Building Your Custom Home For Dummies. Peter Economy

cash flow with financing on your existing house (see Chapter 2).

      4 Find land and make an offer (see Chapter 3).

      5 Obtain land financing (see Chapter 3).

      6 Close escrow on the lot (see Chapter 3).

      7 Get surveys and soil reports (see Chapter 3).

      8 Get well and septic approvals, if required (see Chapter 6).

      9 Interview and pick an architect, if applicable (see Chapter 5).

      10 Create the house’s preliminary design (see Chapter 5).

      11 Get zoning and design review approval (see Chapter 6).

      12 Pick all your fixtures and materials (see Chapter 5).

      13 Submit the plans for building approval (see Chapter 6).

      14 Make the required plan changes (see Chapter 5).

      15 Put the plans out to bid with contractors (see Chapter 2).

      16 Interview and choose a contractor (see Chapters 2 and 7).

      17 Apply for a construction loan (see Chapters 9 and 10).

      18 Get an appraisal based on future value (see Chapter 10).

      19 Get final approval for permits and pay fees (see Chapter 6).

      20 Close escrow on the construction loan (see Chapter 9).

      21 Set up a disbursement account (see Chapter 11).

      22 Set up communications with the contractor and subs (see Chapter 7).

      23 Prepare the building site for work (see Chapter 12).

      24 Grade and/or excavate the property (see Chapter 12).

      25 Trench for foundation, water, and sewer (see Chapter 12).

      26 Pour the concrete for foundation and let cure (see Chapter 12).

      27 Frame the exterior (see Chapter 13).

      28 Frame the interior (see Chapter 13).

      29 Install the windows (see Chapter 13).

      30 Install the fireplaces (see Chapter 13).

      31 Install the rough heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) (see Chapter 13).

      32 Install the rough plumbing (see Chapter 13).

      33 Install the rough electrical (see Chapter 13).

      34 Install the roof (see Chapter 13).

      35 Install the outer sheathing (see Chapter 13).

      36 Apply the exterior siding or stucco and paint (see Chapter 14).

      37 Install the drywall (see Chapter 14).

      38 Install the cabinetry and millwork (see Chapter 14).

      39 Install tile, counters, moldings, and finish carpentry (see Chapter 14).

      40 Install the doors (see Chapter 14).

      41 Paint the interior and finish woodwork (see Chapter 14).

      42 Install the plumbing fixtures (see Chapter 14).

      43 Install the electrical fixtures and hardware (see Chapter 14).

      44 Install the flooring (see Chapter 14).

      45 Request the final loan disbursement (see Chapter 15).

      46 Request final inspection and receive a certificate of occupancy (see Chapter 15).

      47 Roll to permanent financing (see Chapter 17).

      48 Install