Short answer: The pre-possession walkthrough is your inspection of the finished home with the builder's representative, usually shortly before you get your keys. You go room by room, test what works, and write down every deficiency, from paint touch-ups to doors that don't close properly, on the builder's form. That written list is what the builder commits to fix, so take your time and don't sign until everything you found is on it.
By Jay Lewis, REALTOR® | RE/MAX Excellence · Updated October 2, 2026
This article is part of my Edmonton New Construction Buyer’s Guide.
Free download: my New-Construction Buyer Checklist. Two printable pages, from your first show home visit to your one-year warranty, including what to track after your walkthrough.
I've worked in new construction for more than 25 years, on the trades side (framing new homes, renovations and full contract builds around Edmonton) and the sales side. I've been on both sides of the walkthrough, so I know what builders expect to hear and what buyers tend to miss. Here's how to get the most out of it.
What is a pre-possession walkthrough?
Builders call it a pre-possession walkthrough, PDI (pre-delivery inspection) or orientation. It usually happens once the home is complete and cleaned, shortly before possession. The builder's representative shows you how the home works, and together you record any deficiencies on a form. You typically sign that list, and the builder uses it to schedule repairs.
How long does a new home walkthrough take?
Plan on one to two hours for a typical house, and longer for a larger home. Book it for daylight if you can: marks on walls, floors and cabinets are much easier to see in natural light. Ask the builder how long they've scheduled, and don't let the clock rush you.
What should I bring to the walkthrough?
Your purchase agreement, signed selection sheets and any change orders
Blue painter's tape to mark spots as you find them
Your phone for photos, and a small flashlight
A phone charger or small plug-in tester to check outlets
A tape measure, if any dimensions matter to you
Your REALTOR®, if they attend walkthroughs (I do)
What should I check at the walkthrough, room by room?
Everywhere
Walls and ceilings: drywall cracks, nail pops, dents and paint coverage
Floors: scratches, chips, gaps, squeaks and transitions between rooms
Doors: they open, close and latch without rubbing, and the hardware is tight
Windows: they open, close and lock; screens are there; glass isn't scratched
Trim and caulking: gaps, missing pieces and messy caulk lines
Lights, switches and outlets all work
Kitchen and bathrooms
Cabinets and drawers open, close and line up; no chips or scratches
Countertops are undamaged and sealed where they meet the backsplash
Taps run hot and cold, drains drain, toilets flush and don't rock
Appliances are the models on your selection sheets and work
Exhaust fans run
Illustrative image.
Mechanical and basement
Furnace, hot water tank and any air conditioning are installed and the builder shows you how they work
Ask where the main water shut-off and electrical panel are
Look for signs of water on the basement floor and around the foundation walls
Exterior
Siding, stone and trim are complete and undamaged
Grading slopes away from the house, and downspouts discharge away from the foundation
Driveway, walkways and steps are complete; note any unfinished exterior work and the date it will be done
Garage door opens, closes and reverses safely
Should I compare the home to my selection sheets?
Yes. Check that the flooring, cabinets, countertops, fixtures and upgrades match what you chose and paid for. Mix-ups happen, and it's far easier to fix them before you move in than after.
What if I find a lot of deficiencies?
That's normal, and it's the reason the walkthrough exists. Put every item on the builder's form, be specific about the location, and take a photo of each one. Before you sign, ask:
When will each item be fixed?
Who do I contact to follow up?
How do I report problems that show up after I move in?
If something serious is unfinished, such as missing safety items or systems that don't work, talk to your lawyer before possession about how it's handled under your purchase agreement.
Should I hire a home inspector for a new build?
You can, and many buyers do. A licensed home inspector looks at things most buyers don't know to check. The best times are before drywall, while framing and rough-ins are still visible, and before your walkthrough. Ask the builder about site access rules first.
What does the Alberta new home warranty cover after the walkthrough?
Every new home in Alberta must have warranty coverage of at least:
1 year: labour and materials
2 years: delivery and distribution systems (electrical, plumbing, heating and air)
5 years: building envelope
10 years: major structural components
Coverage on a house, duplex or townhome starts at the earliest of first occupancy, the date the municipality or its accredited inspection agency grants permission to occupy, or the date your title transfer is registered. For a condo, it’s the earlier of first occupancy and permission to occupy. That means it can start before you get your keys, so ask the builder for the exact start date. Keep your walkthrough list, photos and warranty documents together, and report new issues in writing. Book your own check of the home well before the one-year mark so nothing covered is missed.
Get my free New-Construction Buyer Checklist
The walkthrough is one step of many. My free, printable checklist covers everything from your first show home visit to your one-year warranty.
Frequently asked questions
When does the pre-possession walkthrough happen?
Usually once the home is complete and cleaned, shortly before possession. Your builder will schedule it.
Can I bring someone to my new home walkthrough?
Usually, yes. Many buyers bring their REALTOR® or a family member. Check the builder's policy, especially for home inspectors.
What happens if the builder doesn't fix the deficiencies?
Follow up in writing with the builder first. Covered defects can be reported to your warranty provider under Alberta's new home warranty.
Should I sign the walkthrough form if items are still unfinished?
Only once every item you found is written on it. Signing usually confirms the list, not that the work is done.
Is a walkthrough the same as a home inspection?
No. The walkthrough is with the builder's representative; a home inspection is done by a licensed, independent inspector you hire.
Want a second set of eyes at your walkthrough?
If you're buying a new home in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Devon, Spruce Grove or Stony Plain, text me first at 780-220-8449, or book a 20-minute call. I attend walkthroughs with my buyers and help document deficiencies. I also list homes for some builders; if you're interested in one of my listings, I'll tell you up front and explain how representation works. I'm not a home inspector, engineer or lawyer, and I'll tell you when you need one.
Jay Lewis | REALTOR® | RE/MAX Excellence
Sources: Government of Alberta: new home warranty · Alberta New Home Warranty Program: when coverage starts
This article is general information, not legal or inspection advice.
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