Welcome to the finish line! If you’ve been following along with our Custom Home Builds: The Complete Journey series, you’ve seen a lot of dirt, dust, and framing. But today, the dust has settled, the paint is dry, and we are talking about the most exciting part of the whole process: getting your keys.

At Farris General Contracting, we know that the final weeks of a project can feel like a whirlwind. You’re balancing moving trucks, utility transfers, and the pure anticipation of finally living in your dream space. But before you start hauling in the sofa, there are a few critical steps to ensure your home is exactly what you envisioned.

In this final installment, we’re walking you through the pre-closing walkthrough, the infamous "punch list," and how to handle your new home warranty like a pro. Let’s get you moved in!

The Pre-Closing Walkthrough: Your Time to Shine

The final walkthrough usually happens about a week or two before your official closing date. This is your opportunity to walk through the house with your project manager and ensure every detail of our quality craftsmanship construction meets your expectations.

Think of this as a "test drive" for your house. You aren’t just looking at the pretty cabinets; you’re making sure everything works. We recommend setting aside at least two to three hours for this. Don't worry: it's okay to be picky! We want you to love every square inch.

What to Bring:

• A Notebook or Tablet: To jot down any notes.
• Your Phone Charger: A great way to test that every outlet is live.
• Blue Painter’s Tape: The international symbol for "hey, look at this spot!"
• A Positive Attitude: You’re almost home!

Creating the "Punch List"

During the walkthrough, we’ll create what’s known in the industry as a punch list. This is simply a list of minor tasks, fixes, or touch-ups that need to be completed before the project is officially signed off.

Note: We'll use blue tape to mark any tiny nicks or spots that need a second look.

Common items on a punch list might include:

• A tiny paint scuff behind a door.
• A cabinet door that needs a slight adjustment.
• A window that's a bit stiff to open.
• A missing switch plate cover.

At Farris GC, we pride ourselves on reliable project management, so our goal is always to have this list be as short as possible. Once we’ve identified these items, our team gets to work "punching" them out so they are done before you get the keys.

A Systematic Approach: What to Check

When you’re walking through your new custom build, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the "wow" factor. To stay focused, try going room by room and checking these three main categories:

1. The Exterior & Curb Appeal

Before you even step inside, take a lap around the outside. Look at the siding, the gutters, and the grading of the land.

• Drainage: Does the ground slope away from the house?
• Finish Work: Is the caulking around windows smooth?
• Landscaping: If we handled your landscaping, are the plants looking healthy and the irrigation working?

2. Interior Finishes & Quality Craftsmanship

This is where you look for the "finesse."

• Floors: Walk across the hardwoods and tile. Do they feel solid? Are there any scratches from the construction process?
• Cabinets & Counters: Open every drawer. Run your hand along the granite or quartz to check for smooth edges.
• Doors & Windows: Every door should latch easily without being shoved.

3. The "Guts" (Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC)

• The Water Test: Turn on the faucets, flush the toilets, and check under the sinks for any drips.
• The Climate Test: Crank up the AC, then flip it to the heat. Make sure you feel airflow in every room.
• The Power Test: Flip every light switch. (This is also a great time to learn which switch controls which outlet!)

Understanding Your New Home Warranty

One of the biggest perks of choosing general contractor services for a new build rather than buying an older home is the peace of mind that comes with a warranty. Even the most perfect home will "settle" over its first year.

Typically, new home warranties follow the "1-2-10" rule:

• 1 Year: Coverage for labor and materials (think drywall cracks or trim gaps that appear as the wood dries out).
• 2 Years: Coverage for mechanical systems (plumbing, electrical, and HVAC).
• 10 Years: Coverage for major structural components.

At Farris GC, we don't just disappear after we hand over the keys. We’ll provide you with a clear guide on how to submit a warranty request if something pops up. We usually recommend keeping a list of minor "settling" issues and reaching out at the 11-month mark so we can handle them all in one visit before your one-year warranty expires.

The Big Moment: Turning Over the Keys

Once the punch list is clear and the final paperwork is signed, it’s time for the "Handover." This is more than just a transaction; it’s the start of your new life.

We’ll hand you a "Homeowner’s Manual" which usually includes:

• Warranty information for your appliances.
• Subcontractor contact info (for the plumber or electrician who knows your house inside and out).
• Instructions for operating smart home systems or specialized HVAC equipment.

Welcome Home!

Building a custom home is a marathon, not a sprint. From those first initial planning sessions to the final coat of paint, it’s a journey we are honored to take with our clients.

Whether you’re looking for a complete home renovation, a spacious addition, or a brand new build from the ground up, our team is here to make the process as smooth as possible.

Thanks for joining us for this series! We hope it gave you a peek behind the curtain of what it's like to build with Farris General Contracting. Ready to start your own journey? Drop us a line: we’d love to chat about your vision.

Don't forget to check out our portfolio for more inspiration on your next project!

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