A Buyer’s Walk-Through Checklist Before Completion

The Short Answer

A pre-completion walk-through is not a full inspection. It is a final practical check that the property is generally in the expected condition, included items remain, agreed repairs are complete, major damage has not appeared, and key possession details are ready.

Buyers should check appliances, inclusions, cleanliness, damage, keys, fobs, remotes, parking, storage, utilities, strata move-in logistics, and any contract-specific items before completion or possession, depending on what access is allowed.

Who This Helps

This guide is for Greater Vancouver buyers approaching completion on a condo, townhouse, detached home, presale, or resale property. It is especially useful when the accepted offer included appliances, repairs, furniture, vacant possession, or strata access items.

Advisor Note

The walk-through should be calm and specific. It is not the moment to renegotiate every cosmetic detail. It is the moment to confirm that the property still matches the contract and that no obvious closing problem has appeared.

If something is wrong, document it and escalate quickly through the right professionals.

Confirm Access Timing

Ask your Realtor when a walk-through is permitted under the contract and local practice. Access may happen before completion, near possession, or at another agreed time. Do not assume you can enter whenever you want.

If the property is tenanted, vacant, under renovation, or occupied by the seller, access may require more coordination.

Check Included Items

Review the contract before the visit. Check appliances, window coverings, light fixtures, garage remotes, fobs, keys, storage lockers, parking stalls, EV chargers, security equipment, hot tubs, sheds, and any specific included items.

If an item was supposed to stay, it should still be there. If an item was excluded, do not assume it will remain.

JQ-Properties’ guide on questions before making an offer explains why inclusions should be clarified before signing.

Test Basic Function

Where reasonable and permitted, test appliances, lights, faucets, toilets, heating, cooling, fireplace, garage doors, door locks, windows, blinds, and built-in systems. You are not replacing an inspection, but you are checking for obvious non-function.

If a system was already known to be old or excluded from warranties, manage expectations. The walk-through is mainly about change, contract items, and practical readiness.

Look for New Damage

Check walls, floors, doors, stairs, counters, cabinets, windows, balcony, yard, garage, storage, and common move-out areas. Moving can cause damage. Weather, leaks, or accidental damage can also appear between subject removal and completion.

Take photos if something material has changed. Do not rely on memory.

Verify Repairs and Agreed Work

If the seller agreed to repairs, cleaning, removal of items, or specific work, bring the contract wording and check that the work appears complete. Ask for receipts or proof if the contract requires them.

If the repair quality is unclear or technical, involve the appropriate professional. A quick visual check may not prove that plumbing, electrical, or roof work was properly done.

Condo and Strata Items

For condos and townhouses, confirm parking stall, storage locker, fobs, mail keys, common-area access, move-in booking, elevator pad requirements, loading area, garbage room, amenity access, and strata move-in fees.

Also check whether the unit has any obvious new leaks, appliance issues, balcony concerns, or damage that may affect move-in.

JQ-Properties’ article on assessing a condo building before buying explains why unit access and building rules both matter.

Utilities and Insurance

The walk-through is also a reminder to confirm utilities, internet, insurance, mail forwarding, strata forms, and moving arrangements. Possession day becomes harder if setup is left too late.

If the property has oil, propane, septic, well, or special systems, confirm what is required before possession.

What If Something Is Wrong?

If you find a problem, document it and contact your Realtor immediately. Depending on the issue and timing, your Realtor may coordinate with the other side, and your lawyer or notary may need to be involved.

Do not make threats or side agreements directly. The contract and closing process matter.

Walk-Through Checklist

Bring:

• Contract and included items list.
• Phone or camera.
• Charger if needed.
• Tape measure if move-in planning matters.
• List of repairs or seller promises.
• Parking and storage details.
• Move-in instructions.

Check:

• Appliances and built-ins.
• Lights, taps, toilets, heat, and basic systems.
• New damage.
• Cleanliness and removed items.
• Keys, fobs, remotes, mail, parking, and storage.
• Repairs and receipts where required.

FAQ

Is the walk-through the same as a home inspection?

No. It is a final condition and contract check. A home inspection is a more detailed professional review usually done earlier.

Can buyers cancel because of walk-through issues?

It depends on the contract, issue, and timing. Serious issues should be raised immediately with your Realtor and legal advisor.

Should buyers test every appliance?

Test what is reasonable and accessible, especially included appliances. The goal is to catch obvious problems before possession.

What if the seller left junk behind?

Document it and contact your Realtor. The response depends on the contract wording, timing, and seriousness.

Further Reading

• BCREA: Understanding the Conveyancing Process
• CMHC: Homebuying Step by Step
• BCFSA: Consumer Guide to Property Inspections
• BCFSA: FAQs About Real Estate Transactions

Disclaimer

This article is general information only. It is not legal, inspection, insurance, strata, conveyancing, repair, or contract advice. Buyers should review walk-through concerns with qualified professionals.

If you are approaching completion in Greater Vancouver, Justin Qiao can help you prepare a practical walk-through list before possession day.