When it comes to new construction, your timeline doesn’t start when the first shovel hits the dirt… it starts long before that. The planning and pre-construction phase is where your project is truly won or lost. This phase can either set you up for a smooth build or cause frustrating delays before you even begin.

Most of the time lost in new construction happens before construction even starts. Why? Because there’s no clear checklist to follow, leading to missed steps, disorganized planning, and unnecessary hold-ups. That’s exactly what we’re here to fix.

In this blogpost, we’ll walk through the critical planning & pre-construction checklists that will help you stay on track, secure permits faster, and make sure your build is ready to go without last-minute surprises.

What is the Planning & Pre-Construction Phase?

Before we dive into the checklists, let’s be clear on what we mean by planning & pre-construction. You might hear people call it just the “planning phase” or the “pre-construction phase,” but we separate the two for a reason.

This phase includes two distinct but equally important processes:
1️⃣ Planning – Covers the technical, regulatory, and design aspects of your project. This is where you handle permits, architectural plans, and site approvals.
2️⃣ Pre-construction – Focuses on the practical and logistical preparations, like finalizing budgets, hiring contractors, and scheduling the work.

Even though these two processes don’t depend on each other 100%, they should be worked on simultaneously to save time and keep your project moving forward efficiently.

The #1 Goal of Planning & Pre-Construction

If there’s one thing to focus on during this phase, it’s getting your permits approved.

Sure, there are a lot of important decisions to make—finalizing selections, creating a budget, lining up contractors—but nothing slows down a project more than waiting on permits. The fastest way to move forward is to prioritize permitting first and tackle everything else alongside it.

By keeping this priority in mind, you’ll navigate your checklist with more efficiency and avoid unnecessary downtime.

The Essential Planning & Pre-Construction Checklist

To keep things organized, let’s break this checklist into two sections:

📌 Planning & Permitting Checklist

This is everything that is commonly needed to submit for permits and regulatory approvals. Since every city has different requirements, check with your local planning department for specifics.

✅ Architectural Plans – Full drawings of the home; foundation plan, floor plan, elevations, etc.
✅ Site Plans – A layout of the building footprint, setbacks, driveways, etc.
✅ Soil Report – Soil testing to determine foundation specifications.
✅ Engineering (Calcs, Specs, Seals) – LVLs, Trusses, and other Calcs with a stamp
✅ Permit Applications – Complete and submit all required permit paperwork.
✅ Licensing & Compliance – Ensure your contractor and business licenses are up to date.

📌 Pre-Construction Checklist

While waiting on permits, start preparing the rest of your project so you can hit the ground running as soon as approvals come through.

✅ Budget & Scope of Work – Finalize project costs and define exactly what needs to be done.
✅ Selections & Design – Choose materials, finishes, and any design details that impact construction.
✅ Create a Schedule – Map out key milestones, including contractor timelines and inspections.
✅ Hire Contractors – Line up your key trades so they’re ready to start when permits are approved.

Final Thoughts

The smoother your planning & pre-construction phase, the smoother your entire build will be. By prioritizing permits and working through the checklist proactively, you’ll avoid unnecessary delays and keep your project on schedule.

Building a solid foundation starts long before the first brick is laid. Get organized now, and you’ll set yourself up for a stress-free and successful build.

Need a more detailed breakdown of this process? Inside The Rehabber’s Playbook, we walk you through every step with comprehensive training, checklists, and real-world strategies to help you build smarter and faster.

📢 Join us today and take the guesswork out of new construction!