What to Expect at Your Final Walk-Through Before Closing on a Home in Ottawa

Mar 27

You’ve made it through the search, the offer, the inspection, and the financing—now you’re just days away from getting the keys. But before you officially become a homeowner in Ottawa, there’s one final (and very important) step: the final walk-through.

It’s not just a chance to say a sentimental goodbye to your life as a renter or first-time buyer—it’s your last opportunity to make sure the home is in the condition you agreed to buy it in.

Here’s what to expect—and what to look for—during your final walk-through.

What Is a Final Walk-Through?

A final walk-through usually happens 24–48 hours before closing. It’s not a formal inspection, but rather a final check-in on the home’s condition. You’re confirming:

Nothing has changed since your last visit
Any agreed-upon repairs were completed
The property is clean, empty (unless otherwise agreed), and ready for you to move in

Think of it as your last line of defence before the deal officially closes.

Why It Matters

You might assume everything is fine—but surprises can happen.
Things like:

A fridge that was working during your inspection suddenly stops cooling
A leak from a window that wasn’t obvious before
Missing light fixtures or damage from movers
Repairs that were promised… but never done

The final walk-through is your chance to flag these issues before they become your responsibility.

What to Bring With You

Your purchase agreement (to double-check what was supposed to be included)
A list of agreed-upon repairs
Your home inspection report
Your agent (we’ll guide you through everything)
A phone or camera for documentation

What to Check During Your Final Walk-Through

We recommend using a checklist (we’ll send you one!) and making sure to:

Test all appliances
- Fridge, stove, dishwasher, washer, dryer
- Are they all working as expected?
Run the taps
- Check hot and cold water
- Flush toilets
- Look under sinks for leaks
Check the HVAC system
- Turn on the heat and A/C
- Listen for odd noises or signs of malfunction
Open and close all windows and doors
- Do they lock properly?
- Are there any broken screens or cracked panes?
Inspect the walls and floors
- Look for damage that wasn’t there before
- Are all fixtures and finishes still in place?
Review agreed-upon repairs
- Were they done? Were they done well?
- If receipts or contractor info were promised, this is the time to ask for them
Walk the exterior
- Is the lawn cut and yard clean?
- Are sheds, fences, or outdoor items in the same condition?
- Was any debris or garbage left behind?

What If Something’s Wrong?

Don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either.

Your agent (that’s us!) will help you raise any concerns with the seller’s side before closing. This might mean:

A holdback of funds until repairs are completed
A quick fix arranged before closing
In some cases, delaying the closing until things are sorted

The important thing is that you speak up now—because once you close, the home is yours and issues are much harder (and more expensive) to resolve.

Final Thoughts

The final walk-through is one of the most underrated—but essential—steps in your home buying journey. It’s your opportunity to ensure the home you fell in love with is still the one you’re buying.

At New Purveyors, we walk you through every step of the process—literally. From the offer to the inspection, and yes, your final walk-through, we’ve got your back.