Kitchen remodel final walkthrough checklist

The finished project should match approved documents and authorized changes, with required permit and inspection status documented before final acceptance.

Walk the room with the plan and selections. Verify cabinet layout, appliance models, fixtures, lighting, finishes, allowances, open changes, inspection approvals, and items intentionally deferred.

- Unapproved substitutions

- Final payment requested with open inspections

- Verbal change orders discovered at closeout

- Missing model or finish records

Utilities and connected equipment should comply with adopted requirements, listings, and manufacturer instructions and should operate without leakage, fault, unsafe heat, or abnormal noise.

Run sinks, disposal, dishwasher, refrigerator water, range, oven, hood, receptacles, lights, and controls. Inspect accessible connections, protective devices, shutoffs, drainage, vent termination, and cabinet interiors.

- Slow leak inside sink cabinet

- Range or appliance anti-tip device omitted

- Hood recirculates although exterior exhaust was specified

- Protective device or appliance test fails

Installed finishes should match the approved design, remain properly supported and functional, and be free from unresolved chips, cracks, open joints, loose pieces, binding, contamination, or incomplete adjustment.

Operate every door, drawer, pullout, appliance panel, window, and access panel. Inspect seams, cutouts, backsplash, caulk, flooring transitions, toe kicks, end panels, paint, and touch-ups under normal and side lighting.

- Doors or drawers collide

- Countertop seam or cutout is damaged

- Tile or flooring has loose or chipped areas

- Access to shutoffs or service panels is blocked

The owner should receive the information and materials needed to operate, clean, maintain, and obtain warranty service for the completed kitchen.

Collect manuals, serial numbers, warranties, care instructions, filters, keys, spare tile, grout, paint, and hardware. Record each correction with a location, responsible party, and completion date before final payment.

- Construction debris remains in drawers or ducts

- No care instructions for stone or specialty finishes

- Appliance serial numbers not recorded

- Punch-list promises remain verbal