Taking possession of a new build in Calgary, Cochrane, Airdrie, or anywhere in Alberta? The pre-possession walkthrough is your one structured opportunity to document deficiencies before you sign off. Use this checklist.

Before walkthrough day

Confirm date with builder and bring a second person if possible
Bring: phone (camera), notepad, painter's tape (to mark issues), measuring tape, outlet tester, flashlight
Block 2–3 hours minimum
Consider booking a third-party new construction inspection to attend with you

Exterior

Roof: visible shingle damage, exposed nails, vent boots
Eavestroughs: securely fastened, downspouts extending away from foundation
Siding/stucco: gaps, cracks, missing caulking
Grading: slopes away from foundation
Driveway, walkways, deck: cracks, tripping hazards, loose boards/railings
Garage door: opens/closes smoothly, auto-reverse working
Window exteriors: caulking, screens, missing trim

Interior — every room

Walls: drywall pops, dings, paint coverage, corner bead
Ceilings: cracks, paint flaws, light fixtures level and secure
Floors: scratches, gaps, lippage, squeaks, hollow tile
Trim & baseboards: gaps, paint, mitre joints
Doors: latch properly, no rubbing, no gaps to floor
Windows: open/close/lock, screens present, no broken seals
Outlets & switches: test every one, GFCI in wet areas
HVAC: vents in every room, return air grilles

Kitchen

Cabinets: doors aligned, soft-close working, no missing hardware
Countertops: chips, scratches, seam quality, secure
Appliances: run dishwasher full cycle, test oven, test all stovetop burners, check fridge cooling
Sink: no leaks under, garbage disposal works, faucet aerator clean

Bathrooms

Run every faucet hot & cold, check drainage
Flush every toilet, check for rocking
Check tub/shower for cracks, hot water arrival time, drainage
Exhaust fans actually exhaust outside
Caulking around tubs, sinks, toilets — clean & complete

Mechanical room

Furnace: model/serial photographed, filter installed, clean operation
Hot water tank: TPR drain piped down, expansion tank if applicable
Sump pump: present and operating
HRV/ERV: filters in place, operating
Electrical panel: labelled, no missing breakers, AFCI/GFCI per code

Document everything

Photograph every defect with date stamp
Mark with painter's tape so trades can find them
Submit a written deficiency list to the builder — keep a copy
Confirm warranty timelines: most Alberta New Home Warranty workmanship items are 1 year — don't miss the window

Get a second opinion

A third-party new construction inspection typically catches 30–50 deficiencies the builder's walkthrough misses. Worth every dollar before you sign off.

Call (403) 710-7770 or book online.

New Build Walkthrough Checklist (Alberta)