House flipping can be an exciting and lucrative business, but it’s also one that comes with its challenges. For both first-timers and experienced flippers, the potential for unexpected costs, delays, and miscommunication is always looming.
One of the most common reasons projects go off-track is a lack of thorough planning upfront. That’s why, for New Again Houses franchise owners, we recommend an initial walkthrough. It’s the very first step in the house flipping process, and while it may seem like just another meeting on the calendar, it’s actually a make-or-break moment for the success of your entire project.
By dedicating time to making the necessary decisions upfront, you set yourself and your team up for a smooth, efficient remodel that sticks to budget and timeline.
- What Is the Initial Walkthrough?
- The Importance of a Day-One Walkthrough
- Initial Walkthrough Setup: What Should It Look Like?
- Let’s Talk Docs: The Benefits of Following Our Proven Template & Documenting the Walkthrough
- It’s Time for a Structured, Proven Approach to House Flipping
- Initial Walkthrough FAQs
What Is the Initial Walkthrough?
When it comes to house flipping, many people focus on the flashy parts of the job—the demo, the new floors, the final reveal. But before any of that can happen, there’s one critical step that sets the stage for everything else: the initial walkthrough.
The initial walkthrough is the first and most important opportunity to make decisions about the project. From the kitchen layout to the paint colors, and even which walls need to be knocked down, it’s during this process where you make all the calls. It’s the time to get specific, to dive into the details, and to make sure that everyone is on the same page before the real work begins.
Without this step, you risk having a “figure it out later” mentality, which can lead to chaos and confusion as you move forward. Getting every detail nailed down upfront helps prevent surprises and sets a clear direction for the team. You’ll be able to communicate exactly what you want, leaving nothing to chance.
The Importance of a Day-One Walkthrough
The walkthrough is the foundation of your entire project. If you get this part wrong, even the best contractors and the finest materials won’t save you from delays, surprises, and unnecessary costs. If you get it right from the start, you set yourself up for a successful remodel.
Skipping or Rushing the Walkthrough Has Consequences
What happens if you rush through this process or skip it altogether? The simple answer: problems. A lot of them. When decisions are made on the fly or left undone, they have a way of snowballing into bigger, more costly issues down the road.
Let’s say you put off deciding which fixtures you’ll use. When it comes time to install them, suddenly you’re faced with decisions that should’ve been made weeks ago, throwing off your timeline and your budget.
And the ripple effect doesn’t stop there. Leaving important details like these unresolved can lead to confusion, miscommunication, and mistakes—sometimes at the most inconvenient times. The longer you wait to make a decision, the more costly it becomes to correct later. So, while it might feel like a small task now, rushing through or skipping the initial walkthrough can set you up for failure. It’s a step that should never be overlooked if you want a smooth ride ahead.
Decision-Making Is Key at This Early Stage
It’s easy to think that making a handful of decisions now and leaving the rest for later isn’t a big deal. After all, house flipping is a fast-paced business, and sometimes it feels like there’s always something more pressing to tackle. But the decisions you leave until later are often the ones that can turn your project from smooth sailing into a costly headache. To avoid the chaos and delays that can come from incomplete planning, you’ve got to make 100% of your decisions upfront—and stick to them.
A common trap many house flippers fall into is the 70/30 rule: they make 70% of the decisions at the start and push the remaining 30% off until later. It feels like a good compromise; after all, you’re getting most of the work done early, right? In reality, it’s a recipe for disaster.
Why? Because that 30% is made up of the tough decisions; in other words, the ones that involve design choices, structural changes, demolition directives, or other complex details that need to be sorted out. These aren’t the kind of decisions you want to make on the fly when things are already in motion. What happens when you decide the backsplash after demo starts or choose the lighting fixtures halfway through the renovation? You end up wasting time, spending more money, and scrambling to make everything fit into place.
That’s why getting to 100%—making every choice upfront during the walkthrough—keeps your project from being derailed by last-minute complications.
Unmade Decisions Have a Ripple Effect
One small decision left hanging in the air often causes a ripple effect throughout the entire project. When decisions aren’t made upfront, they create delays when they finally need to be addressed. And those delays will cost you both time and budget.
For example, let’s say you decide to hold off on choosing a bathroom tile because you can’t decide between two options. Weeks later, you’ve already demolished the bathroom and are about to start installing new fixtures. When you finally make that choice, the delay can cause a backlog in the project schedule, leaving other contractors waiting and making the overall timeline stretch. On top of that, the delay might require expedited shipping for the tile you’ve chosen, adding unnecessary costs to your project.
Every decision you postpone creates the possibility of something snowballing out of control. These delays often lead to expensive complications that you want to avoid at all costs.
The Power of a Full, Detailed Walkthrough Is Unmatched
The full walkthrough is where you make everything clear. Not just most things, but every detail. You’re not leaving room for uncertainty, and you’re not hoping things will magically work out later. This is where you make it all happen by taking control of the project and making sure that when the work begins, everyone knows exactly what’s expected.
When you take the time to make every decision during the initial walkthrough, you give the entire project a clear direction. You’re not scrambling later, and your contractor isn’t left wondering what you want. When you make it all clear upfront, you create a sense of ownership and trust, making everyone feel confident in the plan. Expect fewer surprises, smoother execution, and a much more manageable timeline.
It might feel like a lot to tackle in the beginning, but investing the time now means fewer setbacks, less frustration, and a cleaner, more organized renovation. By committing to 100% of your decisions during the initial walkthrough, you’re setting yourself and your project up for success.
Initial Walkthrough Setup: What Should It Look Like?
The initial walkthrough is much more than just looking around the house and taking a few notes. It’s a detailed, purposeful review that lays the foundation for the entire project. It’s the point where all decisions are made, and every detail is scrutinized to avoid future issues.
Let’s break down what a day-one walkthrough should look like for house flipping projects.
Timing & Participants
The initial walkthrough should never be rushed. It’s tempting to think you can breeze through it in an hour, but that’s a huge mistake. To truly assess the property and get the full scope of the
work ahead, you need time to get into the weeds of every room and every detail. At minimum, plan for two hours. Three or even four might be necessary, depending on the size and complexity of the remodel.
It’s not a solo venture either. Both the owner and the contractor need to be there. The walkthrough is a collaborative process, with each party offering their expertise. You bring the vision, while the contractor offers the on-the-ground insights. Having both parties present allows for immediate decision-making and helps prevent any delays or confusion later on.
Goal
Here’s where the rubber meets the road. During the initial walkthrough, you’re going to go through the house room by room, addressing every part of the project. You’ll go beyond a surface-level review; every detail should be called out and decided on. You’ll assess what needs to be demolished, what stays, and what needs to be added. You’ll talk through every fixture, every surface, and any other detail that impacts the project’s success.
Key elements you’ll focus on during this process include the following:
· Demolition: Be specific about what’s coming down and what’s staying. It’s easy to miss a wall or fixture that shouldn’t be touched if you aren’t thorough.
· Reframing and structural modifications: If any walls need to be moved or the structure altered, it’s decided right here.
· Fixtures: From faucets to light switches, make decisions on what gets replaced and what stays.
· Windows and doors: Don’t leave this to chance. Decide if any need replacing or if repairs are sufficient.
This walkthrough is your opportunity to lock in decisions. Nothing is left for later. The goal is to go through each room methodically, making each decision final so the contractor can begin work with a clear, agreed-upon plan.
Collaboration
While you are the decision-maker in the walkthrough, involving the contractor in the process is vital. Contractors can provide insights that you may not have considered, especially when it comes to things like structural changes or the technical side of the renovation. By making the walkthrough a collaborative process, you open up the conversation to questions, suggestions, and clarifications.
This partnership also helps establish trust. When contractors see that you’re fully engaged in the planning and decision-making process, they gain confidence in your leadership. They know that you’re on top of the project, and that makes them more likely to execute the work with precision and attention to detail.
In the end, the walkthrough is about alignment. Everyone involved should be on the same page. And the best way to get there is through an open, transparent conversation during the initial walkthrough.
Let’s Talk Docs: The Benefits of Following Our Proven Template & Documenting the Walkthrough
The initial walkthrough is only as good as the planning and tools you use to guide it. While the walkthrough itself is vital, having a solid template to follow can turn an overwhelming, detail-heavy process into something much easier and more efficient.
At New Again Houses, we provide franchise owners with our proven walkthrough template. It’s designed to keep you organized, prevent costly mistakes, and save you time in the long run.
The New Again Houses Walkthrough Template: Your Guide to a Smooth Start
Imagine walking into a property with no clear plan in mind, trying to remember everything you need to check or decide on. It’s easy for something important to slip through the cracks, right?
That’s why we designed our walkthrough template. It provides structure and clarity, helping you stay on track and focused. It’s your checklist for success and makes it easy to confirm that no detail is overlooked.
This template guides you through every room, every decision, and every part of the project, step by step. From determining what needs to be demolished to finalizing the paint colors, it gives you a clear framework for making all your decisions upfront. Having this guidance at your disposal means you don’t have to worry about missing anything or making those “figure it out later” decisions that often lead to trouble down the road.
Why Documentation Is the Secret Ingredient
A template alone is helpful, but when combined with thorough documentation, it can make an even more significant impact on the house flipping process.
As you work through your initial walkthrough, documenting every decision made is key to keeping things on track. By recording each choice, you create a single, easily accessible document that tracks all the details. This way, there’s no relying on your memory or trying to sort through endless emails and notes.
This template is your project’s single source of truth. If any questions come up mid-project—a design detail, fixture choice, or structural decision—you can refer back to your documented walkthrough. Everyone involved in the project, from the contractor to any subcontractors, can be on the same page without confusion. Documenting your decisions from the very beginning also means you have a clear, accurate record of all decisions if you need to resolve issues later on.
How a Template & Documentation Keep You Organized
In house flipping, things can change quickly. Having a template and proper documentation not only keeps your project organized from start to finish but also provides a crucial reference point that keeps you aligned with your goals. When every decision is written down and logged, you can avoid the chaos of last-minute decisions and confusion. It’s an easy way to stay in control and on top of things.
Plus, these resources aren’t just useful for the current flip. As you continue to grow your flipping business, your walkthrough templates and documentation can become a helpful library of past projects. You’ll be able to look back and learn from your own experiences, fine-tuning your process as you go. The more organized you are upfront, the more efficient you’ll be in the future.
It’s Time for a Structured, Proven Approach to House Flipping
For those who join the New Again Houses real estate franchise, the benefit of using templates and documentation is enhanced by the support and systems you gain access to. As a franchisee, you’re not starting from scratch. Instead, you have access to a structured approach to house flipping, one that’s been tested and perfected by others in the franchise and is backed by a team that’s there to help you every step of the way.
Having the right tools, like a solid walkthrough template, makes all the difference when you’re flipping houses. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel or waste time figuring out the best way to approach every decision. Instead, you can focus on executing your plan and driving the project to completion, knowing that you’ve got a system in place that supports your success.
Initial Walkthrough FAQs
What Is the Initial Walkthrough in House Flipping?
The initial walkthrough is the first critical step in a house flipping project. It involves walking through the property with your contractor and making 100% of the decisions about the renovation before any work begins. The process includes deciding on design choices, demolition plans, fixtures, structural changes, and anything else that will impact the project. The goal is to have a clear, detailed plan in place before starting the actual work.
Why Is the Initial Walkthrough So Important?
The initial walkthrough ensures that every detail of the renovation is decided upfront, preventing delays, confusion, and costly mistakes later in the process. By taking the time to plan everything at the beginning, you create a roadmap for your project, making the entire renovation smoother and more efficient. It’s the foundation that keeps everything on track from start to finish.
What Happens If I Skip or Rush the Initial Walkthrough?
Skipping or rushing the initial walkthrough can lead to significant issues, such as missed decisions, misunderstandings with the contractor, and costly delays. Decisions made later in the project, like choosing fixtures or deciding on structural changes, can disrupt the timeline and budget. It’s better to take the time up front to make sure everything is planned and documented thoroughly.
How Long Should the Initial Walkthrough Take?
Ideally, the initial walkthrough should take at least two hours, but it can take longer depending on the size and complexity of the project. The more detailed the walkthrough, the better. Rushing through it can cause important decisions to be overlooked and lead to problems down the line.
Who Should Be Involved in the Initial Walkthrough?
The owner and the contractor should both be present for the initial walkthrough. This collaborative effort makes sure that both parties are on the same page, that all decisions are made together, and that everyone understands the project’s scope and expectations.
Can a Template Really Help with the Walkthrough Process?
Yes! A template is an invaluable tool to keep the walkthrough organized and efficient. It provides a structured approach to confirm that every necessary decision is addressed and nothing is overlooked. Using a proven template reduces the risk of missing important details and helps you stay on track throughout the project.
Why Is Documentation Important During the Initial Walkthrough?
Documenting the decisions made during the initial walkthrough is essential for maintaining clarity and consistency throughout the project. Having everything in writing eliminates confusion, provides a reference point for everyone involved, and keeps the project aligned with the original plan. It also acts as a safeguard against miscommunication and can be used to resolve any issues that arise during the renovation.
Join the New Again Houses Real Estate Franchise
When it comes to flipping houses, the initial walkthrough might seem like just another step in the process, but it’s actually the foundation of your entire project. By making decisions upfront, you’re not only saving time and money but also avoiding the chaos that often comes with unfinished planning. The success of your project depends on the clarity and direction you set from day one.
Don’t let the early stages of your project become a source of stress. By committing to a detailed, organized, and documented initial walkthrough, you’ll set your project up for long-term success and smooth execution.
If you’re considering house flipping or looking to improve your approach, we can help. At New Again Houses, we provide franchise owners with proven systems, tools, support, and more to help you succeed. With access to templates, documentation, and expert guidance, you’ll be able to take control of your flips, make confident decisions, and move forward with a clear plan. Ready to get started? Contact New Again Houses today for more information about our unique approach to real estate investment and to learn how we can support your entrepreneurial journey.