The Ultimate Home-Building Checklist

Engaging in the home-building process is exciting, but it’s also one of the largest decisions a person will ever make. With so many moving parts, it’s crucial to consider various factors ahead of time—the must-have features of your new home, total cost, your current and future lifestyle needs, etc. For your convenience, we have created your ultimate home-building checklist. Discover each step you should take and each factor you should consider with our checklist!

Your Complete Home-Building Checklist

There are seven key steps in your home-building checklist. These steps include:

1. Identify Your Priorities & Create a Plan
2. Gather What You Need
3. Design & Customize Your Home
4. Navigate Permits, Regulations, & Insurance
5. Manage the Construction Process
6. Final Steps & Move-In Preparation
7. Sell Your Current Home

When you work with a design-build contractor like McFall, you won’t have to think through all of these details on your own. However, it’s good to know what you should expect throughout the process which is what our checklist sets out to accomplish.

1. Identify Your Priorities & Create a Plan

Establish Your Vision & Priorities

By the time you’re ready to begin the home-building process, you will likely have a specific vision for the new home. But have you put it on paper? Define what you want in your new home: size, style, and must-have features. You should also consider your current lifestyle needs, any future plans, and how the home will accommodate them.

Create a Preliminary Budget

Once you know the desired size and layout of the home, you need to outline your expected costs. This would include the cost of the land, construction, and any unexpected expenses. Prepare for the possibility of financing options, and ensure you have the necessary funds for each stage.

Choose the Right Location

You should consider factors like commute, schools, and the type of neighborhood when determining where to build your home. You also want to check local zoning laws, building codes, and estimated property taxes—your contractor should assist you with this process.

2. Gather What You Need

Set a Detailed Budget

When building a new home, costs add up quickly. So you’ll want to include all potential costs in a finalized budget: land, permits, materials, labor, and contingency funds. Review and secure financing options, including construction loans and mortgages. Also, keep in mind any changes during the building process can add unexpected costs.

Assemble a Strong Team

Your contractor may help you select an architect or designer who understands your vision and budget. Who you choose as a builder is key, so be sure to choose a reputable builder with experience in custom home projects. When you’re researching builders online, look at their Google reviews, their overall reputation in the community, and make sure they have an online portfolio that you can peruse through to ensure they match your style.

Engage Additional Experts

Consider surveyors, interior designers, and landscape architects as needed. Seek legal advice to navigate contracts and land purchases. Once you’ve hired your builder, they should do most of the heavy lifting for you when working with these experts.

3. Design & Customize Your Home

Design Your Dream Home

Time for the fun part! Work with an architect or design-build contractor to create a detailed floor plan. Ensure the design meets your lifestyle needs and future considerations. Design-build contractors help you realize your vision and take your project from concept to completion.

Finalize the Floor Plan

Have you ever found a home that has maybe one or two aspects of the floor plan that you don’t love? One benefit of having a custom home is that you can lay out the floor plan in whatever way you desire! As you’re finalizing the floor plan, be sure to prioritize functionality, flow, and future adaptability. You should also consider the use of natural light, your storage needs, and outdoor spaces.

Select High-Quality Materials

When selecting materials, focus on durability, maintenance, and energy efficiency. You want your home to not only look beautiful, but you also want it to be durable—especially if you plan to live in the home for 30+ years. With rising energy costs, it’s also important to select energy-efficient appliances and sustainable building materials. Using quality materials will also future-proof your home should you ever decide to sell it.

4. Navigate Permits, Regulations, & Insurance

Obtain Necessary Permits & Approvals

Working with a contractor rather than organizing and managing a home build on your own will allow you to take more of a backseat during the project. This is why we always recommend working with a builder instead of trying to organize and manage a new home build on your own. There are not only differences in codes and ordinances by town but also by individual county. Your contractor will obtain all necessary permits and approvals at your location, freeing you from potentially making a costly permitting error.

Review Homeowners Association (HOA) Rules

Do you plan on building inside of an HOA? If so, it’s important to understand any design, landscaping, or size restrictions. Keep in mind, many HOAs have rules around color choice, the type of plants you can use in your landscape, driveway layout, and more. You should also factor in ongoing HOA fees and responsibilities as part of your overall cost.

Secure Adequate Insurance

Protect your project against accidents, damage, and liability. Will your new home be built in an area that’s prone to flooding? Flood insurance is a separate rider and is not included in standard homeowner’s insurance policies. The same goes for sinkhole coverage. Ensure that you understand the coverage limits and exclusions of your new policy.

5. Manage the Construction Process

Conduct Regular Site Visits

Even when working with a contractor, it’s important for you to stay engaged through frequent check-ins and progress meetings. By visiting the site regularly, you will be able to address any issues promptly to keep the project on track.

Monitor Quality and Timeliness

By regularly visiting the site, you can ensure that the materials and workmanship meet your expectations. This also adds a layer of accountability between you and your builder. Keep the project on schedule by tracking key milestones.

Prepare for Unexpected Challenges

Depending on the time of year, you should anticipate delays due to weather, material shortages, or other factors. If you’re building your home during the summer months, keep in mind that it rains nearly every afternoon. You should have contingency plans ready to mitigate damage or delays—especially if you’re living in some type of temporary living situation during the building process.

Review & Approve Work

Conduct inspections at crucial stages of construction. Confirm that all work meets building codes and standards. It’s easier to review work as you go, rather than waiting until the end of the project to address any concerns with the builder.

6. Final Steps & Move-In Preparation

Conduct a Thorough Walkthrough

Identify and address any unfinished work or defects. Whenever you’re dealing with a project of this size, small flaws are likely. After this initial walkthrough with your builder, the two of you will develop what’s called a “punch list.” This is essentially a list of items that need to be completed before the contractor hands you the keys. Ensure all punch list items are completed before moving in.

Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy

Complete all inspections and paperwork for legal occupancy. Your contractor should help you obtain this.

Set Up Utilities & Services

Arrange for utilities, internet, and security systems to be active before moving day.
Consider smart home integration for added convenience and energy efficiency.

Finalize Landscaping & Exterior Details

Finish driveways, patios, and other outdoor features. You want to plan for long-term maintenance and curb appeal.

7. Sell Your Current Home

Not everyone needs this step, but if you do, you’ll want to do the following:

Prepare Your Home for the Market

Assess necessary repairs, upgrades, and staging. You want to time the selling and closing of your previous home with moving into the new property so that there’s no break in the time between.

McFall Is Your Resource for All Things Home-Building

Working with a design-build contractor like McFall will significantly reduce the headaches involved with a new home build. Your contractor will act as your real-life home-building guide by consulting with you through every step of the project from design to completion. If you’re ready to live in your dream home, McFall Builder’s custom home-building services can make it happen!

• Residential