Final Walkthrough Checklist for Ontario Home Buyers

The final walkthrough is your last look at the home before you own it. You visit shortly before closing to confirm that the home is in the same shape as when you made your offer. You also check that the seller did any repairs they agreed to, and that everything included in the deal is still there.

It is not a second home inspection. It is a quick, careful check for changes. If you find a problem, tell your lawyer and agent right away, before you sign anything or pick up keys. This checklist walks you through what to bring, what to test, and what to do if something is wrong.

What a Final Walkthrough Is and Is Not

In Ontario, most buyers do the walkthrough within a day or two of closing. Some do it on the closing day itself, before the money moves. Ask your agent for the timing as soon as you have a closing date.

Here is what it covers:

• Confirming the home has not been damaged since you bought it.
• Checking that agreed repairs were done.
• Making sure included items, such as appliances and light fixtures, are still there.
• Confirming the seller has moved out and left the home clean, if that was part of the deal.

Here is what it does not cover:

• Hidden problems inside walls, roofs or foundations. That is the job of a home inspector, usually before your offer becomes firm.
• New renovations you wish to make.
• Bargaining over the price. The price was set in your offer.

Treat the walkthrough as a quality check against a contract, not a fresh negotiation.

Before You Go: Get Ready

A little prep makes the visit faster and more useful. Gather these items first.

• Your Agreement of Purchase and Sale. This is the signed contract. It lists what is included, such as fridge, stove, blinds and light fixtures.
• The home inspection report. Use it to re-check anything that was flagged.
• Repair papers. If the seller agreed to fix something, bring the written terms and any receipts.
• A phone charger and a small plug-in tester. A cheap outlet tester helps you spot dead or wired-wrong outlets.
• A flashlight. You will look under sinks, in closets and in the basement.
• Your phone camera. Take photos and short videos of anything that looks wrong.
• A tape measure or notepad. Write down what you find as you go.

Book enough time. Plan for at least an hour for a condo and longer for a house. Do not let anyone rush you.

The Room-by-Room Checklist

Go through the home in the same order each time. That way you will not skip a room. Walk through once for a general look. Then go again with the testing steps.

Outside and entry

• Look at the roof line, gutters and downspouts for new damage.
• Check that the lawn, trees and driveway look the same as when you saw them last.
• Make sure the garage door opener works and that you receive all remotes.
• Test the front door lock and any keys you are given.
• Check the doorbell, exterior lights and mailbox keys.

Kitchen

• Turn on every appliance that is included: stove, oven, fridge, dishwasher and range hood.
• Run the tap and look under the sink for drips or damp cabinet bottoms.
• Check the counters and cabinet doors for chips or cracks.
• Make sure the fridge is cold and the freezer works.

Bathrooms

• Flush every toilet. Make sure it stops filling and does not run.
• Run the shower and tub. Watch how fast water drains.
• Check for water marks on ceilings below any bathroom.
• Turn on the exhaust fan.
• Look at the caulking and grout for new damage.

Living areas and bedrooms

• Flip every light switch. Replace nothing; just note what does not work.
• Plug your tester into outlets in each room.
• Open and close every window and door. Check that locks work.
• Look at walls, ceilings and floors for new holes, stains or scratches.
• Check that curtains, blinds and light fixtures that were included are still in place.

Heating, cooling and water

• Turn the thermostat up and down. Make sure the heating and cooling both respond.
• Run hot water in a sink and shower. Make sure it heats up.
• Find the main water shut-off valve, the electrical panel and the furnace. Ask the seller to show you where they are.
• Look at the furnace filter and the water heater for leaks or rust.

Basement, attic and storage

• Use your flashlight to look for damp spots, new stains or a musty smell.
• If there is a sump pump, lift the float or pour in water to see that it runs.
• Look for signs the seller left behind boxes or junk that were meant to be removed.

Condo-Specific Checks

If you are buying a condo, a few more items matter. The home is smaller, but the shared parts of the building count too.

• Parking and locker. Make sure you can find and use the spot and locker that come with your unit. Our guide to condo parking and locker ownership explains why they can be tricky.
• Keys, fobs and remotes. Ask how you will get your building fobs, mailbox keys and garage remotes.
• Balcony. Look at the floor, railing and door. Look for cracks, rust or standing water.
• Heating and cooling units. Many condos have in-suite units. Test them.
• Move-in rules. Ask the property manager about booking an elevator and any move-in fees.
• Common areas. Walk past the lobby, elevator and hallway on your way. Note anything that looks damaged.

Check Repairs and Included Items

This is the most important part of the visit. Most disputes come from repairs and chattels. Chattels are items that are not fixed to the building, such as a fridge or a washer. Fixtures are items that are attached, such as light fixtures and built-in shelves.

Repairs

• Find each repair in your contract and look at it closely.
• Ask for receipts or written proof if a professional did the work.
• Check that the work is complete, not just started.
• Make sure the repair did not cause damage elsewhere, such as paint missing near a patched wall.

Included items

• Tick off each item on your list from the contract.
• Check that each item works the way it did when you first saw it.
• If something is missing, take a photo of the spot where it used to be.

Excluded items

Some sellers take items they said were excluded. That is fine. But make sure the seller did not take anything you were promised. Check any holes or damage left behind where things were taken down.