BUILDING A NEW HOME

Planning & Budgeting

• Determine your budget and get pre-approved (if financing).
• Choose a lot or location for your build.
• Decide between a custom home, semi-custom, or production build.
• Hire a builder and/or architect.
• Finalize your floor plan, features, and materials.
• Review zoning laws, HOA rules, and required permits.
   

Design & Permitting

• Work with professionals to design the layout, elevation, and systems.
• Select finishes: flooring, cabinets, lighting, countertops, paint, etc.
• Submit plans and obtain permits from your local government (can take days to weeks depending on jurisdiction).
   

Site Preparation

• Clear the land, level the site, and prepare for the foundation.
• Excavate and grade for proper drainage.
   

Foundation

• Pour concrete slab, crawl space, or basement.
• Waterproof and inspect for proper footing and structure.
   

Framing

• Build the skeleton of the home: walls, floors, roof trusses.
• Install windows, doors, and roof decking.
• A framing inspection is typically required.
   

Mechanical Systems (Rough-Ins)

• Install electrical wiring, plumbing, and HVAC ductwork.
• Add insulation and any low-voltage systems (alarms, audio, internet).
• Rough-in inspections are conducted before walls are closed up.
   

Exterior Work

• Roofing, siding, and exterior finishes are added.
• Driveway, sidewalks, and any outdoor structures (porch, deck) are built.
   

Interior Finishes

• Hang drywall and apply paint.
• Install cabinetry, flooring, tile, countertops, appliances, lighting, and plumbing fixtures.
• Trim, doors, and interior hardware go in last.
   

Final Touches & Inspections

• Final inspections for code compliance (local building department).
• Walk-through with the builder to create a punch list (final fixes/adjustments).
• Final clean-up and quality check.
   

Closing & Move-In

• Final appraisal (if financing).
• Receive Certificate of Occupancy (CO).
• Complete your builder walk-through and close on the home.
• Move in and enjoy your brand-new space!

Research Local Builders

• Visit neighborhoods they’ve built. If you see homeowners outside, introduce yourself and ask how they like their home. Most people are happy to share honest feedback. Ask plenty of questions and take notes, especially if answers aren’t in writing. 
• Visit model homes, open houses, and home shows to get a feel for different builders’ work. Pay attention to construction quality—look closely at finishes like cabinets, flooring, trim, and paint.

Reputation & Experience

• Research the builder’s track record and how long they’ve been in business.
• Look for online reviews, Better Business Bureau ratings, and ask for references from past clients.
• Visit previous projects or communities they’ve built.
   

Licensing & Insurance

• Ensure the builder is properly licensed, bonded, and insured in your state.
• Ask about warranty coverage, both structural and cosmetic.
   

Transparency & Communication

• A great builder is clear, responsive, and organized.
• Do they explain the process and timeline?
• Will you have a dedicated point of contact throughout construction?
   

Quality of Work & Materials

• Review the standard features vs. upgrades.
• Ask about construction practices, materials, and preferred subcontractors.
• Tour model homes or homes under construction to inspect quality firsthand.
   

Customization Options

• How much flexibility do you have in modifying the floor plan or finishes?
• Are they building fully custom, semi-custom, or using fixed plans?
   

Build Timeline

• Ask for an estimated start and completion date.
• Inquire how they handle delays (weather, materials, labor shortages).
   

Pricing & Transparency

• Get a clear breakdown of costs: base price, upgrades, lot premiums, allowances.
• Ask about change order procedures and cost overruns.
• Understand what is and isn’t included in the contract.
   

Warranties & After-Sale Service

• What kind of warranty do they offer (1-year, 10-year structural, etc.)?
• Do they have a dedicated warranty department or service team for post-closing repairs?
   

Financial Stability

• A builder with solid financials is more likely to complete the project without issue.
• You can request references from suppliers or lenders they work with.
   

Compatibility & Trust

• Choose someone you feel comfortable and confident working with over several months.
• Trust your instincts—this is a long-term partnership during a very personal process.

How long will it take? 

It’s important to know what you’re getting into timing-wise with a new construction build, particularly if you have a house to sell first or you’re going to be renting. While the building process is prone to delays and you won’t be able to get a finite schedule for how long the build will take, you’ll be able to get a general idea of what you can expect. 

Is there a warranty?

While you can always buy your own home warranty, you should expect that the builder will cover you in some way for at least the first several years. Ask what the warranties include and how long they last. 

How are change orders handled?

Before you leave the table, be sure to decide exactly how any change requests will work. It’s something many prospective homeowners forget, but it is by far one of the most important things to figure out ahead of time. Without planning ahead, change requests can provide major hurdles for both parties.  

Is landscaping included?

Some builders include your basic yard work, while others leave you with unfinished land that becomes your responsibility to landscape. 

Ask whether landscaping is included, and  if there is any sort of warranty on the materials in case the newly sodded grass dies.

Can I provide my own materials?

Had your heart set on butcher block countertops but the builder doesn’t offer them? It’s possible that you may be able to purchase them yourself and then have the builder install them. 

Will I get a credit? 

Some builders offer credits for any upgrades or self-purchased materials or appliances, while with others you’ll just have to eat the cost of the originally included item.