1. Test all appliances

Your contractor and the professional installers who have been hired should be expected to install appliances as specified. But they have not performed the tests for actual use.

Be sure the builder has turned on the water in the refrigerator/freezer to provide ice and water and turned on the gas in all gas appliances, such as the furnace, stove and dryer.

If there is a gas fireplace, check that as well.                      

2. Don't panic

Stoves and ovens are likely to set off the fire alarm the first time they are used.

They are coated with a layer of oil, and this oil will burn off and set off the smoke detector, which is no big deal. Just open the windows and everything will be fine in a few minutes.

3. Watch the windows

Check to make sure all windows are opening and closing properly.

If they are installed in the wrong place or are not level, they may not open or close properly.

Also, check for any small cracks in the glass.

4. Check the paint carefully

Check the paint in all areas of the house. Last minute repair work and touch-ups may have been done, and you may not notice them until you have already moved in.

Look at it from several angles and with the lights on and off.

5. Test the water temperature

Check that the water temperature in all showers and tubs is comfortable. If necessary, have a plumber make adjustments.

The plumbing diverter may not make the water hot enough.

6. Double check the appliances

Are all light switches straight?

It is common for switch plates to be off track. If they are crooked, have the builder fix them before you turn them off.

Make sure your breaker panels are labeled so you know which breaker is for what.

7. Read about the roof

Get a copy of the roof warranty. If the roof is going to leak, it will be after the first big storm, but you should know what your warranty covers before the storm hits.

It is recommended to read through all of your warranties.

Electrical and most subcontract work is not covered under the warranty, but your roof, foundation, framing and trim should be included.

8. Check the elevator

If you are buying a multi-story building, expect that the elevator may not align with the floor the first time you use it. This is nothing to worry about.

It's not actually the weight of the person that is throwing the elevator off, because elevators are now so computerized that any little thing can put them out of service.

Elevators will need to be adjusted for daily use, so expect a few months of adjustments before your elevator is running smoothly.

9. Pay attention to finishes

Before you move in, look for cracks in the tiles and scratches in the flooring.

Builders rarely come back to fix these items, as they may have been damaged during move-in or when the homeowner used them after the final inspection.

If you check ahead of time and damage occurs after the fact, you will know to present it to the movers' insurance.

10. Step over the floor with your feet

If a room has a heated floor, turn it on and make sure it's working.

This is another seasonal system and people will forget about it until the weather allows it to be used for the first time. Check it ahead of time to make sure it's in working condition.

11. Time the cleaning

The builder should have your house professionally cleaned before closing, but don't let this opportunity pass you by. Make sure every room is clean and open every cupboard and closet.

You'll be quite tired from organizing things on moving day; you won't want to add another thing to your to-do list.

12. Check the insurance

Finally, be sure to get a certificate of insurance from your moving company before you move to find out what it covers.

Having checked everything before closing, you'll know that any damage before your first night in your new home occurred during the move and is hopefully covered by the mover's insurance.