What We Look For (And What We Don’t): The Exit Checklist — Your Final Home Inspection Walkthrough

Even if the house is practically perfect in every way, I still go through the checklist with every buyer at the end of the inspection. Not because something’s broken—sometimes there isn’t—but because knowing where things are and how they work is half the battle in homeownership.

And if you don’t show up for this part? Don’t expect sympathy when you say “I didn’t know where the shutoff was!” two weeks after closing. This is the part where I show you the stuff that matters—whether it’s in the report or not.

Yes, I Expect You to Be There

I get it—life’s busy. But this is your house we’re talking about. If you miss the final walkthrough and then later try to say we didn’t point something out, there’s not a court, a claims adjuster, or an inspection board that’s going to take your side. That’s not harsh—it’s just how responsibility works.

What I Show You—Even If Nothing’s “Wrong”

• Main Water Shutoff Valve: Where it is, how to turn it off, and what it controls.
• Water Heater Location: Not just for maintenance—but in case of leaks, issues, or emergencies.
• Electrical Panel: What’s labeled, what’s not, and how to shut it off in a pinch.
• Attic Access: Whether it’s scuttle, stairs, or hatch—and if you’ll need a ladder.
• Crawlspace or Basement Entry: If applicable, so you’re not crawling around blind later.
• Thermostat and HVAC Access: Where your filters are, how to check for maintenance tags, and which system controls what zone.

It’s Not Just for Your Convenience—It’s for Clarity

If something goes wrong in the future (and it might—it’s a house), you’ll want to be able to say you knew where the shutoffs and service panels were. You’ll want to know which attic has insulation issues or how to check the water heater if it stops working.

This final walkthrough isn’t fluff. It’s part of the job. And if your inspector didn’t walk you through this stuff? They didn’t do the job right.

FAQs: Final Walkthrough and the Exit Checklist

Why is this walkthrough so important if the report already lists everything?

Because reports are static. This is your chance to see and understand the systems in real life, in real time—with someone who knows what they’re looking at.

What if I can’t be there at the end of the inspection?

Let your inspector know in advance and ask for a video walkthrough, or plan a call. But showing up is always best. You’ll get more context than any written report could offer.

Do you show every system again at the end?

No—but I’ll walk you through what matters most: shutoffs, panels, HVAC, attic, basement, and anything that was flagged as important. It’s your chance to ask questions.

Can I bring my contractor or handyman?

Absolutely. It’s a great time to get a second opinion or start thinking about repairs and upgrades. Just remember: this is still your inspection.

→ Next up: Post 46: Understanding Your Property’s Exclusions and What to Do About Them

← Previously: Post 44: How to Use Your Home Inspection to Plan Renovations

Curious what it’s like to schedule your own home inspection with us?