New-Construction Walkthrough Checklist for Castle Rock

Are you preparing for your final walkthrough on a new-build home in Castle Rock? This is your best chance to confirm that everything functions as promised, the home is safe, and your warranty is documented correctly before you close. You want a clear plan so nothing gets missed, especially with local inspections, climate, and soils in play. This guide gives you a practical, step-by-step checklist tailored to Castle Rock and Douglas County, plus tips to document issues and work smoothly with your builder. Let’s dive in.

Know the local inspection process

Castle Rock area homes fall under two possible jurisdictions. If the property is inside the Town of Castle Rock limits, the Town’s Building Division handles permits and inspections. If the property sits in unincorporated Douglas County, the County’s building department is your authority. Confirm your lot’s jurisdiction so you know which office issues permits and records.

Before permanent occupancy, the local building department conducts final inspections and issues a Certificate of Occupancy. In some cases, a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy allows limited move-in while specific items are finished. Ask your builder for copies of the CO or TCO and any conditions that must be met to convert a TCO into a final CO.

Municipal offices keep permit and inspection records for foundation, framing, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and finals. Request permit numbers and date-stamped inspection results from your builder and verify the status. In many new subdivisions, public improvements such as sidewalks, curbs, and storm drainage remain under developer warranty until the municipality accepts them. Ask your builder or HOA about the status of public improvements and any pending municipal acceptance.

Your pre-closing walkthrough game plan

Plan your independent inspection and walkthrough 1 to 3 days before closing. This timing lets you document issues and gives the builder room to correct critical items or schedule repairs.

Bring printed or digital copies of key documents. That includes permits, CO or TCO, builder warranties, appliance manuals, and the grading plan if available. Have the builder’s warranty or Customer Care contact information ready so you can submit your punch list in writing right after the walkthrough.

Focus your time on systems that affect safety, habitability, and the structure. Prioritize HVAC, plumbing leaks, electrical protection, grading and drainage, roof and attic conditions, and egress.

What to collect before you walk

• Final permits and permit numbers
• Certificate of Occupancy or Temporary CO
• Builder warranty documents and start dates
• Appliance manuals, warranty cards, and serial numbers
• As-built plans, lot grading plan, and irrigation plan if provided
• HOA covenants and the HOA or developer contact for community items
• Builder Customer Care contact and response procedures

Exterior and site checklist

Grading and drainage

• Confirm the soil slopes away from the foundation for several feet on all sides.
• Check that gutters and downspout extensions direct water well away from the home.
• After rain or irrigation, look for standing water or low spots and document with photos.

Foundation and cladding

• Note any visible cracks in the foundation. Record location, length, and width.
• Inspect siding, stucco, or brick veneer for uniformity and secure attachment.

Driveways, walks, and patios

• Look for settlement, cracking, or trip hazards. Check that slabs shed water away from the home.
• Confirm control joints are clean and intact.

Roofline and attic access

• From the ground, scan rooflines and flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vents.
• In the attic, verify insulation coverage, ventilation paths, and look for any stains or water intrusion.

Landscaping and irrigation

• Confirm which landscape items are complete and which are weather dependent.
• Test irrigation zones and the controller. Ensure no spray heads direct water toward the foundation.

Garage and basement checklist

• Check basement and garage floors for flatness, dips, and cracks at control joints.
• Test garage door openers, safety sensors, and the emergency release.
• If a sump pump is installed, test its operation and confirm discharge routes away from the foundation.
• Make sure access panels for mechanicals and crawlspaces are clear and secured.

Mechanical systems checklist

HVAC

• Test heating and cooling in each zone if applicable. Verify thermostat response.
• Confirm a filter is installed, note the filter size, and ask for the recommended replacement schedule.
• Check condensate drain routing and make sure safety features are functional.

Water heater and plumbing

• Verify proper installation of the temperature and pressure relief valve and discharge line.
• Run hot water at multiple fixtures to confirm temperature and pressure. Check for leaks under sinks.
• Locate the main water shut-off and fixture shut-offs. Test them for smooth operation.

Electrical

• Test lights, switches, and outlets in each room.
• Use the test button on GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and exteriors. Review the panel for AFCI breakers where required.
• Confirm panel labeling is accurate, clearances are maintained, and grounding is present.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and verify that interconnected alarms activate as a system.

Ventilation and energy items

• Turn on bathroom exhaust fans and the kitchen hood. Confirm they vent to the exterior and move air.
• Check window and door operation and seals. Record attic insulation levels at the access point.
• Ask your builder if an energy rating or HERS report is available for your plan.

Interior finishes and function

• Inspect walls, ceilings, and trim for nail pops, cracks, paint runs, and consistent finishes.
• Open and close every cabinet and drawer. Confirm alignment, soft-close features, and secure hardware.
• Operate every window and door. Check locks, weather stripping, and thresholds.
• Test all appliances. Note any damage, missing parts, or error codes.
• In baths, evaluate tile for evenness and grout coverage. Run showers to check drainage and sealing.

Safety and code items

• Confirm handrails and guardrails are solid and at proper heights on stairs, decks, and balconies.
• Verify GFCI and AFCI protection in required areas using test features.
• Ensure bedroom windows open for egress and operate easily.
• Check exterior lighting and ensure house numbers are visible from the street.

Document issues and build your punch list

Create a dated, photo-backed punch list while you walk. Organize it room by room and number each item. Include wide shots to show context and close-ups for clarity. For grading or drainage, capture the lot and adjacent areas in a few angles.

Submit your punch list to the builder’s warranty or Customer Care team in writing. Email is common because it creates a clear record. Request a written acknowledgment and ask for a schedule that shows initial review and target repair dates.

If a TCO is in place, ask which items are tied to it and when they must be completed. For any items related to safety or code, request proof of re-inspection or sign-off when the builder finishes the fix.

Keep a dedicated folder with photos, emails, permits, the CO or TCO, warranty documents, manuals, and any receipts for repair work. Good records make warranty follow-up easier and protect you if questions arise.

Castle Rock conditions to watch

Front Range climate and drainage

The semiarid climate and freeze-thaw cycles across the Front Range highlight the importance of roof, gutter, and grading performance. Confirm downspouts have extensions before winter and that irrigation does not push water toward the home.

Expansive soils and movement

Parts of Douglas County have expansive clay soils that react to moisture. Proper drainage eases stress on foundations. If you notice step cracking, doors that stick, or uneven settlement, document it and request evaluation. Consider consulting a structural or geotechnical engineer if signs persist or appear significant.

Landscaping timing

Builders often schedule final landscaping, sod, and some exterior items when weather allows. Identify weather-dependent items and ask for a written completion timeline. Confirm irrigation winterization or startup plans based on the season.

Utilities and HOA or public improvements

Confirm if your home uses municipal water and sewer or a well and septic system if you are in the county. Request permits and maintenance guidance for private systems. Ask the builder or HOA about the status of sidewalks, streets, and storm drains, especially if you see construction activity in the neighborhood.

Warranty basics and expectations

Many builders use a warranty structure that includes three tiers. Expect a 1-year limited warranty for workmanship and materials, a 2-year warranty for major systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, and a 10-year limited structural warranty that often comes from a third-party provider. Verify each warranty’s start and end dates in writing, since these are often tied to the CO or the closing date.

Review the warranty documents for exclusions, such as maintenance issues or normal settling and shrinkage. Ask your builder how to submit service requests and what response times to expect. Larger builders may have a portal for requests, while smaller builders may prefer email or phone.

Independent inspections are common for new construction. If possible, schedule a pre-drywall inspection early in the build and a final inspection just before closing. This approach often catches items that can be corrected efficiently.

What to bring to your walkthrough

• Your contract, warranties, permits, and CO or TCO
• The grading plan and any landscape or irrigation plan provided by the builder
• A phone or camera for photos and video
• A small flashlight, outlet tester, sticky notes, and a tape measure
• Notepad or a checklist app for item numbers, dates, and locations
• Blue painter’s tape for marking finish issues

Work with a construction-savvy advocate

A well-run walkthrough protects your investment and sets the tone for a smooth handoff to warranty service. Having an advisor who reads plans, understands materials, and coordinates with builders helps you prioritize what truly matters and get it in writing. If you want a construction-informed partner for your Castle Rock purchase or a second set of eyes on your walkthrough plan, connect with Charles Ward. His blend of hands-on construction knowledge and premium service can help you close with confidence.

FAQs

What is a Certificate of Occupancy for a new Castle Rock home?

• It is the municipal approval issued after final inspections that allows permanent occupancy, while a Temporary CO may allow limited occupancy until specific items are completed.

Should I hire an independent inspector for a new-build walkthrough?

• Yes, a new-construction specialist can test systems, catch missed items, and help you document a clear punch list before closing.

How do I handle items the builder says are weather dependent?

• Log them on your punch list, note they are weather dependent, and request a written timeline for completion once conditions allow.

What if my home is in unincorporated Douglas County?

• The County’s building division handles permits and COs there, so confirm jurisdiction early and request permit numbers and inspection records from your builder.

How long do builders have to fix punch-list items?

• Timelines vary by builder and contract, so ask for written acknowledgment of your list and a schedule that outlines review and repair dates.

What should I do if I see drainage or foundation concerns after move-in?

• Photograph the issue, submit it to the builder’s warranty team in writing, and consider a structural or geotechnical evaluation if signs persist or appear significant.