

Start in the garage or utility area by inspecting the breaker box. Confirm that every breaker is clearly labeled to avoid future confusion during emergencies. 

Test each GFCI outlet indoors and outdoors, especially those near pools, kitchens, and bathrooms, using the reset function to meet Florida’s strict electrical safety codes. 

Faulty outlets here can pose risks during storm season when power surges are common.

2. Hot Water Heater & Shutoff Valves

Check the water heater for correct size and functionality. Run taps until hot water flows steadily. Learn the location of the main water shutoff valve and individual shutoffs in bathrooms and kitchens. 

In Florida, where unexpected plumbing leaks can escalate in humidity, knowing how to shut off water quickly can save you thousands in damage and prevent mold growth.

3. HVAC System & Air Filters

Run the HVAC on both cooling and heating modes to test efficiency. 

Florida’s humidity puts heavy demand on AC systems, so confirm it cools quickly. Note the air filter size and document it, filters often need monthly changes here. 

Check exterior units for hurricane tie-downs, a key requirement in storm zones, to ensure your system won’t become dangerous debris in high winds.

4. Roof & Attic Ventilation

Inspect your roof from ground level for loose or misaligned shingles. Inside, check attic vents for proper airflow, which is critical in Florida’s heat to prevent mold. 

Look for soffits securely fastened against wind uplift. These seemingly small details help maintain energy efficiency and are vital for insurance compliance under Florida’s hurricane mitigation standards.

5. Impact-Resistant Windows & Doors

Florida building codes require impact-rated windows and doors in hurricane-prone areas. Check for certification labels, smooth operation, and proper seals. 

Look closely at the caulking for cracks or gaps that invite moisture intrusion. 

Impact windows not only protect against debris but also lower insurance costs when properly installed, so this step is essential for both safety and financial savings.

6. Kitchen Cabinets & Appliances

Open every cabinet and drawer to check alignment, hinges, and finish quality. 

Test all kitchen appliances: run the dishwasher for leaks, ensure ovens and stovetops heat evenly, and verify refrigerator water lines work. 

Florida’s humidity can warp wood finishes quickly, so note any defects now. Gather manuals and warranty details to streamline future repairs or replacements.

7. Plumbing Fixtures & Toilets

Run every faucet on both hot and cold to check water pressure and flow consistency. Flush toilets to ensure strong drainage and no continuous running. Inspect under-sink pipes for leaks or unsealed joints. 

In Florida’s climate, even small leaks can escalate quickly into mold or wood rot, so these checks prevent hidden water damage from becoming a major repair.

8. Stucco & Exterior Paint

Walk around your home’s perimeter to inspect stucco for hairline cracks, these are notorious entry points for rain during Florida’s wet season. 

Confirm exterior paint is evenly applied and covers all surfaces, including trim and soffits. 

Poor sealing or cracks here can allow moisture intrusion, leading to costly structural repairs in the future, especially in coastal or high-rainfall areas.

9. Sprinkler System & Drainage

Test all irrigation zones to confirm proper coverage and no broken heads. Florida’s sandy soil demands efficient irrigation for landscaping health. 

Assess yard grading to ensure water flows away from the foundation, reducing flood risk during heavy rain. 

Poor drainage is a common oversight that can lead to pooling water, mosquito breeding grounds, and even foundational erosion.

10. Garage Door & Keypad

Operate the garage door multiple times, listening for grinding or hesitation. Test wall buttons, remote openers, and exterior keypads. 

Ask the builder to demonstrate the manual release in case of power outages, which are frequent during Florida storms. 

Faulty garage doors can become hazardous in high winds, so ensure it’s properly secured and balanced before closing.

11. Exterior AC Unit

Confirm that the outdoor AC unit is elevated properly to protect it from flooding and fitted with hurricane tie-down straps. 

Clear any debris nearby to allow unrestricted airflow. 

Since Florida’s heat requires nearly year-round cooling, this system must run efficiently to avoid high energy bills or mid-summer breakdowns that are both costly and uncomfortable.

12. Termite Treatment & Documentation

Request proof of termite pre-treatment, a standard requirement in Florida. Termites thrive in the state’s warm, damp conditions and can silently damage structures if untreated. 

Verify that the certificate is current and that the builder’s pest control provider is reputable. Missing this step could void your eligibility for pest warranties and future coverage.

13. Hose Bibs & Sewer Cleanout

Locate all hose bibs and test for steady water flow. Ensure exterior faucets are capped and sealed to prevent leaks. 

Identify the sewer cleanout location, this is vital if backups occur during Florida’s frequent heavy rains. Marking this now saves costly plumbing calls later when time is critical.

14. Storm Shutters

Verify that all storm shutters are present, fit correctly, and include necessary hardware. Practice installing at least one set during your walkthrough. 

In Florida, waiting until a hurricane warning to learn how they work is too late. Ensure you have clear labeling and proper storage space for quick deployment.

15. Warranty & Builder Paperwork

Finally, review all warranty documents with your builder. 

Understand what’s covered, cosmetic fixes typically fall within the first year, while major systems often carry two to three years, and structural coverage extends up to ten. 

Document unresolved punch list items clearly, and ensure they are attached to your signed walkthrough forms to prevent disputes later.

By covering these essentials, you’ll ensure your new Florida home is safe, functional, and built to withstand the state’s unique climate. 

But even with a thorough checklist, some often-overlooked details can still slip by, let’s highlight the ones buyers frequently miss.

Helpful Resource → HOA Roofing Requirements in Florida | 2025 Guide

What Most Buyers Miss During a Florida Walkthrough (But Shouldn’t)

Even detail-oriented buyers overlook small but critical points during their walkthrough, especially in Florida’s storm-prone environment. 

Here’s what to double-check:

• Blue-taping cosmetic flaws: Mark every paint streak, drywall ding, or uneven trim. If it’s not documented, builders may dismiss it later as “normal wear.”
• Testing every outlet and GFCI reset: Use a plug-in tester on all outlets, including those on patios or near pools, to ensure electrical safety.
• Checking roof deck sealing and wind mitigation features: Ask for proof of sealed roof decks and hurricane clips, these save money on insurance and protect against storm damage.
• Inspecting attic insulation: Look for gaps or damaged ductwork. Poor insulation in Florida’s heat can drive up energy costs and create moisture problems.
• Confirming drainage and grading: Verify yard slopes away from the home. Poor drainage leads to standing water and foundation issues during summer rains.
• Examining soffit vents and hurricane clips: Ensure vents are secure and clips meet code for wind resistance.
• Requesting subcontractor contacts: Get direct numbers for plumbing, HVAC, and electrical teams in case of post-move-in emergencies.

Catching these details early prevents costly fixes later and ensures your Florida home is fully prepared for its climate challenges.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @floridaroofingandgutters

Even with a sharp eye, it’s easy to miss hidden or technical issues during a walkthrough. 

This is where a professional inspector’s expertise becomes invaluable, ensuring nothing critical is overlooked before you finalize your purchase.

Why a Professional Inspector Can Save You Thousands

Even if you follow every step of your checklist, a licensed Florida home inspector brings expertise that catches what most buyers can’t.

• Spotting hidden defects: Experienced inspectors identify issues behind walls, in attics, or under foundations, things you’d never notice on a walkthrough but could cost thousands to repair later.
• Ensuring code compliance: They verify that impact glass, hurricane straps, and electrical systems meet Florida’s stringent building codes, critical for safety and insurance eligibility.
• Strengthening your punch list: Inspectors provide detailed reports with photos, making it easier to hold builders accountable for incomplete or substandard work before closing.
• Boosting insurance claims and credits: Their documentation often qualifies for wind mitigation discounts, lowering premiums, and supports claims if post-move defects emerge.

Hiring an inspector isn’t about distrust, it’s about peace of mind in a state where storms, humidity, and tight building regulations demand diligence. 

Pairing your walkthrough checklist with an inspector’s expertise ensures nothing slips through the cracks before you sign.

Final Thoughts: Walk in Confident, Close Without Regrets

A well-prepared Florida new home walkthrough checklist is your best tool for preventing overlooked defects and ensuring your home is truly move-in ready. 

By combining detailed preparation with a methodical approach, you can catch both functional issues and Florida-specific concerns before they become costly problems. 

Remember, minor cosmetic flaws are routine and easily fixed, while major repairs or code-related concerns should be negotiated before closing. 

Bringing a licensed inspector alongside your checklist adds an extra layer of protection and expertise, giving you confidence that nothing critical has been missed.

In Florida’s storm-prone, high-humidity environment, a thorough walkthrough isn’t optional, it’s your best protection before closing. 

With careful planning, documentation, and professional insight, you’ll not only safeguard your investment but also step into your new home with peace of mind, ready to enjoy it without lingering worries or last-minute surprises.