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New construction

Timeline and checklists for buying from a builder

What happens at each stage, what to do yourself, and the questions to settle before you sign. General guidance only; every builder's contract and schedule differ. This is not legal advice.

Timeline

The construction timeline, stage by stage

Durations vary widely by builder, home and market, so ask your builder for its schedule in writing.

  1. Stage 1: Before the first builder visit

    Set your budget with a lender pre-approval and talk with your buyer representative. Many builders require your agent to be registered at your first visit.

    • Get a pre-approval from a lender of your choice.
    • Decide your must-haves and the move-in window you can work with.

  2. Stage 2: Home, lot and contract

    Choose the home and lot, receive the price sheet and incentive terms, and sign the builder's purchase agreement with the first deposit.

    • Compare the full price, not the base price.
    • Have a real estate attorney review the agreement before you sign.
    • Note every deadline in the contract.

  3. Stage 3: Financing and rate lock

    Apply for the mortgage. With a home not yet built, the rate lock has to last until settlement or be extended, so its length and cost matter.

    • Compare written Loan Estimates, including an outside lender.
    • Ask how long the lock lasts and what an extension costs.

  4. Stage 4: Design selections

    Choose structural options and finishes at the design center by the builder's deadline. Upgrade deposits are often due at this point and are often non-refundable.

    • Get itemized pricing for every selection.
    • Prioritize structural choices that cannot be changed later.

  5. Stage 5: Construction

    Permits, site work, foundation, framing, roofing, and the mechanical, electrical and plumbing rough-ins.

    • Ask for schedule updates in writing.
    • Book an independent pre-drywall inspection while framing and systems are visible.

  6. Stage 6: Drywall and finishes

    Insulation, drywall, cabinets, flooring, fixtures and exterior finishing, followed by the municipal final inspection and certificate of occupancy.

    • Confirm the settlement date once the builder sets it.
    • Coordinate your move, lease end or sale of your current home.

  7. Stage 7: Walkthrough and settlement

    An independent final inspection and the builder's walkthrough produce the punch list. Settlement follows, with the final Closing Disclosure.

    • Compare the Closing Disclosure with your Loan Estimate.
    • Get the punch list and completion dates in writing.

  8. Stage 8: After closing: warranty period

    Builder warranties usually cover different items for different lengths of time. Keep records of every request.

    • Schedule an inspection before the first-year coverage ends.
    • Submit warranty requests in writing, as the warranty describes.

Builder contract checklist

Business terms to understand before you sign. Have a real estate attorney review the legal terms.

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Construction inspection checklist

Independent inspections work for you; municipal inspections check code compliance only. Confirm what your contract allows and book early.

Checkmarks stay on this page only and are not saved or sent anywhere.

Financing and closing checklist

Compare financing on the full cost, and plan for the build schedule.

Checkmarks stay on this page only and are not saved or sent anywhere.

Related: compare builder offers, reviewing a builder contract and new construction inspections.

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