Construction Completion Walkthrough

Per NBC 2.4, all construction must have a valid building permit and all required inspections must be completed before occupancy. A final inspection by the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) is required before an occupancy permit is issued. All permits, inspection records, warranty documentation, and equipment manuals must be available for handover.

1. Confirm building permit is posted and all required inspections have passed

2. Verify occupancy permit has been issued by the local AHJ

3. Check that all sub-trade permits (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas) are closed

4. Review new home warranty enrollment certificate (e.g., Tarion, ANHWP) is in place

5. Confirm all equipment manuals, warranties, and maintenance guides are provided

- Missing final inspection sign-off by the local authority

- Outstanding deficiencies noted on inspection reports not yet resolved

- New home warranty enrollment not completed or certificate not provided

- Equipment manuals and warranty documents not collected from sub-trades

Per provincial warranty standards (e.g., Tarion Construction Performance Guidelines), interior finishes must meet workmanship standards. Drywall should have no visible joint lines, nail pops, or cracks under normal viewing conditions. Paint must be uniform without runs, sags, or holidays. Flooring must be flat, secure, and free of damage.

1. Inspect all drywall surfaces under raking light for joint lines, nail pops, and cracks

2. Check paint finish uniformity on all walls, ceilings, and trim — look for runs, sags, and holidays

3. Verify all flooring is secure, level, and free from damage, gaps, or squeaks

4. Inspect tile work for lippage, grout consistency, and alignment

5. Check all cabinet doors and drawers for proper operation and alignment

- Visible drywall joint lines and nail pops appearing within first year

- Paint colour inconsistency between walls due to different batches or touch-ups

- Flooring squeaks from inadequate subfloor fastening

- Cabinet doors misaligned or hardware improperly installed

Per NBC Part 6 (HVAC) and the Canadian Electrical Code (CSA C22.1), all building systems must be fully operational at completion. HVAC systems must be balanced and commissioned. Electrical systems must have all circuits operational with correct GFCI/AFCI protection. Plumbing must be leak-free with adequate water pressure per the National Plumbing Code.

1. Test all electrical outlets with a tester — verify correct wiring and GFCI/AFCI protection

2. Run all plumbing fixtures simultaneously and check for adequate pressure and drainage

3. Operate heating and cooling systems and verify airflow at all registers

4. Test all exhaust fans (kitchen, bathroom) and verify they exhaust to exterior

5. Check hot water temperature at fixtures (not exceeding 49°C per NBC anti-scald requirements)

- GFCI outlets not installed in all required locations (bathrooms, kitchen, exterior)

- HVAC system not balanced resulting in uneven heating/cooling between rooms

- Exhaust fans venting to attic instead of exterior

- Hot water temperature exceeding anti-scald limits

Per NBC 9.14, final grading must slope away from the building at a minimum of 5% (1:20) for the first 2 m. Downspouts must discharge at least 1.2 m from the foundation. Exterior cladding, soffits, and fascia must be complete and properly sealed. Driveways and walkways must be completed with proper grading.

1. Verify grading slopes away from foundation at minimum 5% for 2 m per NBC 9.14

2. Check all downspout extensions discharge at least 1.2 m from foundation wall

3. Inspect exterior cladding for completeness — no gaps, missing caulking, or damage

4. Verify all soffits, fascia, and eavestroughs are complete and securely fastened

5. Check driveway and walkway grading directs water away from the building

- Negative grading allowing water to pool against foundation

- Downspouts discharging too close to foundation or missing extensions

- Caulking gaps around windows, doors, and penetrations

- Settlement around foundation causing reverse grading within first year

Per NBC 9.10 and the National Fire Code of Canada, all dwelling units must have interconnected smoke alarms on every storey and within 5 m of bedrooms. Carbon monoxide alarms are required per NBC 9.10.12.5 on each storey with a fuel-burning appliance or attached garage. Egress windows in bedrooms must meet NBC 9.9.10 minimums.

1. Verify smoke alarms are installed on every storey and within 5 m of each bedroom per NBC 9.10.18

2. Confirm CO alarms are on each storey with fuel-burning appliance or attached garage

3. Test all smoke and CO alarms to verify they are operational and interconnected

4. Measure egress window openings — minimum 380 mm width, 550 mm height, 0.35 m² area per NBC 9.9.10

5. Verify all handrails and guards meet NBC 9.8 height requirements (900 mm for guards, 865 mm for handrails)

- Smoke alarms not interconnected between storeys as required

- CO alarms missing where fuel-burning appliances or attached garage exist

- Egress windows in basement bedrooms not meeting minimum size requirements

- Handrail height not meeting NBC 9.8 requirements at stairs and balconies

Per provincial new home warranty requirements (e.g., Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act, Alberta New Home Buyer Protection Act), builders must provide warranty documentation, maintenance guidelines, and a deficiency list process. Documentation must include all as-built drawings, equipment locations, and maintenance schedules.

1. Confirm new home warranty certificate is provided with coverage details (1-year workmanship, 2-year systems, 7-year structural typical)

2. Verify deficiency list process — builder must provide a form and timeline for submitting deficiencies

3. Check that maintenance schedule for all systems (HVAC filter changes, sump pump, etc.) is provided

4. Confirm as-built drawings showing utility locations, shut-off valves, and cleanouts are provided

5. Verify that all appliance warranties and registration cards are included

- Warranty certificate not provided or not properly enrolled

- No clear deficiency submission process or timeline communicated

- Missing maintenance instructions for critical systems (HRV, sump pump, water heater)

- As-built drawings not reflecting actual construction changes