Start with your budget and financing
Decide on a total budget before you look at lots or plans, and include land, design, permits, construction, landscaping and a contingency for changes.
If you're financing, talk to a lender about a construction loan early. Construction loans pay out in draws as work is completed, and the lender will want to see plans, a budget and a licensed general contractor.
Find and evaluate the lot
Before you buy, confirm zoning, setbacks, HOA rules, utility access and whether the lot needs a survey or soils test. A lot that looks simple can carry costs for grading, utility runs or an older house that has to come down first.
Bring your general contractor to see the lot before you close. A contractor can spot site costs that won't show up in a listing.
Choose an architect and bring in the contractor early
Your architect turns ideas into plans the city will approve. Involving the contractor during design keeps the plans buildable and the budget realistic, before you've paid for drawings you can't afford to build.
Permits and plan review
New homes in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and other Valley cities need building permits from the city or town. Plans go through plan review, and the timing depends on the city, the season and how complete the drawings are.
Inspections then happen at set points during construction, from foundation through the final inspection.
Make your selections
Cabinets, countertops, tile, flooring, plumbing fixtures, lighting, appliances, windows and doors. Making these decisions before construction starts keeps the schedule moving and protects the budget.
What happens during construction
A new home generally moves through site preparation, foundation, framing, roofing, rough plumbing, electrical and HVAC, insulation, drywall, and then finishes: cabinets, counters, tile, paint, flooring, fixtures and landscaping.
Ask how often your contractor will actually be on site. At ADS Developers, we're on site daily.
Final walkthrough and move-in
After final inspection, you'll walk the house with your contractor and note any punch-list items to finish before move-in.
How to choose a contractor in Arizona
Arizona contractors are licensed by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC), and you can look up any license and its complaint history on the ROC website. A D S Developers holds ROC license #261907.
Ask who will be on site each day, how decisions and changes are handled, and to see homes they've completed.