Checklist for Building Construction

Construction is a capital-intensive affair that requires adequate planning to avoid running into legal and financial problems, as well as to counter unforeseen hitches.

From making financial arrangements to designing a home and hiring a contractor, here is a detailed checklist for building construction.

1. Ownership and condition of land

Ascertaining that you legally own your piece of land may sound like a trivial matter but it can cause you a lot of legal trouble and anguish if not done right.

Even if you bought the land a few years earlier, doing a simple title deed search to confirm your ownership can help settle your mind before you begin your project.

It is also important to ask an expert to study the physical condition of the land as this dictates the kind of structure that can be built in that location.

Is the land in a hilly area? What is the type of soil? Are there excavations to be done? Is the land connected to electricity and water?

Answers to these and more questions will help you to come up with a rough estimate of the amount of money required to build the house that you envision.

2. Budgetary allocation

Building requires a lot of planning in terms of raising and spending money to avoid running out of finances and abandoning your project midway.

For most prospective homeowners, the only way to raise money is by taking a loan. Getting a home construction loan requires you to, among other things, check your credit report, compute a down payment, and determine the loan option that makes the most sense to you.

It helps to understand that the process of obtaining a construction loan requires more time and documentation compared to a personal loan.

Be sure to have your documents in place before dropping your application.

When preparing a budget, you should engage a quantity surveyor to get a better clue of the costs. You need to understand that the cost of building a house varies from $350 to over $700 per sq.m m depending on finishes and site location.

Cost Breakdown

– Architectural / Design Fees: Custom house plans will cost you anything from 5% to 15% of the total construction budget. However, if you choose an existing house plan that requires minor modifications your costs will be about 2% or less.

– Professional fees: You need to set aside some cash to pay for the services of a land surveyor, quantity surveyor, geotechnics, and other professionals who may be required to work on your site.

– Approval fees: You will be required to pay a variety of fees to obtain permits for the many aspects of your project, including local government building permits, environmental permits, etc.

– Site preparation: Set aside money for site preparation tasks such as demolition, grading, debris removal, etc.

– Major construction costs: A huge percentage of your budget will cover the foundation, siding, roofing, decks, plumbing, cabling, and interior finishes such as painting and installation of appliances.

– Landscaping: Set aside some cash for developing driveways and walkways.

– Contractor fees: This is something that you need to agree with your builder.

When budgeting, always keep about 10% of your budget for unexpected costs.

3. House building plan

House plan selection forms a very important part of your home-building project. It depends on a variety of factors, be it the budget, personal taste, or plot characteristics.

Your architect can help you draft a design based on your requirements, which would include the size of the house, the layout of the building, or any features you want in the structure.

4. Qualified contractor

Choosing a contractor is an important step toward building your own home. You need to engage someone qualified enough to see through your project from inception to completion.

RELATED: How to Pick a Contractor for Your Project

Start by doing some research on individuals bidding for the job. How long have they been in business? What are some of their projects? Can they allow you to speak with their clients?

Be sure to select a builder who is trustworthy and up to the task.

5. Valid contracts and agreements

Carefully read through all legal agreements with architects, builders, and suppliers before putting your signature on anything.

Ask for clarifications and hire a lawyer to guide you through the process.

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