What do you want done?

2 The work

Start here — the house and the paperwork

The house you're building Size, stories and finish level — tick this first, everything else is priced off it. Permits, plan check and city fees What the city charges before anyone picks up a hammer. Site setup while you build Temporary power, water, toilet, fencing and dumpsters.

Ground, foundation and slab

Clearing and grading the lot Getting bare, level ground to build on. Foundation and slab Footings, rebar, the concrete the house sits on.

Frame, roof and outside walls

Framing the house Walls, floors, roof structure, beams and hardware. Roof and gutters Underlayment, roofing, flashing, gutters and downspouts. Outside walls Weather barrier plus stucco or siding, eaves and fascia. Windows and outside doors Windows, entry doors, sliders and the garage door.

Power, water, heating and cooling

Electrical Panel, wiring, outlets, lights and EV charging. Plumbing Water and sewer from the street, pipe in the house, water heater. Heating and air conditioning Heat pump or mini-splits, ducts and bath fans.

Inside — insulation, drywall, doors and paint

Insulation and drywall Air sealing, insulation, hung and finished drywall, texture. Interior doors, trim and closets Doors and hardware, baseboard and casing, closet shelving, stairs. Interior paint Two coats on walls, ceilings, trim and doors.

Kitchen, bathrooms and floors

Floors Vinyl plank, tile, wood or carpet, with the underlayment beneath. Kitchen Cabinets, countertops, sink and appliances. Bathrooms Vanities, toilets, tubs, tiled showers and mirrors.