Think Your Renovation Is Done? Most Homeowners Skip This Step — And Regret It Later
- Room Planner Team
- Jun 2
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 5
Final Home Renovation Checklist (for Non-Professionals)
Why this checklist matters:
Planning to wrap up your home renovation? Don’t skip the final walkthrough. This detailed home renovation inspection checklist helps you spot poor workmanship, catch hidden construction defects, and ensure everything from plumbing to electrical is working properly — even if you're not a construction expert. Use this renovation checklist before making your final payment to protect your investment, verify contractor work, and avoid expensive post-renovation surprises.
Walls & Ceilings
Smooth and even finish?
Run your hand or a light over the wall to check for bumps, cracks, or uneven paint.
Corners straight?
Use a smartphone level app or a small object with a 90° angle.
No stains or marks?
Check near ceilings and floors for signs of water damage or dirt.
Paint is consistent in color and coverage?
Look for patches, roller marks, or areas with thinner paint.
No visible joints or tape lines on drywall?
Check walls under light — seams should be invisible.
Floors
Even and level surface?
Walk slowly — listen for creaks, feel for dips or bumps.
No gaps or raised edges?
Check between tiles or floorboards with a coin or your finger.
Baseboards aligned and neat?
There should be no visible gaps or messy caulking.
Flooring securely fixed?
Tiles shouldn’t shift; laminate shouldn’t “bounce.”
Clean finish around pipes and corners?
Look for smooth cuts and seals, not rough edges or gaps.
Doors & Windows
Open and close easily?
Test all doors and windows — they shouldn’t stick or swing on their own.
No drafts or large gaps?
Pass your hand around edges to feel for airflow.
Locks and handles working?
Everything should lock/unlock smoothly.
Frames installed evenly?
Check if the door/window is aligned — not tilted or warped.
Glass clean and free from scratches or cracks?
Look through in daylight for clarity and damage.
Electrical
Do lights and switches work?
Turn everything on/off. Flickering may mean poor wiring.
Are outlets working?
Test with a charger or outlet tester.
Breaker box labeled?
Each switch should be clearly marked.
No exposed wires or open junction boxes?
Look behind appliances and under sinks.
Light fixtures installed securely and level?
They shouldn’t wobble or hang unevenly.
Plumbing & Fixtures
Taps turn smoothly and don’t leak?
Check under sinks and behind toilets for drips.
Water pressure is good?
Test all faucets and the shower.
Toilets flush well and don’t wobble?
Flush and sit to test stability.
No strange smells from drains?
Smelly drains may signal plumbing issues.
Water heats up properly and quickly?
Test hot water in kitchen and bathroom.
Ventilation & Climate
Air vents or extractor fans work?
Hold up tissue — it should get pulled toward the vent.
AC/heating units working?
Run them briefly and check for noise or odor.
Thermostat responds correctly?
Set temperature and observe response.
No condensation around windows or vents?
Excess moisture may mean poor airflow.
Filters installed (if needed)?
Look inside vents or AC unit.
Security
All locks functional?
Test main door, windows, and any outer gates.
Intercom or doorbell works?
Try all buttons and speakers.
Smoke or CO detectors installed and tested?
Press test button for sound.
Window restrictors (if required) installed?
Important for child safety in some countries.
No broken or missing keys?
All locks should come with working keys.
Final Details
No leftover materials or dust?
Check all drawers, corners, and window sills.
Everything in the contract is finished?
Go over your renovation agreement line by line.
Take photos of each room
Helpful for warranty or future issues.
Instruction manuals and warranties received?
Ask for appliance and system documents.
Ask for contractor contact details (for issues)?
Keep info for follow-up repairs or adjustments.
One missed detail can cost you thousands. Download the checklist now and double-check everything like a pro.
