Home Construction Checklist (Homeowner Edition)

What’s inside the home construction checklist

Building a house means hundreds of steps in a specific order. This workbook lists them, so you always know what is happening now, what comes next, and what you need to decide.

Dashboard

Enter your project name, address, start date, target completion, and the names of your builder and architect. The dashboard shows total tasks, how many are complete, and your progress in each phase.

Pre-Construction

Getting started, design, permits and engineering, construction documents, and the preparation that happens before anyone breaks ground.

Construction

Site work and foundation, framing, dry-in, mechanical rough-ins, inspections and insulation, drywall, cabinets and trim, paint and tile, finishes, and final inspections.

Finish and closeout

Final inspections, the certificate of occupancy, equipment start-ups, warranties, the punch list, insurance, loan conversion, and move-in.

How To Use

A quick start guide, an explanation of each column, a timeline overview, and tips for working with your builder.

Format

One Excel workbook (.xlsx), delivered as an instant download. Mark a task complete from the dropdown and add your own notes as you go.

Who it’s for

Homeowners building a custom home with a builder who want to follow the process instead of guessing at it. Every project is different, so delete the tasks that don’t apply to yours and add your own. Your builder’s schedule and your contract always come first.

Learn more

Read our home construction checklist for homeowners, the custom home building process step by step, and questions to ask a home builder.