The Final Lap: A Kansas City Homeowner’s Walkthrough Checklist

Before you release that final payment—which in the Kansas City metro often ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 for the remaining balance—you need to ensure the craftsmanship matches the investment.

In neighborhoods from the historic bungalows of Waldo to the sprawling estates in Overland Park, the "final walkthrough" is your last line of defense. While a city inspector checks for code compliance (like the 2018 IRC requirements used in many local municipalities), their visit is often brief. As a homeowner, you are looking for the details that affect both longevity and "curb appeal," which is vital for property values in the KC market.

1. The Perimeter & Aesthetic Alignment

Start by walking the entire base of your home. You are looking for more than just stray nails; you are looking for symmetry.

Drip Edge Consistency: Ensure the drip edge (the metal flashing at the eave) is uniform. In Kansas City, charcoal or dark bronze drip edges are currently trending. Check that they aren't dented from ladder placement.
Starter Shingle Overhang: Look up at the eaves. Shingles should overhang the drip edge by about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch. Too much and they'll catch our high prairie winds; too little and water will track back into your fascia.
Gutter Transitions: If you used a local supplier like ABC Supply Co. or Beacon Building Products, the color-matched flashing should tuck neatly into your existing gutters without gaps.

2. The "Eye-Level" Detail Work

If you can safely view your roof from a window or a sturdy ladder, focus on the "penetrations"—the spots where things poke through the roof. This is where 90% of Kansas City leaks originate during our heavy spring downpours.

Chimney & Counter-Flashing

In older KC neighborhoods like Brookside, chimneys are common. Ensure the flashing is "let-in" (cut into the mortar) rather than just gooped with caulk. The sealant should be clean, not smeared. High-quality polyurethane sealants are the standard here.

Pipe Boots & Vents

Verify that the rubber boots around plumbing stacks are flush to the shingles. In the KC climate, these are prone to UV cracking over time, so they must be brand new and properly seated at the time of installation.

3. Valleys and Ridge Caps

Walk to a vantage point where you can see the valleys (where two roof planes meet). Kansas City contractors typically use either a "closed-cut" valley or an "open-metal" valley using W-swale flashing.

Valley Straightness: The cut line should be laser-straight. A jagged valley is a sign of rushed labor and can trap debris from our local Oak and Maple trees.
Ridge Cap Alignment: The ridge caps (the shingles at the very peak) should be centered and straight. In high-wind areas like Olathe or Lees Summit, check that the "high-profile" ridge caps (if you paid for them) were actually used rather than just standard shingles folded over.

The "KCMO Code" Check

While you aren't an inspector, you can verify a key regional requirement: Ice and Water Shield. In the Kansas City metro, most building departments require this waterproof membrane to extend from the eave's edge to a point at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line. During your walkthrough, ask the foreman to show you photos of the ice and water shield installation before the shingles went on—this is your best proof of code compliance.

4. Final Documentation & Hand-off

The walkthrough isn't over until the paperwork matches the physical work. Before the crew leaves your driveway, ensure you have the following:

Document	What to Verify
Lien Waiver	A signed document stating that the contractor has paid all material suppliers (like Carter-Waters or ABC Supply) and labor crews.
Manufacturer Warranty	Confirmation that the shingles (e.g., GAF, Owens Corning, or CertainTeed) have been registered for their limited lifetime warranty.
Workmanship Warranty	A written guarantee from the local KC company (typically 2 to 10 years) covering their specific installation labor.