AZ Checklists
Home Building Checklist for New Construction

Home Building Checklist for New Construction

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

Complete Guide to Building Your Dream Home

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.

1. Land Acquisition & Pre-Planning

1Verify zoning / land use regulations, setbacks, easements
2Conduct a land survey (boundaries, topography)
3Perform soil/geotechnical investigation (bearing capacity, soil type)
4Test for percolation/septic feasibility (if using septic)
5Ensure utilities availability: water, sewer, electricity, gas
6Obtain or verify title, legal clearances, environmental constraints
7Check flood zone, drainage, and water table levels
8Confirm road access, driveway rights, permit requirements
9Engage architect/engineer for preliminary conceptual design
10Prepare a preliminary budget and financing plan

2. Design, Permits & Documentation

1Finalize architectural drawings: floor plans, elevations, sections
2Structural engineering drawings (foundation, beams, roof)
3Mechanical, Electrical, & Plumbing (MEP) design plans
4Landscaping, site grading, drainage design
5Review and approve specifications (materials, finishes, fixtures)
6Submit building permit application to local authority
7Submit utility permits (water, sewer, electrical, gas)
8Review and revise drawings as per permit authority feedback
9Obtain all required approvals / permits before breaking ground
10Prepare contract(s) with general contractor and sub-contractors

3. Site Preparation & Foundation

1Clear & excavate the site (trees, debris, topsoil)
2Perform rough grading and leveling
3Install temporary utilities (power, water, site lighting)
4Lay out batter boards, building lines, and reference markers
5Excavate footings, trenches, and foundation pits
6Install footing reinforcements and formwork
7Pour concrete footings, allow curing time
8Construct foundation walls or slab base (block, poured concrete)
9Waterproof foundation walls, apply damp proofing / membranes
10Backfill around foundation once waterproofing is inspected

4. Framing & Structure

1Erect structural framing (columns, beams, joists)
2Install floor decking / subfloor systems
3Build wall frames (interior and exterior)
4Install roof trusses, rafters, sheathing
5Sheath exterior walls (plywood, OSB)
6Install roof deck / underlayment / moisture barrier
7Check for plumb, square, level in framing
8Install window & door rough openings
9Perform framing inspection by authority
10Wrap house with weather barrier / house wrap

5. Rough-Ins (MEP)

1Run plumbing lines (water supply, drain, vents)
2Install electrical conduit, boxes, wiring runs
3Install HVAC ductwork, furnace, AC lines
4Install gas piping, if applicable
5Coordinate mechanical, electrical, plumbing layout with structural work
6Install fire sprinkler or fire protection systems (if required)
7Install rough insulation (where accessible before drywall)
8Conduct inspections for plumbing, electrical, HVAC roughs
9Pressure test plumbing and gas lines
10Mark all services for future reference (labels, maps)

6. Exterior Closures & Roofing

1Install roofing material (shingles, metal roof, tiles)
2Install gutters, downspouts, flashing
3Install exterior cladding / siding / brick / stone veneer
4Install exterior doors, windows, glazing
5Seal around windows and doors (caulking, flashing)
6Install soffits, fascia, eaves, trim
7Apply any exterior weatherproof coatings or finishes
8Ensure water drainage away from structure (grading, swales)
9Inspect exterior envelope for leaks or gaps
10Complete exterior trim and detail work

7. Interior Finishes

1Install insulation in walls, ceilings, floors
2Hang drywall / plasterboard, tape, and mud
3Sand and finish walls, ceiling surfaces
4Prime and paint interior surfaces
5Install interior doors, frames, casing, trim
6Install flooring: tile, hardwood, carpet, or other finishes
7Install cabinetry, shelves, built-ins
8Install countertops, sinks, fixtures
9Install interior lighting fixtures, switches, outlets
10Install hardware (handles, knobs, rails, mouldings)

8. Final Mechanical & Systems

1Install bathroom fixtures, toilets, faucets
2Hook up appliances (stove, dishwasher, range hood)
3Install HVAC equipment, thermostat, registers
4Final electrical wiring, connect panels, test circuits
5Connect gas appliances, test for leaks
6Install water heater, plumbing fixtures
7Install ventilation fans, exhaust systems
8Test all systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC) in full operation
9Install smoke detectors, CO detectors, safety systems
10Final inspection for all mechanical, electrical, plumbing systems

9. Site Work, Landscaping & Exterior Amenities

1Complete final grading, soil leveling
2Install driveways, walkways, patios, sidewalks
3Install exterior lighting (path lights, exterior fixtures)
4Plant trees, shrubs, lawns, ground cover
5Install fences, gates, railing, decks
6Erect exterior features (pergolas, gazebos, pools)
7Connect site utilities (sewer, storm drainage, irrigation)
8Final clean of exterior surfaces, windows, masonry
9Place final site amenities (mailbox, signage)
10Remove construction debris, perform a site cleanup

10. Punch List, Inspection & Handover

1Walkthrough with contractor and list all deficiencies (punch list)
2Correct all defects, touch-ups, adjustments
3Final building inspection and certificate of occupancy
4Verify all permit conditions are satisfied
5Perform final system checks (lights, HVAC, plumbing, appliances)
6Clean entire interior: dust, vacuum, wash surfaces
7Deliver "as-built" drawings, manuals, warranties to owner
8Perform owner orientation (systems operation, maintenance)
9Address any last minute client requests or modifications
10Formal handover / sign-off and occupancy
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