How to Take Your Construction Project from 95% to 100% Complete

When you are deep into a construction project, nothing feels more exciting than hearing that it is “95% complete.” Investors and owners breathe a sigh of relief, imagining the finish line just around the corner. But here is the truth: the last 5% is often the hardest, most time-consuming, and most important phase of the entire project.

We recently wrapped up a 30-unit apartment building in Trenton, New Jersey, and this final stretch was where quality, safety, and profitability came together. Matt Faircloth, our CEO, walked the property with contractors and managers to highlight why the details matter and how to close the gap between “almost done” and “truly complete.”

This stage, often managed through a blue tape walkthrough, separates successful projects from costly mistakes. Here is how it works and why every investor should understand it.

Why the Final 5% Matters More Than You Think

Real estate projects live and die by the details. Residents do not see the structural work, the HVAC systems hidden behind walls, or the months of scheduling and permits. What they notice are first impressions:

• A scuffed wall in the living room.

• Blinds missing in a bedroom.

• A faucet that turns on but drips endlessly.

To an investor, these may seem minor. To a resident, they suggest poor workmanship. Small issues like these can stall leasing momentum, delay income, and weaken trust. Lenders and inspectors also notice them, which can cause further delays in approvals or refinancing.

In short, failing to properly complete the last 5% can lower occupancy rates and reduce returns.

The Blue Tape Walkthrough: A Proven Process

The most effective way to address this stage is with a blue tape walkthrough. The method is simple but powerful: walk through every single unit with blue painter’s tape in hand. Each time you see a flaw, mark it with tape so the contractor knows exactly what must be fixed.

But timing and execution matter. Here is how to do it right:

1. Wait Until Contractors Declare the Job “Complete”

Do not start the walkthrough while work is still ongoing. If you begin too early, contractors can dismiss issues as “scheduled for later.” Insist that the general contractor tell you the project is 100% finished. That way, every correction you mark is considered a missed item, not something they planned to do anyway.

2. Focus on Cosmetics

Walk into each unit with the mindset of a resident. Look at:

• Paint lines on trim and baseboards

• Doors that are hung unevenly or do not latch properly

• Tile grout that is uneven or missing

• Floors with scratches or gaps

These may not affect function, but they absolutely affect perception.

3. Check for Missing Items

Sometimes the issue is not an error, but an absence. During our walkthrough, we found units without blinds, missing doorstops, and electrical outlets without covers. These oversights are easy to miss but stand out immediately to residents.

4. Test All Utilities and Appliances

Every faucet, showerhead, toilet, light switch, and outlet should be tested. Run dishwashers, dryers, and HVAC units. Even a minor oversight like a disconnected hose or missing plug can cause delays and service calls later.

5. Bring in Property Management

Owners and contractors see the building one way. Property managers see it another. They focus on resident comfort and code compliance, such as making sure hot water settings are within safe ranges or that unit signage is clear. Their feedback ensures the building is not just finished, but livable and compliant.

6. Document Everything Clearly

A punch list is only as good as its documentation. Each marked issue should be logged in writing, ideally with photos. This ensures accountability, prevents disputes, and gives you a clear record to reference in future projects.

The Second Walkthrough: Verification Before Payment

One of the biggest mistakes investors make is paying contractors in full after the first walkthrough. Always schedule a second walkthrough to verify that corrections were made. Only when every item is complete should final payment be released.

This two-step process protects your investment and ensures you are delivering a rent-ready product that will perform in the market.

How This Impacts Investors

At DeRosa Group, we see this process as more than quality control. It is part of our strategy to deliver top-tier housing that attracts residents quickly and reduces vacancy. Every day a unit sits unfinished or unleased is income lost. By insisting on a thorough walkthrough, we:

• Protect cash flow by ensuring units are move-in ready the moment they are marketed.

• Safeguard reputation by offering residents homes that feel brand new.

• Increase investor confidence by demonstrating discipline in asset management.

Final Thoughts

A construction project is not complete when it is 95% done. It is not even complete at 99%. It is complete when every resident can walk into their home without finding a single issue, and when investors can be confident the property is built to last.

The blue tape walkthrough is not just a construction practice. It is an investor safeguard, a resident satisfaction tool, and a profitability strategy.

At DeRosa Group, we use it to finish strong and protect the returns of every investor who trusts us with their capital.

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