Building a new home in O’Fallon is exciting, but it also comes with questions. What should you look for before drywall goes up? How do you build a solid punch list at the end? And what does your builder’s warranty actually cover? You want the confidence that comes from a smooth walkthrough and a clear warranty plan.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how pre-drywall and final walkthroughs work, what to check, how to document repairs, and what most builder warranties include. You’ll also get local tips for O’Fallon and St. Clair County so you can close with confidence. Let’s dive in.
New-build timeline in O’Fallon
- Contract and deposit. You sign your purchase agreement and choose options.
- Pre-construction. Lot staking, excavation, and foundation.
- Framing and exterior shell. Walls, roof, windows, and exterior doors.
- Pre-drywall stage. Rough-in for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. This is the best time for a technical inspection.
- Drywall and finishes. Paint, trim, cabinets, flooring, and appliances.
- Final walkthrough. You test systems, review finishes, and create the punch list.
- Closing and occupancy. You get keys and move in.
- Warranty period begins. Coverage typically starts at closing or occupancy. Check your contract.
For a deeper look at the build process and buyer expectations, review the consumer resources from the National Association of Home Builders and new construction inspection guidance from InterNACHI.
Pre-drywall walkthrough: catch issues early
The pre-drywall walkthrough happens after mechanical rough-ins and before insulation and drywall. This is your chance to confirm framing, wiring, pipes, and ducts are correct before they are covered.
- Why it matters. Fixing hidden issues later is costly and disruptive. Independent reports at this stage help document corrections.
- Who should attend. You, the builder’s superintendent, and ideally an independent home inspector experienced in new construction.
- Timing and access. Confirm access with your builder in advance, since some limit time on site.
What to check at pre-drywall:
- Framing quality and fastening. Look for straight studs, proper headers, and secure connections.
- Rough plumbing. Confirm drain slope, venting, pipe type, and correct line sizes.
- Electrical rough-ins. Check outlet and switch box placement, panel clearance, and grounding.
- HVAC ductwork. Verify routing, clearances, and insulation.
- Exterior sheathing and flashing. Look for correct housewrap, window flashing, and sill pans.
- Fire blocking and attic ventilation.
- Site drainage. Verify grade slopes away from the foundation and downspouts are directed properly.
Independent inspectors work for you and provide objective documentation. For best practices, see InterNACHI’s guidance on new-construction inspections.
Final walkthrough: finish strong before closing
Your final walkthrough happens when the home is complete. The goal is to verify that systems function as expected and finishes meet the contract. You will also create a punch list of items the builder will address.
Functional checks to perform:
- HVAC. Test heat and cooling in each zone and verify airflow.
- Plumbing. Run all hot and cold faucets, flush toilets, and check for leaks and proper drainage.
- Electrical. Test switches, outlets, GFCIs, and lighting. Verify the garage door opener and exterior lights.
- Appliances. Operate each included appliance.
- Doors and windows. Open, close, and lock. Check weatherstripping, glazing, and caulking.
- Interior finishes. Note paint touchups, trim gaps, tile or grout issues, and floor defects.
- Safety items. Confirm smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, secure handrails, and proper guardrails.
Create and document your punch list:
- Use a written list with dates, locations, and photos.
- Ask the builder to acknowledge the list and timelines in writing.
- Clarify what will be corrected before and after closing.
For context on walkthrough expectations and buyer roles, review the NAHB consumer resources.
Managing your punch list and timelines
A punch list is the written record of items the builder agrees to fix. You typically finalize it at the walkthrough, with the option to add items within a short post-closing window if your contract allows.
What to expect on timing:
- Small cosmetic items. Often completed within 7 to 30 days, depending on trade schedules.
- Larger or seasonal items. Grading, sod, and driveway issues may wait for the right season.
- Documentation. Your contract or warranty should explain service response times and how to submit claims.
How to manage the process effectively:
- Number each item and prioritize safety and functional issues.
- Share the list in writing and keep email records.
- Include photos for clarity.
- Ask for estimated completion dates. Note seasonal items with target seasons.
- Keep a maintenance log of warranty claims and repairs.
What builder warranties usually cover
Many builders use a tiered warranty that covers materials, systems, and structure for different lengths of time. Exact terms vary, so ask for the warranty document that applies to your home.
Common structure:
- 1-year workmanship and materials. Covers defects in finishes like paint, trim, and some plumbing or electrical workmanship.
- 2-year systems. Covers installation defects in plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.
- 10-year structural. Covers qualifying failures of load-bearing components such as the foundation or framing.
Key details to confirm:
- Definitions and thresholds. “Major structural defect” has a specific definition that can affect coverage.
- Exclusions. Normal wear, owner damage, acts of nature, and many landscaping items are often excluded.
- Start date. Coverage usually starts at closing or occupancy. Confirm which applies to you.
- Transferability. Some third-party warranties can transfer to a new owner, which may help resale value.
- Claims process. Most warranties require written notice, an inspection, and allow time to cure.
Many production builders use third-party providers. To understand typical coverage and claims, review resources from 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty. For broader consumer guidance on buying a home and reviewing documents, see HUD’s buying a home resources.
O’Fallon and St. Clair County specifics
Local processes and site conditions affect timelines and what you should verify before closing.
- Permits and the certificate of occupancy. Confirm with your builder which local authority issues permits and inspections for your subdivision, and retain copies of permit sign-offs and the certificate of occupancy with your closing documents.
- Climate and site conditions. Southern Illinois has hot, humid summers and freeze-thaw cycles. Verify roof underlayment and flashing, proper gutter and downspout routing, and grading that directs water away from the foundation. Expect some seasonal settlement and lawn establishment.
- Radon. Illinois has elevated radon potential. The EPA recommends testing all homes, even new construction. Ask whether a passive or active system was installed or roughed in.
- Termites and pests. Ask about pretreatment or builder practices in the subdivision.
- HOAs and assessments. Review covenants, fees, and maintenance responsibilities. New construction assessments may change after completion.
- Utilities and finishes. Some subdivisions complete final paving, sidewalks, or landscaping after occupancy. Confirm responsibilities and timelines.
- VA or FHA buyers. If you are relocating to or from Scott AFB, confirm that the build schedule and inspections align with your loan program requirements.
Should you hire an independent inspector?
Yes. Even with municipal inspections and builder quality control, an independent inspector works solely for you and provides objective reports. This is especially valuable at pre-drywall and before closing. For an overview of what qualified inspectors look for, review InterNACHI’s new-construction guidance.
Quick checklist you can use
You can use this starter checklist to guide your walkthroughs and your punch list. Ask your builder to acknowledge in writing any items that need correction.
Pre-drywall checks:
- Permit posted and inspection approvals up to date.
- Framing alignment, fastening, and header supports.
- Housewrap, flashing, and sill pans at windows and doors.
- Plumbing pipe types, drain slopes, venting, and line sizes.
- Electrical box locations, service entry, panel clearance, and grounding.
- HVAC duct routing, insulation, and venting clearances.
- Fire blocking and attic ventilation.
- Site grading and downspout routing away from the foundation.
- Any contract-specific options and rough-in locations.
Final walkthrough checks:
- Exterior. Siding or brick, trim, gutters, driveway, sidewalks, grading, and landscaping.
- Roof. Shingles, flashing, and gutter attachment.
- Doors and windows. Smooth operation, locks, screens, caulking, and trim.
- Interior finishes. Paint, tile and grout, countertops, cabinet doors and drawers, floors, and baseboards.
- Plumbing. Hot and cold at all fixtures, leaks, pressure, and water heater operation.
- Electrical. Every outlet and switch, GFCIs, smoke and CO detectors, and garage door safety reversal.
- HVAC. Heat and cooling operation, filter placement, and thermostat.
- Appliances. Oven, cooktop, dishwasher, microwave, disposal, and refrigerator if included.
- Documentation. Warranties, appliance manuals, as-built drawings, certificate of occupancy, permit close-outs, and the builder’s warranty claim procedure.
Punch list management:
- Use dated photos and written descriptions.
- Prioritize safety and functional items first, cosmetic items second.
- Submit the list in writing and keep email records.
- Ask for estimated completion dates and note seasonal items.
- Keep a log of warranty claims and service visits.
Get local guidance before you close
If you are building or buying new construction in O’Fallon or the Metro East, you deserve a steady, experienced advocate at every step. From pre-drywall to final walkthrough to warranty questions, you can get practical guidance that keeps your timeline on track and your investment protected. Connect with Delores Doussard to schedule a free consultation and talk through your plan.
FAQs
What is a pre-drywall walkthrough for new construction in O’Fallon?
- It is an on-site review after rough-ins and before drywall where you and your inspector confirm framing, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC are correct and documented for fixes.
How do final walkthrough punch lists work for new homes?
- You create a written list of items to repair, add photos, get the builder’s acknowledgment, and agree on timelines for completion before or after closing.
What do typical builder warranties cover on a new O’Fallon home?
- Many include 1 year for workmanship, 2 years for systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, and 10 years for qualifying structural defects, with exclusions detailed in the warranty.
When does a new-home warranty start for buyers?
- Coverage usually begins at closing or at occupancy. Check your contract and the warranty document to confirm the exact start date.
Should I hire an independent inspector for a brand-new house?
- Yes. An independent inspector provides objective reports at pre-drywall and before closing that help you find issues early and document needed corrections.
Is radon testing recommended for new construction in St. Clair County?
- Yes. The EPA recommends testing all homes. Ask your builder if a mitigation system was installed or roughed in and plan to test after move-in.
