Custom Home Builder Blog

From Final Walkthrough to Warranty: What Happens After Your Home Is Complete

Written by Richmond Homes | Oct 23, 2025 12:00:00 PM

After months of planning, designing, and building, you’ve finally reached the finish line: your new custom home is complete. But what happens next?

At Richmond Homes, our job doesn’t end when construction does. We guide homeowners through a clear post-construction process that ensures peace of mind long after move-in.

Here’s what you can expect near the end, from the final walkthrough to your warranty coverage.

The Final Walkthrough: Reviewing Every Detail

Before closing, every homeowner completes a final walkthrough of their new home with the Richmond Homes team. This step is designed to make sure everything is finished to your satisfaction and ready for move-in.

During the walkthrough, you’ll:

  • Inspect finishes, flooring, countertops, and paint for imperfections
  • Test appliances, outlets, light switches, and faucets
  • Check windows and doors for smooth operation and proper sealing
  • Walk the exterior to review landscaping, siding, and gutters
  • Verify that design selections match your original contract

Anything that needs attention is placed on a “punch list,” which ensures it is addressed promptly. While most items are minor—like a cabinet adjustment, a paint touch-up, or a door alignment—taking time now prevents frustration later.

The walkthrough is also an educational moment. We show homeowners how to operate key systems, review basic maintenance needs, and answer questions about living in a brand-new home. The HUD new home inspection checklist offers a useful guide for homeowners who want to prepare in advance.

Learn more about our new home designs and how they are built with attention to detail from start to finish.

Move-In Day: Making It Yours

Once closing is complete, the home is officially yours. We provide guidance on logistics like scheduling movers, transferring utilities, and ensuring a smooth transition.

We also remind families that moving in is just the beginning. During the first few weeks, it’s common to notice small details that didn’t stand out at the walkthrough, such as a sticky drawer or a faucet that needs tightening. Homeowners should jot these items down so they can be addressed during the warranty period.

Move-in day is about more than boxes. It’s about starting to create memories in a home designed for your family.

Your Home Warranty: Protection Beyond Move-In

At Richmond Homes, we know the value of reassurance. That’s why we provide the 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, a nationally recognized program that covers workmanship, materials, and major systems.

Typical coverage includes:

  • 1 year for workmanship and materials (items like trim, finishes, and fixtures)
  • 2 years for systems (electrical, plumbing, HVAC)
  • 10 years for structural components (foundations, framing, load-bearing walls)

This tiered structure ensures that the items most likely to need attention in the first year are covered, while also providing long-term peace of mind for the big-picture structure of your home.

In addition to the 2-10 warranty, Richmond Homes provides a warranty walkthrough at 11 months after your home is built. Why 11 months? Because it gives you nearly a full year to live in the home, notice how everything functions, and track any issues before the initial one-year coverage ends.

During this walkthrough, we review:

  • Drywall settling cracks or nail pops that naturally occur in the first year
  • Caulking or grout that may need touch-ups
  • Operation of windows, doors, and cabinetry
  • Appliances or systems that may need service adjustments

By scheduling this walkthrough, you have a chance to bring up any concerns and ensure they are addressed under warranty. It’s one more way we ensure our homeowners feel supported beyond move-in.

The Federal Trade Commission explains how warranties work here, outlining the differences between manufacturer warranties and homebuilder warranties. At Richmond Homes, we coordinate these coverages so you don’t have to navigate them alone.

Want to know more about our commitment to lasting quality? Learn more about our team and approach.

Post-Move Support: Our Ongoing Commitment

Even after the warranty period ends, Richmond Homes stays connected to our homeowners. Many families reach out years later with questions about maintenance, recommendations for upgrades, or guidance on warranty claims with third-party providers.

Here’s how our ongoing support looks:

  • Helping you troubleshoot questions about your home’s systems
  • Advising on routine maintenance to keep your home efficient and safe
  • Guiding you through warranty claims if issues arise after coverage transitions to a manufacturer or extended plan

For us, the build is just the beginning. As a custom home builder across coastal NC, we take pride in being a trusted partner for the lifetime of your home.

Reach out to our team anytime with questions about your new home.

FAQs: After Your Home Is Complete

What should I look for during the final walkthrough?

Check all finishes, test plumbing fixtures, run appliances, and ensure HVAC and electrical systems function properly.

How long does the home warranty last?

Coverage varies: one year for workmanship and materials, two years for systems, and ten years for structural components under the 2-10 program.

Who do I call if I notice something after moving in?

Contact Richmond Homes directly. We’ll guide you through warranty steps and schedule service if needed.

Peace of Mind After the Build

At Richmond Homes, building your house is just the beginning. From detailed walkthroughs to long-term warranty support, we make sure you feel confident in your investment every step of the way.

If you’re considering new home construction in New Hanover, Pender, or Brunswick County, our process is designed to make the journey smooth from start to finish and well beyond.

Contact us to learn more about our process and how we support families even after move-in.