Final Walkthrough: The 47-Point Inspection Checklist Before Your Final Payment
"Don't make final payment until you check these 47 things. Once you pay, leverage is gone."
⚠️ This is your LAST chance to get problems fixed
After final payment, contractors have zero incentive to return. Use this checklist to protect your investment.
⏱️ Walkthrough Time: 2-3 hours | 🔍 Items to Check: 47 | 💰 Money at Stake: Your final payment
Why This Walkthrough Could Save You $10,000+
You've paid 80-90% of the contract already. The contractor wants that final check. This is your leverage moment.
Once you hand over final payment, most contractors become ghosts. They don't return calls. They're busy with the next job. Your punch list items never get fixed. You're stuck with subpar work.
The average homeowner finds 15-20 issues during final walkthrough that need correction. Without this checklist, you'll miss half of them. That means living with problems or paying another contractor $5,000-$10,000 to fix them later.
When to Schedule Your Final Walkthrough
✓ RIGHT TIME
- Contractor says project is "complete"
- All work appears finished
- Contractor asks for final payment
- Before you sign completion certificate
- During daylight hours (better lighting)
✗ WRONG TIME
- After you've paid final payment
- After signing completion documents
- When contractor is rushing you
- At night (poor visibility)
- When you're tired or distracted
💡 Pro Tip: Schedule 2-3 Hours
Don't let the contractor rush you. This walkthrough should take 2-3 hours for a full remodel. If they pressure you to "just sign off quick," that's a red flag. They know there are problems and don't want you finding them.
What to Bring to Your Walkthrough
Camera/Phone
Photo document every issue
This Checklist
Print it out, check boxes
Notebook & Pen
Write detailed notes
Flashlight
Check dark corners, cabinets
Tape Measure
Verify dimensions if needed
Contract & Plans
Reference what was promised
The 47-Point Inspection Checklist
Check every single item before signing off
Category 1: General & Overall (8 items)
All debris removed from work area
No sawdust, scraps, packaging, old materials left behind. Check garage, attic, crawl space.
Final cleaning completed
Surfaces wiped down, floors cleaned, windows washed, dust removed from HVAC vents.
All permits closed with final inspections
Contractor provides proof of inspection approval. THIS IS CRITICAL for resale.
Lien waivers from all subcontractors
Get signed lien releases proving plumber, electrician, tile guy, etc. were all paid.
Warranty documentation provided
Written warranties for workmanship and all major components (appliances, cabinets, counters).
Manuals & care instructions for all appliances
Dishwasher, refrigerator, range, microwave, disposal, etc. Should be in one folder.
Touch-up paint provided for each color used
Labeled cans with room/color name. Essential for future repairs.
Extra tiles/flooring/materials for future repairs
At least one box of tiles, grout color info, flooring planks. Dye lots vary.
Category 2: Cabinets & Storage (7 items)
All cabinet doors open/close smoothly
No sticking, rubbing, or squeaking. Check every single door.
All drawers slide properly with soft-close working
Should glide smoothly and close gently. Test with weight inside.
Cabinet doors align properly (no gaps or overlaps)
Consistent spacing between doors, even reveals.
All hardware securely attached (no loose handles)
Pulls, knobs, hinges tight. Check by tugging firmly.
Interior cabinet surfaces clean and finished
No sawdust, debris, or unfinished edges visible inside.
Shelves level and properly supported
Won't sag under normal weight. Adjustable pegs secure.
No scratches, dents, or damage to cabinet finish
Inspect closely under good lighting. Minor issues now = major problems later.
Category 3: Countertops & Backsplash (6 items)
Countertops level and properly supported
No flexing or movement. Set a marble on surface, shouldn't roll.
Seams tight and nearly invisible (if applicable)
Good seams are hard to spot. Run finger across, should feel smooth.
All edges finished properly (eased, bullnose, etc.)
Smooth to touch, no sharp edges or rough spots.
Backsplash tiles level with consistent grout lines
No lippage (tiles sticking up higher than neighbors). Grout lines straight.
Grout sealed and clean
Water should bead up on grout (sealed properly). No haze or staining.
Caulk at counter/wall joint clean and smooth
Neat bead, no gaps or excess. Should be color-matched or clear.
Category 4: Plumbing (7 items)
All faucets work smoothly (no drips or leaks)
Turn on full blast, turn off completely. Check under sink for leaks after running water 5 minutes.
Drains function properly (no slow drainage)
Fill sink, pull plug, should drain quickly. No gurgling sounds.
Garbage disposal operates quietly
Turn on with water running. No unusual noises or vibrations.
Dishwasher runs complete cycle without leaking
Run it. Check underneath and around door seal during and after cycle.
Water temperature reaches hot within reasonable time
Should get hot water in 30-60 seconds at fixtures.
All shut-off valves present and working
Under sinks, behind toilet, at appliances. Turn them on/off to test.
No water damage or staining around plumbing areas
Check cabinet bottoms, walls behind fixtures, floor around toilet/shower.
Category 5: Electrical & Lighting (6 items)
All outlets and switches work properly
Test EVERY outlet with phone charger. Flip EVERY switch. No sparking or buzzing.
Outlets and switches level and properly aligned
Straight, not crooked. Coverplates flush against wall.
GFCI outlets test and reset properly
Press "test" button (should click and shut off). Press "reset" to restore power.
All light fixtures installed and working
Check each fixture. Bulbs included? Dimmer switches dim smoothly?
Under-cabinet or task lighting works properly
No flickering. Consistent brightness across all units.
Electrical panel labeled with circuit descriptions
"Kitchen outlets," "Dishwasher," etc. Should be clear which breaker controls what.
Category 6: Flooring & Tile (5 items)
Flooring installed level with no gaps or buckling
Walk across entire floor. No soft spots, squeaks, or movement.
Tile work level with minimal lippage
Run hand across tiles. Should feel smooth, no tiles sticking up.
Grout lines consistent and properly filled
No voids, cracks, or missing grout. Should be uniform width.
Transitions between flooring types clean and secure
Thresholds, t-molding properly installed. No tripping hazards.
Baseboards/trim installed tight to floor
No gaps between baseboard and flooring. Caulked if needed.
Category 7: Paint & Drywall (5 items)
Paint coverage even with no missed spots
Check corners, edges, behind fixtures. No thin areas showing old color.
Clean paint lines where walls meet ceiling/trim
Crisp edges, no overlaps or gaps. Professional cut lines.
No drips, sags, or brush marks visible
Smooth finish. View walls at angle in good light to check.
Drywall seams invisible (properly mudded/sanded)
Can't see where panels meet. Smooth to touch, no ridges or depressions.
No paint on fixtures, hardware, or flooring
Clean work. Painters taped/protected properly.
Category 8: Appliances & Final Items (3 items)
All appliances installed level and working
Refrigerator, range, microwave, dishwasher. Run each one. Check for proper clearances.
Ventilation systems working properly
Range hood draws air effectively. Bathroom fans vent outside (not into attic).
Windows/doors open, close, lock properly
Smooth operation. Weather stripping intact. Locks engage securely.
How to Document Issues Properly
This documentation is your leverage
⚠️ Why Documentation Matters
Verbal agreements mean nothing. "He said she said" arguments go nowhere. You need proof. Photos, written notes, and dated documentation give you legal leverage if the contractor refuses to fix problems.
1. Take Detailed Photos
- Wide shots: Show overall context of problem
- Close-ups: Capture specific defect clearly
- Multiple angles: Document from different perspectives
- Include reference: Tape measure, quarter for scale
- Timestamp on: Enable in camera settings if possible
💡 Pro Tip: Take photos BEFORE contractors leave. Once they're gone, proving the defect existed is harder.
2. Write Detailed Notes
For each issue, note:
- Location: "Kitchen, above sink, left side"
- Description: "Paint drip 3 inches long on wall"
- Severity: "Cosmetic" vs "Functional" vs "Safety"
- Contractor response: What they said they'll do
3. Create Official Punch List
Write all issues in numbered list format:
PUNCH LIST, [Your Name], [Date]
1. Kitchen, cabinet door #3, does not close properly
2. Master bath, faucet drips when turned off
3. Living room, outlet by fireplace not working
4. Get Contractor Signature
At end of walkthrough, have contractor sign your punch list acknowledging the issues. This prevents them from later claiming "you never told me about that." Keep original, give them copy.
Your Legal Rights in Arizona
What you can legally withhold (and what you can't)
Arizona Law on Withholding Final Payment
✓ What You CAN Do:
- Withhold payment for incomplete work
- Withhold payment for defective work
- Require corrections before final payment
- Request lien waivers from all subs before paying
- Withhold reasonable amount for documented defects
✗ What You CANNOT Do:
- Refuse to pay for completed work (must be legitimate defects)
- Withhold entire payment for minor issues
- Make up fake problems to avoid paying
- Refuse payment indefinitely without cause
📋 How Much Can You Withhold?
General rule: Withhold an amount that reasonably covers the cost to fix the problems, plus 150% for damages, hassle, time value. For example:
- Minor cosmetic issue (paint touch-up): Withhold $200-$500
- Cabinet door not closing: Withhold $500-$1,000
- Plumbing leak: Withhold $1,000-$3,000
- Major defects (multiple issues): Withhold up to 10-20% of contract
Consult attorney if withholding more than 10% of contract value.
Timeline for Corrections
Step 1: Give Written Notice
Provide punch list in writing (email counts). Be specific. Give reasonable deadline (typically 7-14 days for minor items, 30 days for major work).
Step 2: Contractor Has Reasonable Time to Fix
"Reasonable" depends on issue. Replacing cabinet door: 1-2 weeks. Fixing plumbing: A few days. Major rework: 30+ days.
Step 3: Second Walkthrough
After contractor claims fixes are done, do another walkthrough. Document what's fixed, what's not.
Step 4: Make Final Payment
Once satisfied, make final payment. Get written completion certificate. Keep all documentation for warranty claims.
What If Contractor Refuses to Fix Issues?
Your escalation options
File ROC Complaint
Arizona Registrar of Contractors investigates complaints. File at azroc.gov. Include photos, punch list, all documentation.
Timeline: ROC responds in 15-30 days. Investigation takes 2-4 months. Possible outcomes: Order contractor to fix, suspend license, financial penalty.
Hire Another Contractor to Fix
Get written estimates from 2-3 contractors for repairs. Keep all receipts. This becomes evidence in dispute.
Then: Deduct repair costs from final payment (if not yet paid), or sue original contractor in small claims court (up to $3,500) or regular court (over $3,500).
Small Claims Court
For disputes under $3,500. No lawyer needed. File at local justice court. Cost: ~$50-$100 filing fee.
Bring: Photos, punch list, contract, all correspondence, estimates from other contractors. Judge decides same day usually.
Hire Attorney & Sue
For disputes over $3,500. Attorney costs $5,000-$15,000+. Takes 12-24 months. Only worth it for major damages.
Reality check: Even if you win, collecting is hard. Many contractors are "judgment proof" (no assets to seize). Prevention is better than lawsuits.
How Bayside Does Final Walkthroughs
We make this process smooth and professional
We Provide This Checklist
Before final walkthrough, we give you this 47-point checklist and schedule 2-3 hours. We WANT you to find issues now, not after you've paid.
We Document Everything
Our project manager documents punch list items with photos in BuilderTrend. You get a copy immediately. No disputes about what was found.
We Give You Timeline
Each punch list item gets specific completion date in writing. Most items corrected within 3-7 business days.
We Don't Ask for Final Payment Until You're Happy
No pressure. No rush. Second walkthrough confirms every item is done. You sign off when satisfied, not before.
We Provide All Required Documents
Lien waivers from every sub, permit closures, warranties, manuals, touch-up materials. Everything organized in one folder.
This is how professional contractors operate. No games. No surprises. Just quality work backed by thorough process.
Print This Checklist
Take it to your final walkthrough
Final Walkthrough Checklist
Project: _______________________ Date: __________
Contractor: _______________________
Quick Reference:
- ☐ All 47 items checked
- ☐ Photos taken of any issues
- ☐ Punch list created in writing
- ☐ Contractor signed punch list
- ☐ Timeline agreed for corrections
- ☐ All lien waivers collected
- ☐ Permit closures verified
- ☐ Warranties provided
- ☐ Manuals/touch-up materials received
DO NOT make final payment until all items are satisfactorily completed
Your protection is in your hands. Use this checklist.
Remember: Leverage Disappears After Payment
Once you make final payment, most contractors vanish. Calls go unreturned. Promises forgotten. Getting them back to fix problems becomes nearly impossible.
Before Payment
You have leverage. Contractor wants money. Issues get fixed fast.
After Payment
Leverage gone. Contractor busy elsewhere. You're stuck with problems.
Smart Move
Use this checklist. Document everything. Get it right.
The 15 minutes you spend on a thorough walkthrough could save you $10,000 in repairs and years of regret.
Ready to Work with a Contractor Who Does Walkthroughs Right?
No pressure. No rushing. No hiding from problems. Just professional process from start to finish.
Call Today: (602) 345-1464
Or schedule a consultation to discuss your project
We'll give you this checklist before your walkthrough. We'll document every item. We'll fix everything. Then, and only then, we'll ask for final payment. That's how it should work.
Bayside Home Improvement
Arizona ROC #353387 | Licensed, Bonded, Insured
Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Gilbert, Chandler & All Maricopa County