Pre-Settlement Checklist: Must-Inspect Items Before Closing

What to Expect from the Final Walkthrough

You get one last chance to confirm the home matches your agreement before keys change hands.

The final pre-settlement walkthrough is a visual check. You confirm agreed repairs were completed. You check for new damage since the inspection. And you verify included appliances and major systems work.

It is not a full home inspection. A full inspection is a detailed, professional evaluation of the home's structure and systems and can take two to four hours.

Plan to do the walkthrough within a few days, typically 24 to 72 hours before closing. If repairs were major or you find new problems, insist on a specialist re-inspection for structural, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC issues before you close.

For practical steps to test major systems and document problems, see our final walkthrough checklist at Alert Home Inspections' guide.

Spot foundation, roof, and exterior red flags during your final walkthrough

Worried something big was missed since your inspection? During the final walkthrough you want quick, visual checks that point to major problems.

Foundation: quick visual cues

The foundation is the home's bedrock. Small cracks are one thing. Active movement or wide cracks are another.

• Look for horizontal foundation cracks, which often mean soil pressure is pushing inward.
• Check for diagonal or stair‑step cracks near corners, a common sign of differential settlement.
• Notice doors or windows that suddenly stick or gaps appearing above frames.
• Watch for uneven, sloping, or separating floors and gaps between walls and ceilings.

If you see horizontal cracks, significant movement, or a leaning chimney, insist on a structural engineer before you close. Research from Ram Jack notes these patterns as red flags.

Roof and attic: fast checks that matter

A damaged roof lets water into everything below it. Your attic often shows the first signs.

• From the ground, look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles and granules in gutters.
• Inspect roof valleys and flashing areas for rust, gaps, or loose metal.
• In the attic, check for brown or yellow stains on decking and musty odors.
• Notice sagging rooflines or soft spots when you can see roof framing from the attic.

Missing or curling shingles and granule loss are clear signs the roof covering is failing. See guidance from Rocket Mortgage on these visible cues.

Call a licensed roofer if you find extensive missing shingles, flashing damage, attic stains, or any sagging roof sections.

Siding, gutters, flashing, and grading: what to scan outside

• Check siding for soft spots, warping, mold, or peeling paint that could hide moisture damage.
• Look for missing or damaged flashing at roof‑to‑wall intersections and around windows and doors.
• Inspect gutters for sagging, overflow, detached downspouts, and debris blocking flow.
• Walk the perimeter and watch for low spots where water pools against the foundation.

Proper grading should move water away from the foundation at about a 5% slope for the first 10 feet. Poor grading or clogged gutters can cause foundation moisture and damage.

If you spot missing kickout flashing, persistent overflow, or water pooling at the foundation, schedule a roofer or drainage specialist to evaluate the risk.

If any of these red flags appear, do not close until you get a specialist re‑inspection or documented repairs. For step‑by‑step testing and documentation during your final walkthrough, see our guide at Alert Home Inspections' final walkthrough guide.

Quick system tests that catch costly problems before closing

You have one last chance to spot mechanical failures before you close. Do these fast, focused checks to reveal big problems without specialized tools.

HVAC and ventilation: simple checks that show true operation

Turn on both heating and cooling and let the system run long enough to notice temperature change. Experts at LJ Hooker recommend confirming air flows from every vent and that the thermostat responds correctly.

• Feel each supply vent to confirm steady airflow and similar temperature across rooms.
• Walk outside to inspect the condenser for debris and fan operation if air conditioning is on.
• Listen for unusual noises or cycles that short‑cycle, which can indicate deeper problems.

Plumbing and water heater: fast functional tests

Run every tap and flush every toilet. Quick plumbing tests find leaks, blockages, and stalled systems before they become costly.

• Fill and release sinks and tubs to check for rapid drainage and avoid gurgling noises that suggest sewer trouble.
• Inspect under sinks and around vanities for fresh stains or dampness that hint at active leaks.
• Verify hot water at multiple taps and look for visible leaks at the water heater, and note the unit age.

Electrical and appliances: what to run and what warns you to stop

Test every outlet, light, and switch. Use a small outlet tester or even a phone charger to confirm power and polarity.

• Run major appliances briefly: dishwasher partial cycle, oven/burner heat, microwave with a cup of water, and washer/dryer for a few minutes.
• Watch for electrical red flags like frequent breaker trips, flickering lights, buzzing panels, warm outlets, or a burning smell.
• If you see those red flags, stop and get a licensed electrician to evaluate before closing.

Pools, septic, and wells: know what needs a specialist

Specialty systems often need licensed testing. The EPA and industry guidance recommend specialist inspections for these systems.

• Have a pool/spa pro check pumps, filters, bonding, and safety features rather than relying on a quick walkthrough.
• Order a licensed septic inspection that includes tank, baffles, and drainfield evaluation if the property uses septic.
• For wells, get a flow/recovery test and lab water quality screening for coliform/E. coli and nitrates from an accredited lab.

Document every failed test with photos and notes. If anything serious appears, insist on a specialist re‑inspection before you close.

Confirm Repairs, Safety Devices, and Paperwork Before Closing

Worried promised repairs were only temporary fixes? Your final walkthrough is the time to verify work and gather proof.

Research from Rocket Mortgage shows buyers should demand documentation that proves repairs were done correctly before closing.

Documents to demand right now

• Get itemized invoices that separate labor and materials so you can confirm the work performed.
• Ask for permits or work completion certificates for any permitted repair to confirm code compliance.
• Request contractor contact information and warranties for parts or workmanship in case issues appear later.
• Insist on before and after photos that clearly show the repaired area and finished work.
• For major items, obtain a re‑inspection report from the original inspector or a relevant specialist.

Check these safety items before you sign

Texas inspection rules require reporting on critical life safety items. Verify these during the walkthrough.

• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should be present and working in required locations, including each sleeping room.
• Confirm GFCI and AFCI protection at required outlets like bathrooms, garages, outdoor receptacles, and kitchen counters.
• Inspect steps, stairways, landings, guardrails, and handrails for stability and code‑type issues.

When to insist on re‑inspection and how to escalate

If repairs affect roof, structure, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC, request a re‑inspection by a qualified professional.

1. Notify your real estate agent immediately and document the issue with photos and notes.
2. Pause or delay closing until the problem is evaluated and documented by a pro.
3. Request a seller repair, a credit at closing, or funds held in escrow to guarantee completion.
4. Renegotiate terms if repair costs are higher than expected or if work is unacceptable.
5. If no acceptable solution exists and your contract allows, consider invoking contingencies and walking away.

Document every step and keep copies in your closing packet. For an action plan to manage inspection findings, see our guide at How to Use Your Inspection Report to Reduce Closing Risk.

Secure the deal with final checks and the right help

You have one last chance to confirm the home's condition. A final walkthrough is a visual check. It is not a full inspection.

Prioritize safety and verify agreed repairs with documentation. Demand invoices, permits, before and after photos, and reinspection reports for major work.

If you spot red flags or the property has specialty systems like a pool, well, or septic, call a qualified specialist before closing. Do not close until they are evaluated or you secure documented repairs or funds held in escrow.

For a fast reinspection in Weatherford and across DFW, Alert Home Inspections delivers clear reports and a practical pre-closing checklist. Call us at (817) 999-4162 .

Verify, document, and ask for help when unsure. You deserve a calm, confident closing.