When it's time for a new residence, you may prefer to build your dream home from scratch instead of searching for it. For those planning to build a new home, there's an overwhelming number of tasks you have to accomplish before construction can begin. Getting through the long checklist of items can seem daunting, but taking things one step at a time makes it possible to have your home project running smoothly. Here are some of the essential tasks to complete before breaking ground on your new home construction project.

1. Find a Contractor

The first step to starting a new house-building project is researching and selecting the right contractor. As a homeowner, you must find someone with experience in the type of project you're planning. The contractor must also be familiar with local building codes. Ask for references from previous clients, and make sure the contractor has adequate insurance. You can also learn about them by reading online reviews about the business. After you choose a contractor, make sure you sign a contract that delineates the scope of work and the probable cost of the project. Get everything in writing after you make a selection so that both parties are on the same page from the beginning.

2. Establish a Budget

Creating a budget for your project is essential to ensure things never get out of hand. Set a total spending limit, then allocate how much you plan to spend on each area, such as labor, materials, and other costs. Inform your contractor about the budget so they can factor it into their estimates and project plans. As construction progresses, keep an eye on spending and make adjustments if needed.

3. Secure Permits

The next step is to secure all the necessary permits for your project. Depending on the location and scope of the construction, you may need multiple permits from various agencies such as zoning, health departments, and building commissions. The local government must approve plans before work can commence, so make sure to factor in the time it takes to process paperwork. Permits ensure that your project complies with all applicable laws and regulations. If you are unsure what permits to acquire, consult with your contractor or local governing body.

4. Get Building Materials

Once you have a plan, it's time to order materials for the build. Research products online to get an idea of what's available and compare prices. Then, work with your contractor to decide which materials are best for the job. If possible, order all the building materials at once, so that everything is on-site when construction begins. Keep in mind, some materials are harder or more expensive to source than others, such as custom fixtures and specialized equipment. Make sure to plan for those items as well.

5. Finalize Construction Plans

Before beginning the project, go over the construction plans with your contractor one more time. Make any necessary revisions and changes to the schedule so that everyone agrees on what will happen and when. This is also an ideal time to review safety protocols and discuss how workers will access the building site. Use this time to plan for contingencies such as bad weather, supply chain delays, or other unforeseen issues.

6. Prepare the Site

Before beginning any building work, you must ensure that the construction site is prepared and ready. This prep includes clearing out debris and removing any trees or other items in the way. Ground clearing may be more complex depending on the area the home will be in. Discuss any potential obstacles with the contractor before the project begins, and they can advise you on whether you need to bring someone in to finish preparing the site.



Starting a new home construction project can be an exciting yet overwhelming process. With careful planning and execution, you can steadily check off each item on the list to reach your desired outcome. According to Statista, new construction put in place is forecast to reach over $1.53 trillion by 2022, making it a great time to start your project. Once all the necessary tasks are complete, you'll be ready to break ground and begin your construction journey. Contact Valley Tech Construction LLC today to start planning your new custom home.