Before you close on your new home, you and your builder will "walk through" the house to conduct a final inspection. The walk-through provides an opportunity for you to spot items that may need to be corrected or adjusted. It also allows you to learn about the way your new home works.

Often a builder will use the walk-through to educate buyers about the following:

• The operation of the house's components.
When buyers are moving into their new homes, they are often too busy to read instruction booklets. It helps if someone takes the time to show you how to operate the appliances, heating and cooling systems, etc.

• Warranty coverage and procedures.
Most new homes come with a one-year warranty on workmanship and materials. There will most likely be specific service procedures to follow should a problem arise.

• Buyer's responsibilities for maintenance and upkeep.
Warranties do not cover problems that develop because of failure to perform owner maintenance. Your builder may provide you with a booklet explaining common upkeep responsibilities.

• The community at large.
If you are moving to a new community, a builder may provide a packet of material to help you become acclimated.

It is important that you be thorough and observant during the walk-through. Make sure to examine all surfaces of counters, fixtures, floors and walls for possible damage. It is common for builders to ask a client to sign a form stating that there were no problems to protect themselves from being liable for problems that may occur during the moving in process. Ask a lot of questions and take notes on the answers.