Table of Contents
- What Are Netting Escrows & How Does It Work?: The Best Guide - January 2, 2024
- The Secret About Prescriptive Easement: Top Guide 1 Must Know - December 4, 2023
- About Home Equity Loans In Texas And How Can One Obtain It - November 27, 2023
About Blue Tape Walkthrough
Just like many potential homeowners, you have decided to construct your home, instead of buying a move-in ready home.
The process of constructing your home could be intimidating, and there could be steps that you need to follow to ensure the construction is completed as per your anticipation.
One of the most important steps in the process is a blue tape walk-through. In this post, we will learn what a blue tape walkthrough is in detail.
What Is A Blue Tape Walkthrough?
Also known as blue tape inspection, a blue tape walkthrough is a part of new home construction.
This type of walkthrough is usually conducted after 3-4 weeks once the new home construction is completed.
At that time, the potential buyer meets with a builder’s representative, such as the agent representing the builder or the site manager, to proceed with the walkthrough of the newly constructed home.
The buyers have the option to bring their real estate agent or a knowledgeable person to help them address any issues in the construction.
Blue tape inspection is just like a regular home inspection in which the buyer will go through any issues in the home, whether big or small, that they want to fix.
These issues may include major blemishes like a crack in walls and minor blemishes like the incorrect color combination.
The buyer, buyer’s agent or representative, and builder’s agent will together address these issues and mark them with the help of blue painter’s tape. Hence it is called a “Blue Tape Walkthrough.”
Blue tape inspection helps the buyer and the builder identify problems big and small.
This way, buyers can request the builder to fix the issues before they decide to move in.
Some may be more important or require more work than others. But, if left untreated, serious damage can pose a real threat to the safety of the residents and the integrity of the house.
How Should You Prepare For A Blue Tape Walkthrough?
Going through the blue tape inspection for your new home construction can be overwhelming – you want to make sure you address everything from big to small issues before you move in. Below are some tips for you to prepare for a walkthrough.
- Take someone with you: It is better to have an extra set of eyes to ensure all the issues are addressed.
- Take your time: If you rush through this walkthrough, you will likely miss important defects. Give yourself at least a couple of hours to complete the inspection.
- Take some important tools to help you: The builder will provide blue tape to mark any issues around the house, but you will need a notebook, pen, and camera to record your notes. Also, take a flashlight to check dark spaces and a phone charger to check electrical points.
- Do not be startled by minor problems: During this walkthrough, you will mostly find minor issues. So the number of minor issues should not alarm you as it is very common to have as many as 30 to 40 minor issues during the walkthrough.
What Is The Blue Tape Walkthrough Checklist?
1 - Exterior:
Walkways and driveways: Check all exterior surfaces for cracks or uneven surfaces.
Irrigation: Check the exterior water connection and the sprinkler system.
Exterior Areas: Check patios, decks, and balconies for any soil defects and safety hazards. Test electrical appliances outside, such as lights or an outdoor kitchen, to make sure they are working.
Landscaping: All plants and grass should be present and provide a beautiful landscape.
Color: Verify that the color on the exterior of the building is the right color and free of bubbles or discoloration.
Roof: Inspect all roof tiles to ensure they are level and sealed. (A home inspector can also do this).
Gutters: Check that the gutters are clean and drain 4-6 feet from the foundation of the house. (A home inspector can also do this).
2 - Flooring:
Tiles: Inspect for missing, damaged, or loose tiles along with damaged grouting and cosmetic issues.
Hardwood: Walk around the different parts of the floor to check for creaks, loose boards, chips, or other imperfections.
Stairs: Improper installation of carpet or flooring on stairs can cause serious safety issues. Also, check that the stair railings are safely installed.
Molding and Trim: Check for loose, cracked, or damaged floor molding and trim.
Carpet: Check that the carpet is properly installed, especially on the edges, and that there are no stains.
3 - Systems and tools:
HVAC: Check the efficiency of air conditioning and heating and check the vents for adequate ventilation.
Plumbing: Test all faucets for hot and cold water flow and water flow. Check for leaks from pipes or pipes under the sink. Make sure all sinks, toilets, and tubs drain properly. Test the garbage disposal in the kitchen and check the laundry and dryer in the bathroom.
Safety systems: Check all safety systems and sensors to ensure they are working properly.
Appliances: Check the performance of every appliance in the home, including the refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, and stove.
Electrical: Test all light fixtures and outlets. Check the circuit breaker box to make sure all the light signals are working properly.
4 - Windows, walls, and ceilings:
Windows: All windows should open and close properly, window locks should work properly, and screens should fit properly.
Ceilings: Monitor the ceilings for the right color combination, and every bulge, crack, or defect that can imply any water damage.
Walls: Check walls and moldings to make sure they are properly painted with no marks or chips.
5 - Doors:
Garage Door: Test the garage door and make sure they work.
Front, Side, and Back Doors: Check all exterior doors to make sure they open and close properly, locks work properly, and there are no cosmetic issues. Also, test the doorbell.
Interior Doors: All interior doors should open and close properly and fit snugly in their frame. Be sure to check that the door handles and locks are working.
6 - Attic or basement:
Leaks or Water Damage: Water stains, water spots, or odors in the attic or basement are signs of a water problem.
Insulation: Check the attic or basement for adequate and properly installed insulation.
Ventilation: The attic or basement should have good air circulation and ventilation.
7 - Kitchen and bathroom:
Cabinets and Drawers: Open and close all cabinets and drawers and check for issues.
Countertops and Surfaces: Inspect all countertops and surfaces to ensure they meet your specifications and are free of cracks, chips, or other blemishes.
Bathroom Fixtures: Check that everything in the bathroom, such as water taps, towel racks, and mirrors are installed properly.
Conclusion
Blue-Tape Walkthroughs would help the buyer to make sure that the home is perfect before they move in.
In this walkthrough, the buyer would mostly find minor cosmetic issues which the builder can change quickly.
However, if there are any major changes make sure you give adequate time to the builder to fix those issues before you decide to occupy the property.
