Construction Project Checklist

Complete guide to managing your construction loan and building project

Overall Progress

Completion0%

0 of 60 tasks completed

📋Pre-Planning Phase

0% Complete

Determine your budget and financing needs

Calculate total project cost including land, construction, and contingency

Check your credit report and score

Aim for 680+ credit score for better rates

Research construction loan lenders

Compare rates, terms, and requirements from multiple lenders

Get pre-approved for construction financing

Understand your borrowing capacity before selecting land

Select and purchase land (if needed)

Ensure land is suitable for building with proper zoning

Research local building codes and restrictions

Understand setbacks, height limits, and HOA requirements

Interview and select an architect

Review portfolios and get references from past clients

Create preliminary budget estimates

Include hard costs, soft costs, and 15-20% contingency

📐Design & Planning Phase

0% Complete

Finalize architectural plans

Complete detailed drawings and specifications

Obtain engineering reports

Structural, soil, and environmental assessments as needed

Select materials and finishes

Choose flooring, fixtures, appliances, and exterior materials

Interview general contractors

Get at least 3 detailed bids with line-item breakdowns

Check contractor licenses and insurance

Verify general liability, workers comp, and builder's risk coverage

Review contractor references

Contact recent clients and visit completed projects

Negotiate and sign construction contract

Include payment schedule, timeline, and change order procedures

Create detailed construction timeline

Map out major milestones and draw schedule

🏦Loan Application Phase

0% Complete

Complete loan application

Provide all required personal and financial information

Submit income documentation

Tax returns, pay stubs, W-2s, and bank statements

Provide construction plans and specifications

Detailed architectural drawings and material lists

Submit contractor agreement

Signed construction contract with cost breakdown

Provide contractor documentation

License, insurance certificates, and financial statements

Schedule property appraisal

Lender orders appraisal based on plans and specs

Review and sign loan documents

Understand terms, rates, and draw procedures

Pay closing costs and down payment

Typically 20-30% down plus closing fees

📑Permits & Approvals

0% Complete

Apply for building permit

Submit plans to local building department

Obtain electrical permit

Required for all electrical work

Obtain plumbing permit

Required for plumbing installations

Obtain HVAC permit

For heating and cooling system installation

Get grading/excavation permit

If significant earth moving is required

Secure septic permit (if applicable)

For properties not on municipal sewer

Obtain well permit (if applicable)

For properties requiring private water well

Schedule pre-construction meeting

Meet with inspector to review requirements

🏠Loan Conversion Phase

0% Complete

Schedule final appraisal

Confirm completed value meets expectations

Submit final documentation

Provide CO, final inspection reports, lien waivers

Obtain lien waivers from all contractors

Ensure no mechanics liens will be filed

Review permanent loan terms

Confirm rate, payment, and amortization schedule

Sign conversion documents

Convert from construction to permanent financing

Set up mortgage payment

Arrange automatic payments if desired

Obtain homeowners insurance

Replace builder's risk with standard policy

File for homestead exemption

If available in your area for tax benefits

✅Post-Construction Tasks

0% Complete

Complete any punch list items

Ensure all minor issues are resolved

Obtain warranty documentation

Collect all manufacturer and contractor warranties

Set up utility accounts

Transfer all utilities to your name

Update address with all services

Banks, employers, subscriptions, etc.

Schedule one-year warranty inspection

Most builders offer 1-year warranty walk-through

Keep all documentation organized

Maintain records for taxes and future reference

Consider energy efficiency upgrades

Look into tax credits for solar, efficiency improvements

Join HOA (if applicable)

Understand rules and pay dues if required

Pro Tips for Construction Success

Documentation

• Keep all receipts and invoices organized
• Document progress with photos at each stage
• Maintain written records of all change orders
• Save all inspection reports and approvals

Financial Management

• Track expenses against budget weekly
• Maintain contingency funds (15-20%)
• Review draw schedules with your lender
• Get lien waivers after each payment

Related Resources

Construction Loan Calculator

Calculate payments and total costs

Construction Terms Glossary

Understand key terminology

Complete Loan Guide

Step-by-step financing guide

Current Rates

Compare lender rates

Construction Project Checklist

Overall Progress

📋Pre-Planning Phase

📐Design & Planning Phase

🏦Loan Application Phase

📑Permits & Approvals

🏗️Construction Phase

🏠Loan Conversion Phase

✅Post-Construction Tasks

Pro Tips for Construction Success

Documentation

Financial Management

Related Resources

Construction Loan Calculator

Construction Terms Glossary

Complete Loan Guide

Current Rates