Final Walkthrough Checklist (Substantial Completion)
For: GCs, owner reps, building inspectors, architects
Substantial completion is the legal milestone where the owner can occupy the project for its intended use. The final walkthrough either generates a clean punchlist (project closes) or a fight (project drags into liquidated damages). This checklist surfaces the items inspectors and architects actually flag — not the obvious ones, but the corners that get missed.
References: AIA G704 Certificate of Substantial Completion · AIA G714
Want to do this on your phone — offline, with photos per item, exported as a PDF in 90 seconds?
Use OnsiteAudit — runs offline, captures photo evidence per item, exports a sharable PDF.
Pre-walkthrough Setup
Project clean — all trash, debris, packaging removed
All trades complete (no active work during walkthrough)
Power, water, HVAC operational throughout building
All lighting on for inspection (replace failed lamps before walk)
Owner punch person + GC superintendent present
Building Envelope
No water staining at ceiling penetrations (HVAC, sprinkler, plumbing)
Caulk joints continuous at all envelope penetrations
Roof drains free of debris, scuppers clear
Window/door operation smooth, weatherstripping intact
Exterior signage installed level, illuminated if applicable
Life-Safety Systems
Fire alarm functional — pull stations, horns, strobes test
Sprinkler system flushed, gauges normal, signage posted
Emergency lighting and exit signs illuminated, battery test passed
Egress paths clear, exit doors open with single motion
IBC 1010
Elevator inspection certificate posted, recall test passed
Mechanical / Electrical Test
HVAC balancing report on file, all zones at design temp
Electrical panel schedules typed and accurate
Receptacles polarity-tested, GFCI/AFCI trip tested at samples
Plumbing fixtures tested for flow + drain, no cross-connections
Closeout Documentation
O&M manuals delivered (3 copies + digital)
Warranty letters signed and dated by each subcontractor
Attic stock (paint, tile, ceiling tiles, lamps) delivered to owner
As-built drawings and final permits in handoff binder
Run this on your phone
Run this checklist on every site, capture defect photos inline, generate a sharable report at the truck. All offline.