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Home Checklists

Plan and manage your home construction efficiently with this detailed building checklist. Cover every phase — from selecting land and hiring contractors to managing permits, inspections, and interior finishes. Ensure quality control, safety, and timely completion so your dream home is built to perfection from foundation to finish.

Comprehensive home construction checklist from land purchase to final handover, ensuring a smooth and successful building project.

Home Building Checklist for New Construction

Verify zoning / land use regulations, setbacks, easements

Conduct a land survey (boundaries, topography)

Perform soil/geotechnical investigation (bearing capacity, soil type)

Test for percolation/septic feasibility (if using septic)

Ensure utilities availability: water, sewer, electricity, gas

Obtain or verify title, legal clearances, environmental constraints

Check flood zone, drainage, and water table levels

Confirm road access, driveway rights, permit requirements

Engage architect/engineer for preliminary conceptual design

Prepare a preliminary budget and financing plan

Land Acquisition & Pre-Planning

Finalize architectural drawings: floor plans, elevations, sections

Structural engineering drawings (foundation, beams, roof)

Mechanical, Electrical, & Plumbing (MEP) design plans

Landscaping, site grading, drainage design

Review and approve specifications (materials, finishes, fixtures)

Submit building permit application to local authority

Submit utility permits (water, sewer, electrical, gas)

Review and revise drawings as per permit authority feedback

Obtain all required approvals / permits before breaking ground

Prepare contract(s) with general contractor and sub-contractors

Design, Permits & Documentation

Clear & excavate the site (trees, debris, topsoil)

Install temporary utilities (power, water, site lighting)

Lay out batter boards, building lines, and reference markers

Excavate footings, trenches, and foundation pits

Install footing reinforcements and formwork

Pour concrete footings, allow curing time

Construct foundation walls or slab base (block, poured concrete)

Waterproof foundation walls, apply damp proofing / membranes

Backfill around foundation once waterproofing is inspected

Site Preparation & Foundation

Erect structural framing (columns, beams, joists)

Build wall frames (interior and exterior)

Install roof deck / underlayment / moisture barrier

Check for plumb, square, level in framing

Wrap house with weather barrier / house wrap

Framing & Structure

Run plumbing lines (water supply, drain, vents)

Install electrical conduit, boxes, wiring runs

Coordinate mechanical, electrical, plumbing layout with structural work

Install fire sprinkler or fire protection systems (if required)

Install rough insulation (where accessible before drywall)

Conduct inspections for plumbing, electrical, HVAC roughs

Mark all services for future reference (labels, maps)

Rough-Ins (MEP)

Install roofing material (shingles, metal roof, tiles)

Install exterior cladding / siding / brick / stone veneer

Seal around windows and doors (caulking, flashing)

Apply any exterior weatherproof coatings or finishes

Ensure water drainage away from structure (grading, swales)

Inspect exterior envelope for leaks or gaps

Exterior Closures & Roofing

Install insulation in walls, ceilings, floors

Hang drywall / plasterboard, tape, and mud

Install interior doors, frames, casing, trim

Install flooring: tile, hardwood, carpet, or other finishes

Install interior lighting fixtures, switches, outlets

Install hardware (handles, knobs, rails, mouldings)

Interior Finishes

Install bathroom fixtures, toilets, faucets

Hook up appliances (stove, dishwasher, range hood)

Install HVAC equipment, thermostat, registers

Final electrical wiring, connect panels, test circuits

Install ventilation fans, exhaust systems

Test all systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC) in full operation

Install smoke detectors, CO detectors, safety systems

Final inspection for all mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems

Final Mechanical & Systems

Install driveways, walkways, patios, sidewalks

Install exterior lighting (path lights, exterior fixtures)

Erect exterior features (pergolas, gazebos, pools)

Connect site utilities (sewer, storm drainage, irrigation)

Final clean of exterior surfaces, windows, masonry

Place final site amenities (mailbox, signage)

Remove construction debris, perform a site cleanup

Site Work, Landscaping & Exterior Amenities

Walkthrough with contractor and list all deficiencies (punch list)

Correct all defects, touch-ups, adjustments

Final building inspection and certificate of occupancy

Verify all permit conditions are satisfied

Perform final system checks (lights, HVAC, plumbing, appliances)

Clean entire interior: dust, vacuum, wash surfaces

Deliver "as-built" drawings, manuals, warranties to owner

Perform owner orientation (systems operation, maintenance)

Address any last minute client requests or modifications

Punch List, Inspection & Handover

A professional home appraisal is essential for understanding a property’s true market value. This checklist walks you through reviewing property documents, assessing structural integrity, inspecting systems like HVAC and plumbing, evaluating exterior features, and considering market trends. Following this ensures transparency, accuracy, and confidence in your home’s valuation process.

Comprehensive home appraisal checklist covering property documentation, site features, structural elements, systems, and market analysis.

Ultimate Home Appraisal Checklist for Buyers & Sellers

Zoning classification & land use documents

Building / renovation permits (with approval)

Easements, right of way, or encroachment details

Any restrictions / covenants / HOA policies

Property & Legal Documentation

Drainage condition (water flows away from house)

External utilities (sewer, water, electric entry point)

External obstructions or negative influences (noise, adjacent undesirable land use)

Site & External Features

Structural beams, columns, load-bearing walls

Roof covering condition (tiles, shingles, metal)

Waterproofing, damp proofing in walls/floors

Attic space — insulation, ventilation, leaks

Foundation, Structural & Roof

Cracks, bulging, spalling, moisture damage

Exterior trim, moldings, decorative elements

Exterior Walls, Doors & Windows

Floor finishes: tiles, hardwood, carpeting

Wall & ceiling finishes: paint, wallpaper, plaster

Interior Spaces & Finishes

Heating system – furnace, boiler, radiators

Plumbing piping, fixtures, water pressure

Septic or sewer connection (if applicable)

Electrical wiring, panel, service capacity

Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors

Mechanical, Plumbing & HVAC Systems

Wiring condition, exposed wires, insulation

Switches, outlets, GFCI or safety devices

Emergency lighting, exit signage (if applicable)

Safety compliance (local electrical codes)

Electrical, Lighting & Safety Systems

Auxiliary / Special Features & Amenities

Recent sales of similar homes (within 6–12 months)

Proximity, size, condition of comparable homes

Neighborhood amenities (schools, shops, parks)

Infrastructure (roads, utilities, public transport)

External negative influences (airports, factories)

Comparables & Market / Neighborhood Context

Adjustments for differences with comparables

Cost approach: replacement / reproduction cost estimate

Income approach (if rental / income property)

Deferred maintenance or repairs deduction

Final "as is" value and "as repaired" value

Assumptions, limiting conditions, exclusions

Photographs, sketches, maps, supporting exhibits

Appraiser's Notes, Adjustments & Reconciliation

This home inspection checklist provides a detailed 100-point guide to evaluating any property. It helps identify maintenance needs, safety concerns, and hidden issues before they become costly. With clear, actionable items, it ensures nothing is overlooked during the inspection process. Ideal for buyers, sellers, or homeowners, it offers peace of mind and confidence in property decisions. A practical tool for protecting your investment and maintaining long-term value.

A complete 10-section home inspection checklist with 100 key points covering structure, roof, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and more for thorough evaluations.

Home Inspection Checklist: Know What to Look For

Site grading slopes away from foundation (to prevent water pooling)

Drainage / downspouts direct water well away from building

Walkways, driveways, patios are sound (no large cracks or uneven surfaces)

Retaining walls, fences, railings are stable and in good condition

Exterior siding, cladding, paint, or surface finish is intact (no major peeling, cracks, holes)

Flashing around windows, doors, penetrations is present and sealed

Roof gutters and downspouts are intact, clean, and securely attached

Trees, shrubs, vegetation are not too close (no branches touching building)

Exterior lighting, outlet covers, and receptacles are in place and weather-rated

Visible foundation walls and footings show no major cracks, spalling, or signs of settlement

Site & Grounds / Exterior

Roof covering (shingles, tiles, metal) is intact (no missing, cracked, curled elements)

Flashing around chimneys, vents, valleys, and roof penetrations is properly installed

Chimney(s) are plumb, with no loose bricks or deterioration

Chimney cap or crown is intact, with no obvious cracks

Gutters are free of debris, properly sloped, and securely fastened

Downspouts are connected and direct water away from building

Soffits, fascias, eaves are in good condition (no rot, sagging, or holes)

Skylight, roof hatches or other roof penetrations are sealed and flashing is appropriate

Evidence of roof leaks (stains, mold, water damage) inside attic or ceiling

Roof structure (rafters, trusses) shows no sag, rot, or major deformations

Roof, Chimney & Gutters

Foundation walls show no large cracks, bowing, or signs of movement

Interior slab or floor is level; no major dips or separations

Beams, joists, posts are sound (no rot, insect damage, excessive deflection)

Load bearing walls aligned, no shifted or separated wall-floor connections

Crawl space (if present) shows no significant moisture, standing water or mold

Vapor barrier or ground covering in crawl/underfloor area, where applicable

Framing connections (nails, bolts, fasteners) are secure

No unauthorized structural modifications without proper supports

Lintel, headers over openings are not sagged or strained

Visible support elements (columns, piers) are properly seated and stable

Foundation & Structural Framing

Exterior doors open, close, and latch correctly; weatherstripping is adequate

Interior doors operate smoothly, and hardware (hinges, locks) is functional

Window sashes operate, locks work, glass is intact (no broken panes)

Seals in double/triple-pane windows are intact (no fogging between glass)

Trim, casing, wood elements are free from rot, splits, or insect damage

Caulking around windows, doors and trim is continuous and in good condition

Thresholds, sills are solid (no decay or excessive wear)

Storm windows or screens (if present) are in place and functional

Exterior shutters (if any) are mounted securely

Joints between dissimilar materials (e.g., siding to trim) are properly sealed

Doors, Windows & Trim

All visible supply pipes show no leaks, corrosion, or damage

Drain, waste, and vent piping drain properly and without blockage

Hot and cold faucets operate correctly; water pressure is adequate

Toilets flush correctly and do not leak at base or tank

Showers and tubs drain and fixtures function properly

Water heater is safe, properly vented (if gas), and has functioning pressure/temperature relief valve

No signs of water damage under sinks or around plumbing fixtures

Traps are present, venting is proper, no dead-ends in plumbing runs

Hose bibs, exterior spigots are functional and well sealed

Water supply is not discolored; check for signs of rust or sediment

Plumbing System

Main service panel, breakers/fuses are in good condition (no overheating, signs of burning)

Panel labeling is accurate, circuits are clearly marked

Home Checklists

Home Building Checklist for New Construction

Ultimate Home Appraisal Checklist for Buyers & Sellers

Home Inspection Checklist: Know What to Look For

New Home Setup Checklist: What to Do After Moving In

Home Maintenance Checklist: Keep Your House in Top Shape

Household Cleaning Checklist for Daily & Deep Cleaning