What Is A Blue Tape Walkthrough Checklist? (Explanation + Free PDF Download)

Buying a new construction home is exciting, but before you reach your move-in date, there’s one last step you can’t afford to skip: the blue tape walkthrough.

This is the part of the process where you and the builder’s representative walk through the house together, using blue painter’s tape to mark minor defects and cosmetic issues like chipped paint and damaged cabinets.

It’s essentially a detailed inspection focused on quality assurance, with the goal of making sure your newly built home is truly move-in ready.

Key Takeaways

A blue tape walkthrough protects your investment by catching minor issues (and sometimes major issues) before closing.
To make it easier, we’ve included a free blue tape walkthrough checklist PDF you can download and bring along, available at the end of this article.

What Is A Blue Tape Walkthrough?

A blue tape walkthrough is a type of construction walkthrough used at the very end of the building process.

It’s the final step before closing on your home, and it gives you the chance to identify issues while the builder is still responsible for making final repairs.

The name comes from the use of blue painter’s tape (easy to see, but safe for walls and finishes).

You’ll use it to mark chipped paint, uneven trim, gaps in flooring, or anything else that doesn’t meet expectations.

Each piece of tape becomes a visible reminder for the builder of what needs to be fixed.

So, who attends?

Typically, it’s you, the buyer, along with a builder’s representative (to take notes and document issues). Sometimes, your realtor or a 3rd party home inspection professional will join for added peace of mind.

The blue tape walkthrough usually comes after all the construction projects are “finished,” but before the final handover.

This means the house looks move-in ready but still has time for identified issues to be corrected.

Why Every New Home Needs A Blue Tape Walkthrough

It’s easy to assume that a new construction home is perfect. After all, no one’s lived in it before, and everything looks shiny and new.

But the truth is that many homes have minor cosmetic issues, and sometimes bigger problems that you’ll only notice during a thorough walkthrough.

Here are just a few examples of what buyers commonly catch on blue tape day:

Paint drips or chipped paint on the walls.
Sticking doors or windows that don’t open smoothly.
Missing trim or uneven baseboards.
Plumbing fixtures with leaks or weak water pressure.
Electrical outlets that don’t work properly.

These may sound small, but they can sometimes hint at improperly built structural elements or functional issues that cost more to fix later.

For instance, a cracked tile might be just cosmetic, or it could signal that the subfloor wasn’t installed correctly.

The financial angle is simple: once you’ve signed closing papers, it’s much harder (and more expensive) to get the builder to address problems.

The blue tape inspection is your chance to create a complete punch list of items while you still have leverage.

Rushing through it (or skipping it completely) means you’ll probably miss things and end up fixing them yourself after move-in.

How To Prepare For Your Blue Tape Inspection

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your inspection.

What To Bring

Blue painter’s tape: bring more than you think you’ll need.
Notebook and pen: so you can document issues clearly.
Phone or camera: take photos to make follow up easier.
Flashlight: use it to check dark corners, closets, and crawl spaces.
Measuring tape: check appliance cutouts, stair widths, or doorway clearance.
Small test items: a phone charger to check that outlets work

Who To Bring

Your builder’s representative (required).
A realtor or trusted friend for a second set of eyes (optional, but recommended)
A professional home inspection for added peace of mind (optional).

How Much Time To Allow

Don’t treat this like a quick walk-through. Set aside at least 2–3 hours.

Rushing through increases the risk of leaving uneven surfaces, safety hazards, or missing trim unnoticed until after the final walk through.

The larger the house, the more time you’ll need to complete the inspection.

Blue Tape Walkthrough Checklist

The checklist below acts as the backbone of your inspection. It helps you slow down, test every part of the house, and leave knowing the builder has a clear record of identified issues.

Think of this as your personal quality control for your new construction home.

Here’s the full blue tape walkthrough checklist broken down by area.

Exterior

Start outside before you step through the front door. A lot of small but important details live here.

Driveways & Walkways: look for cracks, uneven surfaces, or areas where water might pool.
Roof & Gutters: confirm shingles are secure, gutters are attached, and downspouts direct water away.
Siding & Paint: check for chipped paint, gaps, or siding that’s not flush.
Exterior Doors & Windows: make sure each one opens, closes, and locks smoothly. Pay special attention to the front door and patio sliders.
Sprinkler System & Landscaping: run the irrigation to confirm it works properly. Sloping should move water away from the home.
Safety Features: verify that outdoor lighting, steps, and railings are secure and not safety hazards.

A homeowner inspects his new construction home's siding during a blue tape walkthrough.

Doors & Windows

Doors: open and close each one fully, including closets and pocket doors. They should latch easily and not drag on the floor. Test locks and confirm keys fit.
Windows: each should slide, tilt, or crank the way it was designed. Locks should work, and glass should be free from cracks or scratches.
Seals & Weatherstripping: check for drafts or daylight around doors and windows.
Exterior Access: confirm exterior doors close tightly and are properly installed.

Interior Walls, Ceilings & Floors

Walls: look for nail pops, seams that aren’t sanded smoothly, or paint lines that don’t match.
Ceilings: check for cracks, stains, or uneven drywall seams.
Floors: hardwood should be flush without gaps, carpet should be stretched tight, and tile should be level without lippage.
Trim & Baseboards: they should sit tight against the wall, not leave shadows or gaps.

A builder's representative reviews a wall for cracks using a flashlight

Kitchen & Bathrooms

Because kitchens and baths include plumbing, ventilation, and electrical elements, they’re prime areas where safety hazards can hide.

Check thoroughly now to reduce the need for follow-up repairs after the final walkthrough.

Cabinets & Drawers: open and close them fully to check for alignment.
Counters & Surfaces: run your hand along seams to feel for gaps or rough edges.
Plumbing Fixtures: test every faucet for hot and cold water, check sinks and tubs for proper drainage, and flush toilets for leaks.
Showers & Tubs: confirm grout and caulk are sealed evenly.
Ventilation: make sure fans are installed and venting outside.
Appliances: if included, confirm oven, dishwasher, fridge, and others turn on and operate as expected.

Systems & Appliances

Mechanical systems make or break how your new home feels day to day. During your blue tape walk, take the time to test everything that runs on power, water, or gas.

Electrical Outlets & Switches: plug in a small device to make sure each outlet works, and flip every switch to confirm it controls the right fixture.
HVAC System: run the air conditioning and heating to check airflow from every vent. The thermostat should adjust without delay.
Plumbing Fixtures: look under sinks for leaks, turn faucets for steady flow, and flush toilets to ensure strong drainage.
Appliances: if included, run a quick cycle on new appliances (check the dishwasher, turn on the oven, and check the fridge for cooling).

A homeowner checks plumbing fixtures during a blue tape walkthrough

Attic, Basement & Garage

Attic: confirm insulation is evenly spread, ventilation is clear, and the access door is easy to open.
Basement: look for cracks in walls, dampness, or any signs of poor drainage.
Garage: check the floor for cracks, run the door opener multiple times, and make sure safety sensors stop the door if blocked.

Safety & Functionality Checks

The last part of your tape walkthrough is about peace of mind. A home isn’t truly complete until you’re sure that safety features work as designed.

Smoke & CO Detectors: press the buttons to test each one.

Stairs & Railings: confirm they feel solid under pressure.

GFCI Outlets: check reset buttons in kitchens, baths, and garages.

Exterior Lighting: verify it’s bright enough to reduce safety hazards around entry points.

Sprinkler Heads: ensure outdoor systems don’t spray toward the house.

Questions To Ask Your Builder

Once your tape walkthrough is complete and every issue has been marked, it’s time to talk next steps.

This is when you should ask your builder important questions that determine how (and when) those problems will be fixed.

Having answers to these questions builds confidence that your new home will be delivered in the same condition you signed off on.

When will repairs be completed? — Ask if they’ll be done before your closing date or if you’ll need a follow up walkthrough.
Who keeps the punch list? — Make sure both you and the builder’s representative have a copy of all identified issues.
What if new problems show up after move-in? — Clarify whether you’ll have a short warranty window for small adjustments.
How will repairs be documented? — Make sure the builder provides a written record of fixes so you know every issue was addressed.

What Happens After the Final Walk Through?

The blue tape walkthrough is not the end of your project.

It’s the beginning of the repair phase.

Once you’ve used painter’s tape to mark problems, the builder compiles a formal punch list.

Here’s what typically happens next:

Builder makes repairs: From cosmetic issues like chipped paint to functional ones like a misaligned HVAC system, items are fixed before closing.
Follow-up walkthrough: You and the builder walk the house again to verify that repairs are complete.
Final sign-off: Once everything checks out, the builder proceeds with closing and hands you the keys.

Download Your Free Blue Tape Walkthrough Checklist PDF

Don’t rely on memory when you’re inspecting a new home. A structured checklist makes it easier to stay organized and avoid rushing through the final walkthrough.

The list above is a condensed version of our FREE blue tape walkthrough checklist PDF. You can download it below, print it before your walkthrough, and fill it out as you go.

It covers every room, system, and safety feature we discussed in this guide.

Our Top Pick: Liberty Home Guard

If you're looking for the best home warranty company in Texas, Liberty Home Guard stands out as the top choice in 2025.

It’s not the cheapest option on the list, but it consistently ranks as one of the top home warranty providers thanks to its strong home warranty coverage, fast service, and unmatched flexibility.

Liberty’s plans are designed for real life in Texas, where dual air conditioning systems, major home systems, and high summer temps are the norm.

It’s one of the few home warranty companies that includes coverage for two electric AC units in its standard plan.

What also sets Liberty apart is its level of customization.

With over 30 add-on coverage options, homeowners can build a plan that fits their property perfectly, whether they need coverage for a septic system, a swimming pool, or extra laundry appliances.

This kind of flexibility is rare among other home warranty companies.

It’s not just the coverage options that impress, though.

Liberty earns high marks from home warranty customers for its responsiveness and customer service.

You can manage your home warranty contract through their mobile app, which many Texas homeowners love for the convenience when filing a claim or tracking repairs.

Visit Liberty Home Guard's website to view plan details or explore Liberty Home Guard’s plans directly.

Quick Facts: Liberty Home Guard

Runner Up: American Home Shield

Coming in close behind Liberty, American Home Shield ranks as one of the best home warranty providers in Texas for 2025.

With over 50 years of experience and broad home warranty coverage that includes preexisting conditions, this provider has built a strong reputation among homeowners with older homes, aging heating systems, and major appliances.

In a 2025 This Old House survey, 44% of Texas homeowners selected American Home Shield as their current provider, making it one of the most widely used Texas home warranty companies.

Our favorite features is the $5,000 HVAC coverage cap per system, which is ideal for the Texas climate. The reason we love it is because A/C repairs are some of the most common (and expensive) home service calls made in the Houston area.

Quick Facts: American Home Shield

Other Great Home Warranty Companies In Texas

While Liberty Home Guard and American Home Shield earned our top spots, they’re not the only Texas home warranty companies worth your attention.

Several other home warranty providers offer solid coverage, competitive pricing, and reliable service.

If you're looking for alternatives that still deliver great value and protection for your covered home systems, the options below are absolutely still worth considering.

First American Home Warranty

While it’s a bit pricier than some affordable plans (with monthly premiums starting at $42), First American Home Warranty makes up for it with higher coverage limits and solid protection for both major appliances and covered systems.

This is especially appealing to owners of high-end homes in Houston.

Some plans offer up to $7,000 in appliance coverage and unlimited HVAC system coverage, which is what makes this company a strong contender for anyone who wants broad, comprehensive coverage (as long as you’re willing to pay a little more for it).

One standout feature is the First American Advantage upgrade, which adds protection for poor installation issues not always covered under standard home warranty plans.

Quick Facts: First American Home Warranty

Cinch Home Services is a strong option for Texas homeowners looking for affordable plans with practical extras.

With monthly premiums starting at just $35, Cinch is one of the most budget-friendly providers on this list.

But don’t let the price fool you. It packs in value that rivals bigger names.

One standout feature is its $500 homeowners insurance deductible reimbursement, included with its Complete Home Plan.

That alone sets it apart from most home warranty coverage options.

It also covers damage from rust and corrosion, which many home warranty companies exclude despite its usefulness in humid areas like Houston.

Cinch also offers a 180-day workmanship guarantee, six times longer than the industry norm That’s one of the best repair guarantees in today’s market.

Quick Facts: Cinch Home Services

Old Republic Home Protection

Old Republic Home Protection keeps things simple. And that’s exactly why many Texans love it.

If you’re the kind of homeowner who wants a no-fuss plan that covers the essentials, this provider might be your best bet.

Their home warranty plans focus squarely on major systems and important appliances (the things that typically break and cost the most to fix).

Customization is limited, but the tradeoff is a more straightforward service agreement and lower out-of-pocket costs.

With monthly premiums starting at $45 and service fees around $100, Old Republic offers better-than-average value.

Quick Facts: Old Republic Home Protection

HomeServe offers a different take on home warranty coverage in Texas, and it works well for homeowners who want low service fees and highly targeted protection.

Instead of bundling everything into one plan, HomeServe allows you to pick and choose the covered systems you care about most, like plumbing, electrical, or HVAC.

To sweeten the deal, several of their plans have no service fees at all.

That’s a massive advantage if you’re looking to reduce out-of-pocket costs on normal wear repairs.

But because each system is covered under a separate plan, achieving full comprehensive coverage can get pricey.

You may need to purchase multiple plans to match the kind of protection you’d get from bundled providers like Liberty or options found on American Home Shield’s website.

Quick Facts: HomeServe

Choice Home Warranty

With one of the most affordable home warranty plans in Texas, Choice Home Warranty offers monthly premiums starting at $35 and a predictable, fixed $85 service fee.

It’s a budget-friendly option for homeowners who want wide home warranty coverage without a complicated pricing model.

Choice’s plans cover both HVAC systems and major appliances, and they include extras that other low-cost providers skip like limited roof leak coverage.

It’s a strong fit for value-seekers who still want protection for high-cost repairs.

However, Choice’s reputation comes with a caveat.

Despite its large customer base (49,000+ reviews on Trustpilot), it has received criticism for poor customer service and claim denials more frequently than top competitors.

Quick Facts: Choice Home Warranty

Home Warranty of America

Home Warranty of America (HWA) offers plans designed for both homeowners and real estate professionals, which makes it a versatile choice for a wide range of Texans.

Known for its transparent pricing and solid HVAC coverage, HWA is a wise pick for those living in hotter climates like Houston where AC systems get put to the test.

Plans start at $46/month, and coverage includes major appliances and systems, with HVAC protection capped at $5,000.

While the base pricing is competitive, be aware that add-on options can increase costs quickly, especially if you’re customizing coverage for a high-end or custom-built home.

Quick Facts: Home Warranty of America

How We Picked The Top Home Warranty Companies Of 2025

Companies with the best home warranties in Texas respond quickly, partner with licensed local contractors, and actually follow through on their repair guarantees.

Here’s the criteria we used to build our list of the top home warranty companies in 2025. The companies on the list needed to meet at least 4 of 5 of these requirements in order to make the list.

Must cover critical systems and appliances

Texas homeowners face unique challenges due to the climate. Houston’s heat and humidity put a serious strain on air conditioning systems, plumbing, and electrical systems, which means warranties that skip these aren’t worth your time.

In fact, in a recent 2025 survey by Texas Homeowner Trends, 63% of respondents ranked air conditioning coverage as their top priority when choosing a home warranty in Texas.

Builders also care. They want home warranty companies that cover the systems and appliances they install to avoid post-sale arguments over repairs.

Must be priced for Texas homeowners

We only selected companies whose plans fall within the average home warranty cost range for Texas in 2025. That’s between $52 and $80 per month.

This range reflects pricing for the Houston area, which is one of the state’s most active homebuilding markets.

Plans that are too cheap often have low coverage limits. Plans that are too expensive may not offer enough value for what they charge.

Must have strong online reviews

We only considered companies with an average customer satisfaction rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars across sites like Trustpilot.

High scores show how the company handles real-world problems and home warranty service issues effectively.

Must offer fast, reliable service within a maximum of 48 hours

Texas homes can’t afford to wait for repair when the AC unit breaks down in the middle of summer.

Every company on our list offers quick service calls, a strong contractor network, and local availability for licensed repairs.

The Bottom Line

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to home warranty coverage in Texas, and that’s exactly why we created this guide.

From dual AC unit coverage to low service fees and comprehensive plans with high coverage limits, each of the companies we reviewed brings something different to the table.

Here’s the short version:

Liberty Home Guard is our top pick for its flexibility, customer satisfaction, and coverage designed for Texas heat.
American Home Shield stands out for high HVAC caps and coverage for older homes with no maintenance records required.
And for those on a tighter budget or looking for niche protections, companies like Cinch, HomeServe, and First American still offer reliable service — even if they don’t hit every mark.

So which warranty fits your situation best?

Best For First-Time Homeowners: American Home Shield

First-time buyers often don’t know what could go wrong.

AHS offers peace of mind with broad coverage, no maintenance history requirements, and helpful tech features like 24/7 service requests and live video chat support.

Best For Budget-Conscious Homeowners: Cinch Home Services

Starting at just $35/month, Cinch offers solid protection with extras like rust coverage and a $500 homeowners insurance deductible reimbursement.

It’s a budget-friendly pick that still comes with a 180-day workmanship guarantee, which is one of the best in the business.

Best For Homeowners Who Want Total Coverage: Liberty Home Guard

With over 30 optional add-ons, dual AC unit coverage in the base plan, and a strong contractor network, Liberty is built for homeowners who want it all.

It’s the best choice for anyone building a custom home or looking to cover systems that most providers skip.

If you’re building a new home in the Houston area, choosing the right home warranty company is only part of the equation. You also need a builder who cares about long-term quality, not just closing day.

At Dunn & Stone Builders, we partner with trusted home warranty providers and build every home with longevity in mind.

Contact us today to talk about how we can help you bring your dream home vision to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Best Home Warranty Company In Texas?

The best home warranty company in Texas is Liberty Home Guard. It offers fast service, strong customer satisfaction, and plans tailored to Texas homes, including dual AC coverage.

Which Home Warranty Providers Have The Highest Customer Satisfaction?

Liberty Home Guard and American Home Shield lead in customer satisfaction, with 4.5-star or higher ratings on review sites like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau.

What Does Home Warranty Coverage Typically Include?

Home warranty coverage usually includes major systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, plus key appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and washers.

Are All Home Warranty Plans Available In Texas?

No, not all home warranty plans are available in Texas. Only licensed Texas home warranty companies can offer coverage in the state.

Which Home Warranty Companies Offer The Best Repair Guarantee?

Cinch Home Services offers the best repair guarantee, with a 180-day workmanship guarantee that’s six times longer than the industry standard.

How Do I Choose Between Different Home Warranty Providers?

Look for providers with fast service times, high customer satisfaction, competitive pricing, and strong coverage for systems common in Texas homes.

What Should I Look For In Home Warranty Plans For Texas?

Look for home warranty plans that include HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems, offer reasonable monthly rates, and have a solid contractor network for quick repairs.