The Ultimate Home Building Checklist (Update 8)

Line items added to most recent Checklist update (v8):

  • Bathroom(s)→Shower(s): Shower glass towel access (V)
  • Bathroom(s)→Tubs(s): Spray foam around tub for insulation
  • Bathrooms→Considerations: Use caulking (grout color) where wall tile meets the floor tile. This is the first area to crack if you use grout
  • Doors and Windows→Considerations: Ask for threshold protection for sliders and exterior doors (V)
  • Electrical Outlets→Kitchen: Adjustable depth electrical outlet box for backsplash (P)
  • Electrical Outlets→Other: Built-in night lights (P)
  • Electrical Wiring→Shutters: Electrical shutter wiring
  • Electrical Wiring→Outdoor Electrical: Driveway column lighting (V)
  • Electrical Wiring→In-Wall Conduit: Conduit from the attic to the basement
  • Electrical Wiring→ Gas and electric installed at the stove and/or Dryer. Some appliances use both or future appliance change
  • Exterior Walls→Considerations: Some homes are being built with foam for exterior sheathing. Confirm your builder is NOT using this material.
  • Fireplace→Considerations: The fireplace hearth height may affect TV viewing angle (V)
  • Flooring→Considerations: Split the door, not the jam. Change in flooring is under the door so you don’t see the transition from the other side.
  • Framing: Bottom plate sealing (aka Sill Plate sealing) (V)
  • Framing→Considerations: Cover trusses and lumber with plastic. Some builder will do this already. Trusses are notorious for sitting out for months.
  • Framing→Considerations: Window and/or door headers are the same height. The top of windows and/or doors should make a straight line across
  • Garage: Garage door height of 7’ (fits most large trucks). Measure your vehicle to be sure.
  • HVAC (Air Conditioning): Exterior HVAC pipe covers (P)
  • Insulation/Drywall→Considerations: No trash left behind before insulation/drywall (V) (Under stairs, under bathtub, in the stud bays)
  • Kitchen→Backsplash: Use caulking (grout color) at backsplash and countertop seam. This is the first area to crack if you use grout
  • Kitchen Cabinets→Cabinets: Deep drawer under wall ovens for pan storage
  • Kitchen Cabinets→Organization: Angled utensil drawer (P)
  • Miscellaneous→Pets: Pet bowl wall niche with drain (V)
  • Miscellaneous→Pets: Exterior automatic water bowl (P)
  • Plumbing Fixtures: Pot filler (16-22” above stove, measure your tallest pot). Note: Added the measurements, “Pot filler” was already on the list
  • Plumbing→Water Heater: Multiple tanks connected: Series / Parallel Note: This depends on your application, here’s an article that goes into more detail (A)
  • Porch: Extend porch pad for grill to be rolled out in the open (V)
  • Poured Concrete→Concrete Pad/Walkways: Boat Storage parking (guidelines, sprinklers, and drain) (V)
  • Roofing→ Radiant barrier OSB for roof sheathing (P)
  • Roofing→Considerations: If radiant barrier OSB is used for roof sheathing, spray foam should not be applied directly to the radiant barrier. (V)

If you appreciate these updates.

Please take 15 seconds to leave an honest review here: 

The Checklist Bundle: CLICK HERE

Checklist Only: CLICK HERE

-OR-

Any mention of the checklist in my video comments is awesome too! 😎

★4.9 Based on 1000+ reviews

Trusted by 20,000+ Homeowners, Contractors, and Builders

Shop our checklists and guides to help along your home building journey.

Shop Checklists

Learn more

View all

8 Home Building Regrets to Avoid
  • by Megan Haskins

8 Home Building Regrets to Avoid

Small decisions during construction can turn into long-term frustrations if they’re missed early. Plan these items before your build starts. Run Countertops Up as the Backsplash Instead of stopping your countertop at the base and adding a separate backsplash, running...

Read more

3 Ways to Use Wasted Blind Corner Space in Your Kitchen
  • by Megan Haskins

3 Ways to Use Wasted Blind Corner Space in Your Kitchen

Blind corner cabinets are where kitchen storage goes to die. There are a few upgrades that turn that dead space into something actually usable. Infinity Corner Cabinet Instead of reaching into a dark void, the entire system comes to you....

Read more

Entry Features You’ll Regret Not Adding
  • by Megan Haskins

Entry Features You’ll Regret Not Adding

Don’t forget these entry features to your new home build. Conduit and Wiring for Exterior Lighting If you’re thinking about post lights, driveway lighting, or even illuminated house numbers, run conduit and wiring now. Even if you don’t install the...

Read more