First Steps Checklist: We Want to Build a House, Now What?

If you are thinking about a new home, you are probably asking the same question many people do. What are the first steps to build a house, and how do I start the right way? This guide gives you a clear, practical path from idea to breaking ground. You will learn how to set a realistic budget, find the right land, get financing in place, hire the best team, and plan the details that keep a build on schedule and on budget. Use this checklist to move forward with confidence. Elite Improvements, a family-owned company in Burlington, Wisconsin, is here to support you with remodeling, additions, and exterior improvements before or after your new build. Our goal is to help you make smart decisions, avoid surprises, and love the home you create.

Your First Steps to Build a House: The Quick Checklist

1. Clarify your vision and must-haves.
2. Set a total project budget with a contingency fund.
3. Get mortgage preapproval and choose a loan type.
4. Pick a location and evaluate potential lots.
5. Complete site due diligence before you buy land.
6. Choose your team. Builder, architect or designer, and key specialists.
7. Develop a concept plan and confirm a rough cost range.
8. Review zoning, codes, and permit needs.
9. Plan utilities, drainage, and site preparation.
10. Map your schedule with local weather in mind.
11. Select materials and energy efficiency features.
12. Finalize your contract, insurance, and draw schedule to prepare for construction.

Step-by-Step Guidance to Start Your Home Build

Clarify your vision and priorities

Start with a simple outline of how you live and what you value. List the rooms you need, the number of bedrooms and baths, and any special spaces such as a home office, mudroom, or sunroom. Think about size targets and style, but focus on function first. Decide your top three must-haves and your top three nice-to-haves. Consider how your needs may change in the next five to ten years. If you plan to age in place, note main-level living or wider doorways. If you host guests, plan for flexible spaces. Getting clear on your goals is one of the most important first steps to build a house because it guides every choice that follows.

Build a total budget, not just a house price

Total project cost includes more than the structure. It covers land, site work, utility connections, permits, design fees, engineering, driveways, landscaping, and contingencies. Soft costs can add up fast, and site conditions can affect excavation and foundation work. Create a budget that lists each category and a range for each. Add a contingency of at least 10 to 15 percent to handle unknowns. Remember to include moving costs, temporary housing if needed, storage, and property taxes during construction. A realistic budget protects your project and keeps decisions grounded in what you can afford.

Get financing preapproval and understand loan options

Before you lock in design decisions, meet with lenders to discuss construction-to-permanent loans, lot loans, and down payment needs. Preapproval shows your buying power and helps you set a house size and finish level that fit your plan. Ask about interest rate locks, appraisal timing, and the draw schedule that pays the builder as work is completed. Keep records of income, assets, and debts ready. The more complete your file, the smoother your loan process will be. Clear financing is one of the first steps to build a house that stays on track.

Choose a location and evaluate land with care

Neighborhood, school district, commute time, and access to services all matter. Create a short list of areas that match your lifestyle and budget. When you find a lot you like, study the topography, soil type, drainage, and access. Sloped sites may raise cost but can offer walkout basements. Wet or rocky soil may need special foundations. Check road access for construction trucks and delivery vehicles. In Southeast Wisconsin, consider snow removal access and solar orientation for winter light. Good light and proper drainage make homes feel better and last longer.

Do site due diligence before you buy

Before closing on land, order a survey and, if needed, a soil test. Verify zoning, setbacks, height limits, and any neighborhood covenants. Confirm utility availability. Water, sewer, electric, and gas. If utilities are not at the lot line, get bids to extend service. For rural lots, check well and septic requirements. Talk to the local building department about permits, erosion control, and driveway approvals. Ask if there are wetlands, flood zones, or protected trees. Due diligence protects your budget and timeline.

Select your build team with fit and transparency in mind

Your builder, architect or designer, and structural engineer are your core team. Look for strong communication, reputable references, and clear processes. Ask builders about recent projects similar in scope and style. Review sample budgets, schedules, and change order procedures. Ask how they manage subcontractors and quality control. In Wisconsin, confirm that your builder is licensed and insured. For interiors, consider a designer who can help you select finishes early, which can shorten lead times and reduce changes later. Elite Improvements often collaborates with homeowners and architects on remodels and additions, so we know how to coordinate selections and trades in an organized way. Choose people who listen and who respect your budget.

Develop a concept plan and align it with cost

Start with a concept sketch or preliminary plan and have your builder prepare a rough cost range. Keep a running list of design decisions that drive cost. Footprint size, number of corners, roof complexity, foundation type, window count, and kitchen and bath finishes. Ask the builder where value engineering makes sense. Simple rooflines, efficient layouts, and standard-sized windows often reduce cost without sacrificing style. Keep the plan flexible until you have confidence in the cost range. It is better to refine on paper than to change mid-build.

Understand codes, permits, and inspections

Every town has rules that shape what you can build and how. Confirm local zoning rules, setback distances, maximum height, and lot coverage. Review current building codes for energy efficiency, insulation, and ventilation. Plan for required inspections at footing, foundation, framing, rough-in mechanicals, insulation, and final. In Southeast Wisconsin, frost depth and snow load affect foundation and roof design. Ask your builder to create a permit plan and timeline. If you plan a deck, garage, or future sunroom, design the structure now to support those extras later. Elite Improvements can help with future additions and exterior improvements that match your original build.

Plan site work, drainage, and utilities

Good site preparation protects your investment. Confirm how the lot will be cleared, graded, and stabilized. Plan for stormwater management, including gutters, downspouts, and swales that move water away from the foundation. Set the final elevation to prevent water pooling, especially important with snow melt in Wisconsin. Coordinate utility runs before you pour concrete. Decide where the main service panel, sump pump, and mechanicals will go. If you will finish the basement later, rough in plumbing and egress now. Elite Improvements often finishes basements and adds bathrooms after move-in, so we recommend planning for those future upgrades early.

Schedule with Wisconsin weather in mind

Seasonal timing affects cost and risk. Excavation and foundation work are easiest in spring, summer, and early fall. Winter builds are possible with proper planning, but cold weather protection adds cost. Work with your builder to set realistic durations for each phase. Site work, foundation, framing, rough mechanicals, insulation, drywall, interiors, and exterior finishes. Order long-lead items early. Windows, doors, cabinetry, roofing, and specialty fixtures can have extended lead times. A solid schedule is one of the smartest first steps to build a house that stays on time.

Choose materials for durability, efficiency, and value

Materials and systems shape comfort and long-term costs. Invest in a well insulated shell, air sealing, and efficient windows. Consider ENERGY STAR appliances, LED lighting, and a right-sized HVAC system with smart controls. Ask about moisture management and ventilation, especially with tighter homes. Review roofing and siding options for local climate performance. Elite Improvements installs roofing, siding, and custom decks across Southeast Wisconsin, and we know which materials hold up through freeze-thaw cycles and summer storms. Durable choices often lower maintenance and protect resale value.

Lock in your contract, insurance, and draw schedule

Before construction starts, finalize a written contract that lists scope, specifications, allowances, schedule, change order process, and payment terms. Understand the difference between fixed-price and cost-plus contracts. Verify builder insurance, including general liability and workers compensation. Ask your lender about builder’s risk coverage and how draws will be approved. Keep an organized file of invoices, selections, and approvals. Clear documentation reduces stress and prevents misunderstandings.

Prepare for construction and communication

Set up a weekly check-in with your builder and create a clear decision timeline for selections. Confirm jobsite access, dust control, and safety protocols. Decide how you will handle minor changes. Keep a running punch list and review it at each phase. Plan for inspections and be present for key walkthroughs. Framing, electrical layout, and final punch. Simple routines prevent small issues from becoming big ones. With good communication and a clear path, you will be ready to break ground.

How Elite Improvements Supports Your Home Journey

Elite Improvements is a family-owned company based in Burlington, Wisconsin, serving Southeast Wisconsin with remodeling, additions, and exterior improvements. While your builder leads the new home construction, our team can enhance your plan and support future phases. Some homeowners choose to scale certain parts of a project or save wishlist items for later. We can help you plan for those upgrades and complete them when the time is right.

• Remodeling: Kitchen, bathroom, basement, master suite, and living room updates. We install flooring, cabinetry, fixtures, and can reshape layouts to fit your life.
• Additions: Bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, home office, and sunroom additions, plus bump-outs for more space when you need it later.
• Exterior Improvements: Roofing, siding replacement, and custom decks that boost curb appeal and outdoor living.

We are accredited by the BBB and Milwaukee NARI, and we stand behind our workmanship and service. If you decide to buy an existing home instead of building, Elite Improvements can transform it to match your vision. If you want to finish a basement after your new build or add a sunroom down the road, we will plan for those steps now and complete them when you are ready. Learn more at eliteimproves.com or call 262-716-6663. We are happy to answer questions and share local insights.

Smart Tips to Avoid Costly Mistakes

• Do not buy land before you confirm buildability, utilities, and soil conditions.
• Keep your design compact and efficient. Complexity adds cost without always adding value.
• Lock selections early to prevent price changes and delays.
• Protect your schedule by ordering long-lead items as soon as plans are approved.
• Document every change in writing with pricing and schedule impact.
• Visit the site regularly and communicate often. Small issues are easier to fix early.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the very first steps to build a house?

Start by clarifying your goals, setting a total budget with a contingency, and getting financing preapproval. Then choose your target location and begin evaluating land. As early as possible, talk with potential builders and designers to understand costs and timelines in your area. Those steps form a strong foundation for every decision that follows.

Should I choose land before I hire a builder?

You can search for land first, but it is smart to involve a builder early. A reputable builder can walk a lot with you, explain site costs, and flag risks you may miss. That input helps you avoid land that is hard to build on or too expensive to prepare. Early guidance can save months and thousands of dollars.

How long does it take to build a house in Southeast Wisconsin?

The timeline varies by size, complexity, and season. Many projects take 8 to 14 months from design through move-in. Permits, weather, and material lead times can shift the schedule. A realistic plan with buffer time is key. Ask your builder to outline each phase and the decisions needed from you to keep things moving.

What budget mistakes do first-time builders make?

Common mistakes include underestimating site work, skipping a contingency, and not accounting for soft costs like permits, design, and inspections. Another mistake is designing beyond your budget before checking cost. Align the plan with real pricing early, and update your budget whenever scope changes.

Where does Elite Improvements fit into a new build?

Your general contractor will lead the new home. Elite Improvements supports your vision by planning future-friendly upgrades, finishing spaces later such as basements or bonus rooms, and delivering high quality exterior improvements like roofing, siding, and decks. If you buy an existing home instead of building, we can remodel it into your dream home with kitchens, baths, additions, and more.

Your Next Move

Starting a home build can feel complex, but the path becomes clear when you follow the right steps. Define your vision, set a full budget, secure financing, and involve qualified pros early. Study land carefully, align design with cost, and plan your schedule and selections before you break ground. These are the essential first steps to build a house that fits your life and your budget.

When you need a trusted local partner for remodeling, additions, or exterior improvements in Southeast Wisconsin, contact Elite Improvements. We are a family-owned team that values craftsmanship, honesty, and service. Visit eliteimproves.com or call 262-716-6663 to schedule a friendly consultation. We are here to help you build smart, improve with confidence, and love where you live.