Home Building Checklist

Building a custom home or undertaking a major renovation can be a fun and exciting experience if you know what to expect. But, like getting married or having a baby, building a home is a MAJOR life event. One that you should enter well-informed so you can avoid surprises. You’ve purchased your homesite and now it’s time for the work to begin. But before the first shovel hits the dirt, read our New Build Checklist to find out what to expect every step of the way.

• If needed, meet with your banker to discuss and secure financing.
• Select an architect or home designer who will help bring your vision to life on paper.
• Interview and hire a custom design-build team responsible for creating your one-of-a-kind dream home based on your lifestyle and budget.
• Acquire building permits. Often a task performed by your general contractor, the permitting process will vary based on which community you have chosen to build in.
• Prepare site and pour foundation. This can be a relatively simple or complex undertaking depending on the location of your lot and whether you need a septic system.
• Framing, including floors, walls and roofing. The crucial “bones” of your home should be solid and long-lasting, making it even more critical to select a custom build team that employs only the highest quality craftsman.
• Insulation, plumbing, electrical and HVAC. Here in the Big Sky area, where temperatures can vary dramatically depending on the time of year, quality insulation as well as a good heating and cooling system is critical not only for comfort, but for energy efficiency.
• Complete drywall and interior textures; begin exterior finishes and install exterior driveway and walkways. Your home’s exterior should reflect your personal style and fit in with the natural surroundings. A great designer can help create your home’s unique first impression that also complements the warmth and style of the interior.
• Hard-surface flooring and countertops, interior trim and windows. Consider radiant heat tile — ideal for warming cold feet after a day of skiing. Extensive use of south-facing windows not only bring in an inviting abundance of natural light — particularly in the winter — but make a room feel larger than it actually is.
• Complete mechanical trims, install kitchen and bathroom fixtures. The heart of your home, you will likely spend more time in your kitchen than anywhere else in the home, particularly if you enjoy entertaining. Choose appliances that combine form and function, while adding elegance to your cooking space.
• Install mirrors, shower doors and final clean-up; complete landscaping. Take full advantage of the region’s natural beauty with drought-tolerant plants and native landscaping while emphasizing inviting outdoor living spaces that might include water features, hot tubs or pools, a fire pit and or built-in grilling stations.
• Final inspection and walk through. Your custom build team will walk you through your new home to acquaint you with its features. This is also an opportunity to spot items that need to be corrected or adjusted, so be attentive and observant. A quality builder will guarantee your satisfaction.