Building a home for the first time can be a little overwhelming. In order to keep track of everything you need to consider, we’ve compiled a first-timer checklist. It is important to point out that although this list is compiled to give you a comprehensive overview of the entire process, a well-established custom home builder will be able to handle much of this for you.
Be sure to have a residential construction professional by your side when building a home!
- Preconstruction Phase: Determine appropriate zoning; identify easements, setbacks, and available utilities; plot proposed house parameters, driveway, street access, and property lines.
- House Planning: Identify desirable standard floor plans; have an architect or engineer design custom changes; hire a project manager/general contractor.
- Financial Considerations: Obtain financing for the cost of the land; file for a construction loan, if applicable; if working with a builder, apply for financing for the completed home; set aside closing costs.
- Permitting and Compliance: Sewer and water hookups; set up temporary utilities; health permits; soil testing; insurance; impact fees; building permits.
- Demolition & Lot Clearing: Remove old home or outbuildings if necessary; level and fill in the land; remove trees, stumps, and roots; debris cleanup; arrange for dumping (generally a fee).
- Construction Phase: Dig and lay the foundation; pour footings and pads, add foundation walls; waterproof foundations; rough in electrical and plumbing; rough in heat and air conditioning; add roofing, windows, soffits, insulation, and drywall; paint and cabinetry.
- Interior Details: Put down carpeting and tile, add fixtures, appliances, railings, baseboards, window blinds.
- Landscaping and Outdoors: Finish grading, pave the driveway, lay concrete for walkways; add downspouts and gutters, add landscaping beds and trees; seed the lawn, finish sprinkler system and outdoor faucets/spigots.
Of course, this list is a broad overview, and there are many details within each category. If you are not a licensed and insured general contractor, you will need to hire a professional who will be responsible for all of the above.
A custom home builder will help you to locate the right lot, obtain all permits, set up the utilities, and build the home of your dreams.
The above checklist is a good basis for understanding the process of building a home.
If you are looking for a Sarasota or Longboat Key home builder, you may want to interview several contractors to determine who has the experience, longevity, and quality of work you are looking for. A longtime community presence, as well as community involvement, are great indicators of their commitment to the Sarasota area.
The team at Lindahl Construction looks forward to assisting you in building your primary, vacation, or retirement property here in paradise.