Confirm financing, finalize selections, and conduct a walkthrough with your builder to review the site and lock in the construction timeline. Laying this groundwork ensures clarity, reduces miscommunication, and creates alignment before crews arrive.
Confirm Financing
Having secure financing is essential before breaking ground. This phase ensures all financial arrangements are finalized and ready for the construction process.
- Work with Your Lender: Confirm your construction loan is approved and active. Lenders typically release funds in stages, tied to specific milestones in the construction process (e.g., foundation, framing, finishes).
- Understand Disbursement Schedules: Meet with your builder and lender to review how payments will be made. Clear communication ensures your builder is paid on time, keeping the project on schedule.
- Plan for Contingencies: Set aside an additional 10–15% of your budget for unexpected costs. Even well-planned projects can encounter surprises, from rising material prices to weather delays.
Pro Tip
Keep a detailed financial folder with loan agreements, receipts, and a record of payments to stay organized throughout the project.
Pre-Construction Walkthrough
The pre-construction walkthrough is a critical meeting between you and your builder. This is where you review the home’s layout, confirm final selections, and align on expectations.
- Review the Site: Walk the lot with your builder to confirm property boundaries, setbacks, and the home’s positioning on the lot. Check for any issues that might affect construction, such as uneven grading or drainage concerns.
- Finalize Selections: Confirm all material and design selections, from exterior finishes to interior features like flooring, cabinetry, and fixtures. Your builder needs this information to ensure orders are placed and materials arrive on time.
- Set the Construction Schedule: Discuss the timeline for each phase of construction, from foundation work to the final walkthrough. Ensure you understand when key milestones will occur and when inspections are scheduled.
Pro Tip
Take detailed notes during the walkthrough. This ensures clarity and helps you remember specific details about the timeline, selections, or site preparation.
Key Takeaways
This stage isn’t just about logistics; it’s about laying the groundwork for a smooth and efficient building process. Finalizing financing ensures your builder has the resources to keep the project moving forward, while the walkthrough clarifies details and prevents misunderstandings. Taking the time to align with your builder at this stage minimizes the risk of delays and ensures everyone involved is ready to transition into construction.
Resources
Pre-Construction Walkthrough Checklist
This document helps confirms that all pre-construction tasks are completed before breaking ground, preventing oversights that could lead to delays or errors. It ensures that all stakeholders are aligned on the project scope by reviewing finalized plans and specifications.
Open Pre-Construction Walkthrough Checklist