Building a home from the ground up is an exciting and rewarding journey — but one that requires careful planning before the foundation is ever poured. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy cottage or a modern masterpiece, these 10 essential steps will guide you through the early stages of your home-building journey.
1. Find the Right Lot
Before you build your dream home, you need to find the perfect place to put it. Think about the neighborhood, commute time, nearby amenities, school districts, and your long-term goals. Take your time — this decision will shape your future. We ended up buying an old home to tear down.
2. Buy the Land — But Make Sure It’s Buildable
Buying land is more than just a transaction. You’ll need to confirm it’s zoned for residential use, accessible by public roads, and connected (or connectable) to utilities like water and electricity. This is so important because it can cause major budget issues down the road.
3. Conduct a Land Survey
A professional land survey can reveal crucial information like property boundaries, groundwater presence, fault lines, soil stability, and flood zones. These factors can affect both your design and buildability — and might even influence your insurance rates. We’ve dealt with so many random things that were found in our survey – like a fault line and property lines.
4. Hire an Architect or Find a Ready-Made House Plan
If you’re going custom, hiring an architect ensures your home fits your land, lifestyle, and budget. We needed to do this because of the shape of our lot and the home inside my head that we hoped to build. Alternatively, you can find a house plan online and modify it to fit your needs.
5. Customize the House Plan
Tailor your layout, number of rooms, finishes, and special features to suit your family’s needs. Want an extra garage? A home office? Make sure it’s all planned out before you break ground. It’s very hard to make changes once the foundation is poured and framing starts.
6. Create a Realistic Budget
It’s not just about materials and labor. Your budget should include land costs, permits, utility hookups, landscaping, interior finishes, and unexpected contingencies.
7. Research Zoning and Building Rules
Each city or county has its own rules regarding how land can be used. Zoning laws may restrict the height, square footage, or style of your home. You’ll need to comply with local regulations before construction begins. Our city has rules for height and setback.
8. Apply for Permits
From building permits to utility access to septic system approvals — you’ll need to submit applications and pay fees before construction can legally begin. Work with a builder or architect familiar with the process in your area.
9. Knock Down Any Existing Structures
If your lot isn’t completely vacant, you’ll need to arrange for demolition. Hire a licensed contractor to handle any teardown safely and in compliance with local laws, especially if asbestos or lead paint is involved. The house we knocked down was filled with asbestos, which cost $10,000 to remove.
10. Clear the Land and Check Sewer Access
Remove trees, shrubs, rocks, and debris. You’ll also need to determine how your home will connect to water and sewer systems. Some lots are already connected; others may need septic tanks or additional hookups — and those can be costly.
Bonus Tip:
Document every step of the process with photos and videos. These memories will last long after the final nail is in place.
Final Thoughts
Taking the right steps before building can save you time, money, and stress. Whether you’re a first-time builder or a seasoned homeowner, a solid foundation begins long before construction starts. Use this checklist to ensure your build gets off on the right foot.
Need Help Getting Started?
Contact a local architect or real estate agent who specializes in new builds — and let your dream home become reality.
