Even if such a list were available it would be impossible to complete an inspection without a thorough intimate knowledge of the building codes and state of the art materials and techniques.

If this house is new construction then every step of the procedure should have been inspected by the official building inspections dept for your community.

If in doubt, hire an independant building inspector, but do so with the fore knowledge that even an independant building inspectors report has no force of law and in most instances they cannot be held accountable for overlooking something.

You are looking for a final inspection "check list". A punch list is the actual list of deficiencies indicating how they will be corrected.

There are hundreds of checklists on the internet but the good ones are either for sale or put out by the federal government.

Here is a link that might be useful: final inspection check list

Thanks, mightyanvil!

I'm only at the beginning of the process, but I've found that you always have excellent advice and information. Too bad you don't build in Northern Cali... :)

Remember that this is not an "inspection" and it doesn't transfer any of the builder's responsibility for construction quality to you. If you miss something it is still his problem, not yours. Of course, if you are worried about the work you could hire a professional inspector but talk about it with the GC first to be sure he understands your intentions. A house inspector will double the length of the punch list for sure but if the GC disputes the items you will be required to mediate. You need to balance future good will with catching small deficiencies. Maybe the house inspector could visit the house with you at another time and we could sort out the issues with you before you give them to the GC.

On projects where a professional (architect/engineer/project manager) represents the owner, the contract will require the GC and his subs to inspect all aspects of the house and create a punch list before the professional or the owner does a walk-through to see if there are any other obvious issues. Managing the punch list is the responsibility of the GC, not the owner or the owner's representative. When the GC writes the contract these responsibilities can get muddled.

Ask if the HVAC system has been balanced, checked, and tested by the installer and the GC. Ask if the plumbing system has been checked and tested by the plumber and the GC. Ask if the electrical system has been checked and tested by the electrician and the GC. You will be able to see cosmetic issues but trying to think of everything will distract you enough that you will miss even obvious mistakes. Try walking through looking for cosmetic things after you walk through looking for functional things. You can't think about everything at once.

Disregard any reference to building department inspections/approvals; they are not a party to the contract and their "acceptance" of the work establishes nothing more than allowing you to legally occupy the house.

The GC should be responsible to you for Quality Control AND Quality Assurance. Make him earn his fee. Don't let him transfer responsibility to you or anyone else for anything he contracted to do for you.

Ask for all the warranties, instructions, etc. They should be in a nice clean notebook labeled so you can find it again someday.

Good luck. Pray for rain. Take lots of photos.

Thank you I think this will be very helpful. As I mentioned, I feel that we have a professional, ompetent builder and a trustworthy businessman. As for myself, I haven't had a new home in 25 years, so your advice will will be a source of comfort so that I don't go through the house all starry eyed and glazed over with fear. Thanks so much.

It is human nature to see the good things when you walk through the house; it's so great to finally have it done. It's very hard work to focus on the problems. Don't let anyone rush you. Go early and get past the wow stage if you can.