Pre-construction checklist for home builders

A little checking before construction begins prevents most big problems.

Paperwork

• Confirm ownership documents and any outstanding dues.
• Get the building plan approved by the relevant authority.
• Check setback and coverage rules for your plot.

Site

• Have the plot boundaries marked by a surveyor.
• Get a soil assessment if the ground is unknown.
• Check access for trucks and the location of water and electricity.

Planning

• Fix a realistic budget with a contingency reserve.
• Make a timeline with the main stages.
• Choose a contractor with references you can visit.

Agreements

Put scope, payment stages and timeline in writing. Pay against completed milestones, not in advance.

The Plot Coverage and Setback Calculator, Construction Timeline Planner and Quotation Generator can help with several of these steps. Final decisions should be made with a licensed engineer or architect.