What is the final walkthrough and its
importance?
Don’t Sign Until You Do This: What Is the Final Walkthrough and Why It’s the Single Most Important Step Before Closing in Milton, ON
What is the final walkthrough?
The final walkthrough is your last, hands-on inspection of the home before the deal closes. It usually happens 24–72 hours before closing day. This is not a detailed home inspection. It is a practical check: verify agreed repairs are done, ensure nothing was damaged after inspection, confirm appliances and systems work, and make sure the home is in the condition promised in the purchase agreement.
This step is simple, but it matters. Skip it and you risk moving into a home with unfinished repairs, missing items, or surprise damage. In Milton — where new builds, renovations and fast turnarounds are common — the final walkthrough can be the difference between a smooth move and costly fixes.
Why the final walkthrough matters for buyers in Milton, Ontario
- Protects your investment: It verifies the seller met contractual obligations.
- Avoids surprise costs: Catch damage or missing fixtures before you own the property.
- Sets expectations for moving: You’ll know whether to schedule movers or delay.
- Works with Ontario rules: For new homes, this is where Tarion warranty items are identified and documented.
Milton’s market moves fast. Builders and sellers push timelines. A final walkthrough puts control back in your hands.
Who should attend and when
- Buyer: Always attend.
- Realtor: Bring your Realtor. They know the purchase conditions and what to look for.
- Seller or seller’s rep: Often present but not required.
- Home inspector: Optional, but useful if major issues are suspected.
Timing: Schedule it within 24–72 hours of closing. For new builds, consider an earlier walk-through plus a final walk-through to verify fixes.
What to bring — a practical checklist
- Copy of your purchase agreement and any repair addendums
- Original inspection report and list of requested repairs
- Phone with a full charge (take photos/video)
- Flashlight
- Measuring tape
- Notebook and pen
- Test appliances (turn on stove, washer, dryer if present)
Walkthrough checklist — what to inspect
Structure and interior
- Walls and ceilings: No new cracks, holes, or stains.
- Floors: No new scratches, warping, or missing finishes.
- Doors and windows: Open/close smoothly, locks work, no broken glass.
- Closets and built-ins: Installed as promised.
Systems
- Heat/AC: Turn both on. Check for odd noises or non-start.
- Hot water: Run taps and shower to confirm supply and no leaks.
- Electrical: Test outlets, lights, and switches.
Plumbing
- Look under sinks for leaks.
- Flush toilets.
- Check water pressure and drainage.
Appliances and extras
- Verify included appliances are present and work: fridge, stove, dishwasher, washer/dryer.
- Test garage door opener, remotes, alarm systems, thermostats.
Exterior and property
- Yard and grading: No major changes that could cause drainage issues.
- Driveway and walkways: Note damage.
- Sheds, fences, decks: Installed and secured.
Documentation and access
- Keys, garage remotes, security codes and manuals present.
- Warranties, builder documentation, and permits for renovations.
New-build specifics (important in Milton)
- Tarion warranty: For new homes in Ontario, log deficiencies within the Tarion timelines. The final walkthrough helps you identify items to include in your Tarion submission.
- Builder punch lists: Confirm that the builder completed punch-list items and documented them.
Common final walkthrough problems and how to handle them
Problem: Agreed repairs not completed
- Do not close until you have a firm plan. Ask the seller for a clear timeline and proof of scheduled work. Contact your lawyer and Realtor. In Ontario, you can negotiate a holdback or a condition to ensure work completion — but this must be agreed and documented.
Problem: New damage since inspection
- Photograph and document everything. Ask the seller to fix before closing. If they refuse, involve your Realtor and lawyer. Don’t move in until there is a plan.
Problem: Missing items that were promised in contract
- Demand replacement or credit. Document the missing items in writing and take photos.
Problem: Utilities off
- Arrange with your lawyer and Realtor to have utilities temporarily on for the walkthrough. If not possible, ensure the seller provides documentation or proof that systems were working before closing.
Problem: Appliances not working
- Test them. If they fail, document and demand repair or replacement.
How the final walkthrough ties into moving day logistics in Milton
Plan movers only after a satisfactory walkthrough. Milton neighborhoods can be busy and narrow. If you move in with unresolved issues, you’ll pay movers again or disrupt their schedule.
Condo movers: Book elevator reservations and loading dock times in advance. Confirm building move-in rules.
Street parking and permits: Check local Milton bylaws and HOA rules for move-in parking and temporary no-parking signs.
New-build occupancy: Some builders allow staged occupancy. Confirm move-in restrictions and appliance handovers.
If you discover problems on the walkthrough, delay the move. It’s better to reschedule than to carry boxes into a home with unresolved contract breaches.
Practical tips from an experienced Milton Realtor
- Do an early pre-walkthrough: For new builds or rushed deals, do a walkthrough as soon as possible to catch issues early.
- Use video: Record every room with timestamped video. It serves as evidence.
- Keep communication written: Follow up conversations with emails that summarize agreements.
- Know your contingency options: Your Realtor and lawyer can explain holdbacks, credits and closing adjustments specific to Ontario.
- For new homes, track Tarion timelines: Some items must be reported within short windows to qualify for coverage.
Sample final walkthrough script (what to say)
- “I’m here to confirm repairs listed in the purchase agreement/punch list.”
- “I’m documenting condition with photos and video.”
- “Please explain any changes since the inspection.”
- “We need these items fixed before closing, or we will request a documented plan and timeline.”
Stay calm. Be firm. Do not accept vague promises.
Moving day checklist tied to the walkthrough
- Confirm walkthrough signed off (or issues documented and resolved)
- Confirm movers and parking permits
- Reserve elevators/dock for condos
- Confirm final meter readings and utility transfers with your lawyer
- Pack an essentials box in case repairs are needed after moving
Why buyers who skip the final walkthrough lose leverage
When you skip this step you give the seller the final move. You lose proof, you lose leverage to demand fixes, and you risk paying for problems that weren’t your responsibility. In a hot market like Milton, a seller may rush. Don’t let that be on you.
Closing thoughts
The final walkthrough is short, cheap and powerful. It’s your last chance to confirm what you’re buying in Milton, Ontario. Approach it with a checklist, a phone, your Realtor, and a clear plan for documentation. If anything is off, document it, demand a fix or a plan, and loop in your lawyer.
If you want a confident, stress-free closing and moving process in Milton, get expert guidance. Contact Tony Sousa — Milton’s local Realtor — for a walkthrough strategy tailored to your purchase. Email: tony@sousasells.ca | Phone: 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
FAQ — Final Walkthroughs, Closing & Moving in Milton, Ontario
Q: When should I schedule the final walkthrough?
A: Schedule it 24–72 hours before closing. For new builds, do an earlier walkthrough plus a final check.
Q: Can I bring a home inspector to the final walkthrough?
A: Yes. A licensed inspector can help if you suspect unresolved issues.
Q: What if repairs aren’t finished at the final walkthrough?
A: Document everything. Negotiate a written timeline, a credit, or a legal holdback with your Realtor and lawyer.
Q: Do I need to verify appliances on the walkthrough?
A: Always test included appliances. They should be present and functional.
Q: What about new homes and Tarion warranty?
A: Use the final walkthrough to note deficiencies for your Tarion submission. Report items within Tarion timelines.
Q: Can closing proceed if utilities are off during the walkthrough?
A: It can, but it’s risky. Try to have utilities on for the walkthrough. If not possible, document condition and get written assurances.
Q: Should I move in immediately after closing?
A: Only if the walkthrough is satisfactory or any issues have a documented resolution. Otherwise, delay moving until fixes are resolved.
Q: Who pays for repairs found during the final walkthrough?
A: Typically the seller if the repairs were agreed in the contract. Consult your Realtor and lawyer for Ontario-specific remedies.
Q: How can my Realtor help during the walkthrough?
A: Your Realtor knows the contract terms, documents issues, negotiates with the seller, and coordinates with your lawyer.
Q: Where can I get help in Milton?
A: For local expertise and help with final walkthroughs and moving logistics in Milton, contact Tony Sousa at tony@sousasells.ca or 416-477-2620.
