A simple, fillable guide to help you get organized before entering the design phase
Introduction
Before your design team starts sketching floor plans or modeling your project in 3D, it helps to have a few things ready, or at least understood. The early design process goes faster (and more smoothly) when everyone is working with complete information about the site, zoning, utilities, budget, and overall goals.
This checklist is not a list of things you have to do yourself. It’s a tool to help you take stock of what you already know, gather what you already have, and make note of what still needs to be figured out. In most cases, your architect or builder can help fill in the gaps, but having this info upfront helps them guide your project more effectively from the beginning.
Here is a downloadable version of this checklist
Initial Design Checklist
General Property Info
☐ Property address: ___________________________________________
☐ Are you in an HOA or neighborhood with design rules?
→ ☐ Yes ☐ No
→ If yes, get a copy of the CC&Rs or design guidelines.
☐ Do you have a property survey?
→ ☐ Yes (PDF or CAD file) ☐ No
☐ Is your lot flat or sloped?
→ ___________________________________________
☐ Do you know the zoning code (R-1, RM, etc.)?
→ ☐ Yes: _________ ☐ No ☐ Not sure
☐ Are there easements or access limitations on the lot?
→ ☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ Not sure
☐ Sewer or septic system?
→ ☐ Sewer ☐ Septic ☐ Not sure
☐ Are utilities available on-site?
→ ☐ All available ☐ Some ☐ None ☐ Not sure
☐ Any testing completed or scheduled?
→ ☐ Soils report ☐ Perc test ☐ Compaction ☐ Asbestos/Lead ☐ None yet
☐ Have you reviewed what’s allowed under local zoning?
→ ☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ Will rely on design team
☐ Have you or your team contacted the city or county planning office?
→ ☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ Not sure if needed
Available Documents
☐ Survey (boundary or topo)
☐ Title report or preliminary title
☐ Previous site plans or construction drawings (if any)
☐ HOA or CC&R documents
☐ Photos of the property
☐ Utility maps or notes
☐ Prior permits or city approvals (if applicable)
Funding & Financing
☐ How will the project be funded?
→ ☐ Cash ☐ Construction loan ☐ Home equity loan ☐ Not sure yet
☐ Have you spoken with a lender or started the financing process?
→ ☐ Yes ☐ No
☐ What stage are you in with financing?
→ ☐ Pre-approved ☐ Gathering info ☐ Haven’t started yet
☐ Are there funding limits or contingencies that may affect design?
→ ☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ Not sure
→ If yes, explain briefly: ___________________________________________
☐ Will the lender need cost estimates or budget documentation?
→ ☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ Not sure
☐ Do you have a target total budget (cash + financing)?
→ $_________________________
☐ Will your financing involve progress payments or a draw schedule?
→ ☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ Not sure
☐ Do you need help preparing documents or forms for your lender?
→ ☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ Not sure
Project Goals & Owner Considerations
☐ Estimated total budget: $_________________________
☐ Desired start date or construction timeline: ___________________________
☐ What is the main purpose of this project?
→ (e.g., family expansion, rental, retirement, resale, work from home)
→ ______________________________________________________________
☐ Approximate square footage or general size: __________________ sq ft
☐ Bedroom / bathroom target: ______ beds / ______ baths
☐ Will you live in the home during construction?
→ ☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ Maybe
☐ Any accessibility or aging-in-place features to include?
→ ☐ Yes ☐ No
→ If yes, describe: _______________________________________________
☐ Desired finish level:
→ ☐ Budget-conscious ☐ Mid-range ☐ High-end ☐ Not sure yet
☐ Will you supply your own materials or items? (Check any that apply)
→ ☐ Appliances ☐ Fixtures ☐ AV or lighting ☐ Other: ___________________
☐ Any known limitations or concerns?
→ (e.g., limited access, trees to protect, tight lot, tricky neighbors)
→ _______________________________________________________________
What’s Next: Design Process or Contractor Selection
With your project goals clarified and key information in place, you’re ready to take the next step. If your project will involve architectural plans and a traditional design phase, the next section will walk you through how the design process works, from selecting a designer to developing full construction drawings.
If you’re working with a design-build firm or your project doesn’t require full plans, you may be ready to begin contractor outreach and bid collection instead.
Continue to Design Process Overview to see how early ideas become buildable plans—
or skip ahead to Bidding & Contractor Selection if your project is ready for estimates and team selection.