Transforming that empty lot into your dream home is a complex task that requires more than DIY videos and a can-do attitude. Unless you have prior experience in home construction, it’s crucial to enlist a team of professionals to avoid costly mistakes that may jeopardize your entire building project. However, since you may still fancy being the master of your dream home, here’s a 10-step house-to-home construction checklist to help you understand the process of building your custom home.

1. Research if Your Insurance Company Pays for Anything

Before you start your house to home construction, it’s advisable to ensure that your investment will be properly secured throughout the construction process. Doing thorough research on whether your existing policy will cover your building project is the first step to successfully transforming your dream house into a home.

You will discover that your standard homeowner insurance cannot properly cover a new home construction ground up. Which home insurance plan will cover a new home construction? You’re already in the planning phase for constructing a new home, but do you know it’s more than finding recommendations for the best building contractor or the right materials for your countertops? That’s right.

Homes under construction are vulnerable to theft, bad weather, or jeopardizing errors, and ignoring the importance of securing adequate insurance coverage throughout the construction process, which may cost you heavily in case such building risks occur.

Can your existing insurance company fully cover the new structure, your liability exposure, or any personal items during the ongoing construction? If not, get builders’ risk Insurance that covers property owners, DIY builders, and contractors for any home project under construction.

Builder’s risk coverage is also perfect for you as it will cover future renovations and repairs–that you’ll surely not escape. However, note that these policies will not cover any losses that occur before the start of or after the completion of the construction. For such scenarios, ensure you are secured by standard homeowners coverage after your house to home construction.

Finally, research whether your insurance company will cover your new project, no matter the scope of your home construction. If not, secure suitable coverage plans before the construction work begins. The last thing you want is to realize your safety net cannot cover an incident during construction.

2. Search for Reputable Construction Experts

Choosing a construction team that will professionally plan and complete your house to home construction is a big decision you should consider before you embark on your custom building. Choosing the wrong construction company could cost you countless lost hours and more money than you should normally spend.

So many companies offer similar construction services, some even at very affordable prices. When evaluating your options, choosing a company that offers lower prices is very tempting. Still, if they lack relevant experience and expertise, the team may not make your construction project may not go as smoothly as it should.

It’s thus essential to do in-depth research on the services offered by the different available constructors. Ask for recommendations from family and friends and look at their online reviews on past job success. Know who will lead the construction team and ask for their resumes on past projects. Ensure the potential construction company also has quality subcontractors.

To ensure they bring a reputable team on site, the potential construction company must have a plan to prequalify any new subcontractor. Consider checking safety-related makers like OSHA 300A logs and EMR to ensure your chosen construction team is committed to safety while working towards a successful house to home construction.

Finally, as you search for construction experts, consider those that are fully licensed and bonded and ensure they have the proper liability amount, worker’s compensation, and property damage insurance. Avoid working with a company that doesn’t value or understand your vision and goals. Remember, each decision influences the results of your project, so choose the best.

3. Secure Moving Professionals Ahead of Time

With so many options, choosing the right local moving company that won’t damage your property or charge for unworked hours can be stressful. Moving day is stressful enough even without damaged items. Vetting for moving professionals as part of your house to home construction checklist will save you a lot of unnecessary hassle.

How will you know your potential mover is the best available? You can never go wrong with recommendations from friends or family. You can also ask for different movers’ estimates. As you get them, watch out for red flags like reputable movers companies will not ask for cash deposits before you move.

Verify the moving company’s licensing through the FMCSA and stick with BBB-accredited companies. Never agree to pay a larger amount than you should. Securing moving professionals ahead of time allows you to research all the potential ones and only stick with a reliable and reputable one who delivers quality work.

4. Discuss What Trees Can Cause Issues for Your Home

When establishing your dream home, you must consider the presence of trees and build your structure at a safe distance. The impact a tree can have on construction is immense. Trees can also be damaged during construction. It’s therefore important to consult your local tree service or arborist to advise you on the best approach if you have a tree on the construction site.

The experts will assess and identify any potential risks that may arise during construction and advise accordingly. For instance, with extensive root systems, trees can exert pressure and cause foundation damage, such as cracks. Overhanging branches may obstruct access on a construction site or pose safety hazards for workers, leading to lawsuits due to workplace injuries.

Certain trees can release pollen that triggers your allergies as an occupant. They may also be an entry point for pests at the construction site. In that case, the tree service agent may advise you to remove the tree. On the other hand, construction work may pose certain risks to the tree. For instance, heavy machinery, excavation, or other construction activities can harm tree trunks, branches, or root systems.

The foot traffic plus the heavy machinery leads to soil compaction, which reduces the access to oxygen and nutrients since construction may involve changes in topography, excessive soil grading, and impermeable concrete or asphalt, which alters the soil drainage patterns around the tree. Considering these factors, discussing with an expert arborist what issues a tree can cause before starting your house to home construction is an important step.

5. Ensure That Your Septic System Operates Properly

It is advisable to ensure that your septic system is in good condition and operating before you begin your house to home construction. The average cost of replacing a septic tank ranges between $3,000 and $7,000. If not planned for, this is a big investment, so it’s crucial to assess whether your septic tank is functioning correctly to avoid costly repairs or replacements in the future. How do you go about it? If you’re not an experienced sewage inspector, seeking a company with reputable septic services is important.

Hiring a qualified septic system inspector will ensure that your septic tank, drainage field, and pumps are promptly assessed and replaced or repaired. When purchasing the land, It’s advised to perform a percolation test to determine if the soil can effectively filter and absorb wastewater. If not, you can buy another land in a different location to avoid septic system issues. Your septic system is one of the crucial areas any homeowner should never ignore.

6. Determine What Type of Water Heater You Should Have

If you have established your beautiful custom home in a cold place, you will surely not enjoy the surprise of a cold shower in the morning. Installing a water heater may indeed put a strain on your budget, however, do not do it yourself. Seeking the help of licensed technicians who know the different permits required to complete a water heater installation is key.

There are different types of water heaters, and each installation depends on the type of building established. The number of bedrooms and bathrooms in your house to home construction impacts the total water consumption of your home. For instance, if your home has a single bathroom, you may use an estimated six gallons per minute.

The amount increases with the number of bathrooms, taps, how many people will reside in the house, and how long each takes to shower. The best water heater for showers can handle a continuous stream of hot water. Your technician should advise you on installing a tankless unit requiring less energy or a traditional tank water heater.

If you’re constructing your home in a place where the weather is mostly sunny, consider a renewable solar water heater and research all your options before you start the construction of your dream home.

7. Assess the Importance of Having a Patio

Considering the benefits of having a patio on your residential property is an important step that should be included in your house to home construction project. Patios add beauty to your home, increase the property’s value and provide an additional resting place for residents. However, to benefit fully from the best patio, hiring professional patio contractors for the job is important.

An expert patio contractor should visit the right government offices to obtain permits before installing the patio. Each region has specific building codes that each homeowner must follow before construction.

Suppose you hire a contractor from a reputable company. In that case, they will advise you on the best modern designs, work fast with specialized equipment, and build a safe structure to use within the given time, saving you unnecessary spending.

8. Consider What Type of Windows You Prefer

Don’t wait to reach the framing stage of your house to home construction project to consider the available types of windows. The earlier you research this, the better. And we’ve got you covered with what to consider. Have you thought of vinyl window installations in your new home?

Installing a vinyl window will dramatically change the look of your house while decreasing heating costs. The windows are designed to insulate your house properly so you can be sure your house will still be warm during winter, and during summer, the material will prevent more heat from getting in.

The main advantage of these windows is their great insulating properties and long life span. Installing vinyl windows is a smart choice, but you have to pay attention to get the job professionally done.

9. Choose Specific Construction Materials

Choosing the right materials for your house to home construction project is a decision that impacts the durability, aesthetic, energy efficiency, and overall quality of your house. That’s why you should pick the best materials from the available ones. For instance, for structural aspects, consider concrete.

For framing, choose engineered wood like LVL or OSB, and for roofing, consider asphalt shingles. Regarding the interior, flooring options can include using ceramic tile with a unique pattern based on preference and durability.

10. Decide What Kind of Additional Entertainment You Want in Your Home

Incorporating a home entertainment system during your house to home construction project can add more enjoyment to your living space. Consider an audio system with strategically placed speakers, a television, and various media sources like cable or satellite TV, streaming services, and gaming consoles.

Creating a dedicated home theater room with a large projection screen, projector, and comfortable seating will provide an immersive cinematic experience. Ensure reliable network connectivity for streaming and control your system through centralized automation. Choose comfortable furniture, lighting fixtures, and acoustic treatments for optimal sound quality.

Building a custom home is an exciting experience but can also be a complex undertaking that requires careful planning and organization. From the initial design phase to the final touches, each step in the house to home construction process plays a crucial role in turning a dream house into a perfect home. With the above comprehensive home construction checklist, your custom home construction will be a seamless transition.