1. Initial Planning & Conceptualization
- Do we really need a house this big, or should we plan for something smaller?
- How many bedrooms and bathrooms will we need if we plan to stay here long-term?
- Will this house design work for us if we have more kids or when we’re older?
- Is this the right style of home for the neighborhood, or will it stick out too much?
- How energy-efficient can we make the house? Should we add solar panels or extra insulation?
- Does this area have any restrictions on what we can build? Are there any HOA rules we need to follow?
- What if the land isn’t flat—will we need to pay extra to grade it or fix any drainage issues?
- Are we building in a flood zone, and if so, how much will that impact our insurance costs?
- How close will the house be to utilities? Will it cost more if we need to extend connections?
2. Budgeting & Financing
- How much is this really going to cost from start to finish?
- Can we afford everything we want, or will we need to make compromises on size or materials?
- What hidden costs should we expect—things like permits, surveys, or unexpected construction delays?
- Will the cost of building materials go up during construction, and how do we protect ourselves from that?
- What kind of construction loan should we get, and how does it work once the house is finished?
- How much of a down payment do we need? Is it different for construction loans versus a regular mortgage?
- Should we set aside a contingency fund? How much extra should we budget for unexpected expenses?
- Will we be able to refinance or get a good mortgage rate after construction?
- What happens if we run out of money halfway through construction?
3. Design and Pre-Construction
- How do we make sure the house looks the way we imagine it once it’s built?
- What if we change our mind about the layout or features once we start building?
- Will the floor plan work for our daily routines? Will the kitchen be big enough?
- How can we maximize natural light in the living areas?
- What’s the best type of roof for this climate, and should we spend extra for a longer-lasting material?
- Do we really need a basement or a crawlspace, or is a slab foundation fine for our needs?
- Is this the right time to invest in smart home features, or can we add them later?
- Are we going to hit any problems with permits or local building codes?
- How much should we expect to pay in permit fees, and how long does the approval process take?
- Do we need special insurance during construction to cover accidents or property damage?
4. Construction Phase
- How do we find a contractor we can trust to stay on budget and on schedule?
- How do we make sure the contractor doesn’t cut corners or use cheaper materials?
- What’s the typical timeline for a project like this? How long will it really take?
- What happens if bad weather delays construction? How do we stay on schedule?
- Will there be any delays in getting materials, especially with everything that’s been going on in the supply chain?
- How often do we need to be at the site to make sure everything’s going as planned?
- Who checks the quality of the work, and what happens if something isn’t built correctly?
- Can we make changes to the design during construction, and how much will that cost us?
- What if the project goes over budget—who pays for that?
- What kind of warranties do we get on the workmanship, the roof, or the appliances?
5. Post-Construction and Move-In
- How do we make sure everything is up to code before we move in?
- What’s included in the final inspection, and what happens if something doesn’t pass?
- How do we handle the punch list items that need fixing after the construction is done?
- What if the contractor doesn’t finish something or does a poor job on the final touches?
- When do we need to make the final payment, and what if there are still small issues that need to be fixed?
- Do we need to buy a separate homeowner’s insurance policy right away, or can we wait until we move in?
- When do we get the occupancy permit, and how long does that process take?
- What happens if we discover issues after we move in, like leaks or electrical problems?
6. Long-Term Maintenance and Upkeep
- What kind of regular maintenance will the house need, and how often do we need to do it?
- How long should we expect the roof to last, and what signs should we watch for before it needs repairs?
- How do we make sure the HVAC system stays efficient over the years?
- How much should we budget annually for home maintenance, and what’s likely to break first?
- Should we get an energy audit to make sure we’re not wasting energy with drafts or poor insulation?
- What if we want to add solar panels or upgrade the insulation later—will that be difficult or expensive?
- Are there any big repairs or improvements we should plan for in the first 5–10 years?
- How much should we spend on landscaping, and will we need an irrigation system?
- If we decide to sell in the future, what renovations should we do to increase the resale value?
