The ULTIMATE Design/Build Checklist

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What does it take to see your custom home designed and built to your specific budget/style/needs?

Initial Planning

1. Define Your Goals and Budget

• Determine your needs and wants.

• Establish a realistic budget.

• Plan for contingencies (usually 10-20% over budget).
  

1. Research and Gather Information

• Research home styles and design ideas.

• Look into local building regulations and zoning laws.

• Explore financing options and get pre-approved for a mortgage if necessary.
  

Site Selection and Preparation

1. Site Survey and Documentation

• Site Survey obtained by Client.

• Plat obtained by Client 

• HOA Requirements were obtained by the Client 

• Local Covenants obtained by Client 

• Soil testing is obtained by the Client 

• Perc Testing was obtained by the Client 

• Septic Survey and Requirements obtained by Client 
  

1. Site Selection

• Select a suitable location considering proximity to work, schools, and amenities.

• Evaluate topography, soil quality, and environmental risks.

• Purchase the land after conducting a land survey and ensuring zoning compliance.
  

Design Phase

1. Assemble Design Team

• Hire an architect, structural engineer, and possibly an interior designer and landscape architect.

• County/City/Parish, etc. Requirements obtained by the Project Team.
  

1. Concept Development

• Conduct a site visit by the Design Team and licensed contractor.

• If rezoning is required, collaborate with the client, the design team, and the licensed contractor.

• Develop schematic layout and overall home design concept.

• Select home location and orientation.

• Create interior and exterior design concepts.

• Develop a landscape design solution for all designated outdoor livable spaces.

• Develop a complete site plan for approval.

• Generate exterior and interior 3D renderings and visualizations.
  

Design Finalization and Permits

Detailed Design and Construction Documents

• Complete all architectural details

• Create building and room perspectives

• Prepare cover sheet

• Develop architectural floor plans

• Draw interior and exterior elevations

• Draft building sections

• Produce construction drawings

• Create window and door schedule

• Provide an itemized construction budget cost sheet with finalized pricing

• Draft framing plans, including ceiling, roofing, and framing

• Detail wall framing

• Include full engineering details

• Generate structural engineer’s report

• Obtain structural engineer’s stamp

1. Material and Fixture Selection

• Selection of all architectural elements, material selections, and specifications.

• Finalized interior fixtures and finish selections.

• Finalized interior furniture design and selection.

• All finalized interior materials room by room selections and specifications.

• Finalized BIM-generated landscape design site plan.

• Finalized color renderings of outdoor landscape design for visualization.

• Specifications and placement of hardscape and selected vegetation.
  

Pre-Construction

1. Utility and Permit Preparation

• Ensure electricity is on site.

• If there is no septic, connect to town water/sewer.

• Ensure HOA/Neighborhood guidelines are met for approval (if required).

• Ensure Historical Preservation guidelines are met for approval (if needed).

• Ensure local covenants are met for approval (if required).

• A licensed contractor submits a permit application to the city, county, parish, etc.

• Address the necessary changes and provide notes from the approving entity

• Driveway permit application.

• Submit all the necessary construction documents for a construction loan.

• 911 address identification and services.
  

Construction Phase

1. Site Preparation

• Clear the site.

• Excavate for foundations.

• Prepare the site for utility connections.
  

1. Foundation and Structure

• Lay the foundation and ensure waterproofing.

• Frame the house (walls, roof, floors).

• Install windows and exterior doors.

• Choose and install roofing materials.

• Install utility systems (electrical, plumbing, HVAC).

• Perform regular inspections during installation.
  

1. Exterior and Interior Finishing

• Complete exterior finishes (siding, paint).

• Install insulation and drywall.

• Paint and apply wall finishes.

• Install flooring (tiles, wood, carpet).

• Fit out bathrooms and kitchens (fixtures, cabinets, countertops).
  

1. Final Installations

• Install lighting fixtures and interior doors.

• Plan for smart home integration.

• Ensure all systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC) are functioning correctly.
  

Final Steps

1. Landscaping and Outdoor Spaces

• Implement landscape design plan.

• Install driveways, walkways, and patios.

• Choose native and drought-resistant plants.
  

1. Final Inspections and Move-In Preparation

• Conduct final inspections to ensure compliance with building codes.

• Perform a final walkthrough with the contractor.

• Arrange for professional cleaning.

• Schedule utility connections and transfers.

• Plan and execute your move.
  

Post-Construction

1. Home Maintenance and Documentation

• Develop a regular maintenance schedule.

• Keep a log of warranties and maintenance activities.

• Digitize and store all necessary documents.
  

1. Lifestyle and Personalization

• Customize living spaces according to your lifestyle.

• Plan for future-proofing (aging in place, family growth).

• Integrate with the local community.

Ready to start designing?