Key Things to Consider Before You Begin

Questions to Think About Before You Start

What are you building?

• Is this a new home, remodel, addition, ADU, or something else?
• Will you live in the space, rent it out, or sell it?
• Is it residential or commercial?

The type of project you’re planning will affect nearly every aspect of your process, including permitting, design, and who you hire.

What’s your goal for the space?

• Are you trying to improve layout, increase square footage, or add long-term value?
• Is this a lifestyle decision or an investment move?
• How firm is your timeline?

Understanding the “why” behind your project will help keep decisions focused and aligned with your priorities.

Do you already own the property?

• If not, are you still exploring options or under contract?
• If you do, have you reviewed the zoning, setbacks, or HOA rules?
• Do you know if there are easements or restrictions on what can be built?

Even experienced buyers are sometimes surprised by what local regulations allow or prevent. Knowing early saves time and budget later.

What do you know about the site?

• Is the lot flat or sloped? Is access easy?
• Are utilities like water, sewer, and electricity already connected?
• Is the property located in a flood zone, wildfire zone, or environmentally sensitive area?

A quick check into site conditions can reveal issues that affect design, cost, and even buildability.

How clear is your scope?

• Do you have a general idea of the layout, size, and finish level you want?
• Are you still deciding between a light remodel or a full rebuild?
• How much flexibility do you have on design or features?

You don’t need architectural plans yet, but you should have a sense of what you’re trying to achieve, and what’s a “must-have” vs. a “nice-to-have.”

Are you financing the project?

• Will you use a construction loan, refinance, or pay cash?
  Have you talked to a lender or checked your budget range?
• Do you have a plan for unexpected costs?

Understanding your financing path helps determine how much you can commit to in design and construction and when.

Who will be involved in planning and managing the project?

• Will you manage the project yourself or hire someone to guide you through it?
• Have you started looking for an architect, designer, or general contractor?
• Are there other decision-makers involved (family, business partners, etc.)?

Knowing your role and who else is at the table helps clarify responsibilities early on and avoid miscommunication later.

If You’re Feeling Unclear – That’s Okay

You might not have clear answers to every one of these topics right now. Most project owners don’t. This page is here to help you get oriented, not to overwhelm you.

As you move through the rest of the guide, you’ll learn how to:

• Research your local zoning and property rules
• Understand what kind of scope and budget fits your goals
• Know when to hire professionals and what to expect from them
• Create a clear roadmap to move from ideas to execution

What’s Next: Understanding Project Roles

Now that you’ve thought more about some key considerations for your project, the next step is knowing who’s involved in the preconstruction process and what each person does.

Every project has a team, and understanding what roles you’ll need (and when) will help you hire the right people, ask the right questions, and manage your timeline.

Head to Project Roles & Responsibilities to learn how owners, architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants all fit into your project.