{"id":16,"date":"2025-05-30T19:26:53","date_gmt":"2025-05-30T19:26:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/before-you-build.buildzoom.com\/?page_id=16"},"modified":"2025-10-16T16:12:18","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T16:12:18","slug":"where-to-start","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/before-you-build.buildzoom.com\/?page_id=16","title":{"rendered":"Where to Start"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"16\" class=\"elementor elementor-16\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-80d75fd e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"80d75fd\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6da103b e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"6da103b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d8c8046 elementor-widget__width-auto elementor-widget elementor-widget-wp-widget-nav_menu\" data-id=\"d8c8046\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"wp-widget-nav_menu.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h5>Table of Contents<\/h5><nav class=\"menu-where-to-start-container\" aria-label=\"Table of Contents\"><ul id=\"menu-where-to-start\" class=\"menu\"><li id=\"menu-item-2133\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-has-children menu-item-2133\"><a href=\"https:\/\/before-you-build.buildzoom.com\/?page_id=16\">Where to Start<\/a>\n<ul class=\"sub-menu\">\n\t<li id=\"menu-item-2136\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2136\"><a href=\"https:\/\/before-you-build.buildzoom.com\/?page_id=2028\">Key Things to Consider Before You Begin<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li id=\"menu-item-2137\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2137\"><a href=\"https:\/\/before-you-build.buildzoom.com\/?page_id=2036\">Project Roles &#038; Responsibilities<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li id=\"menu-item-2135\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2135\"><a href=\"https:\/\/before-you-build.buildzoom.com\/?page_id=2016\">Design-Build vs. Design-Bid-Build<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li id=\"menu-item-2134\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2134\"><a href=\"https:\/\/before-you-build.buildzoom.com\/?page_id=2045\">Understanding Construction Project Types<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li id=\"menu-item-2138\" class=\"menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-2138\"><a href=\"https:\/\/before-you-build.buildzoom.com\/?page_id=2037\">Project Timelines: What to Expect<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/nav>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1bfecff elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1bfecff\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>A simple introduction to getting your project off the ground\u00a0<\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"color: #5a6063; line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;\"><span style=\"white-space-collapse: preserve;\">Starting a construction project &#8211; whether it\u2019s a custom home, remodel, addition, or accessory dwelling unit (ADU) &#8211; can feel overwhelming if you\u2019ve never done it before. This guide is here to help you understand what to expect, what steps to take, and how to move forward with clarity.<\/span><\/p><p style=\"color: #5a6063;\">Before you hire an architect or contractor, it\u2019s important to understand the bigger picture. Preconstruction is the phase where the most important decisions are made, and it sets the tone for your entire project. Taking the time to learn what\u2019s ahead will save you time, money, and frustration.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fa6183c e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"fa6183c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1060a28 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1060a28\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"white-space-collapse: preserve; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: 2rem;\">What Is Preconstruction?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;\"><span style=\"white-space-collapse: preserve;\">Preconstruction is everything that happens before you break ground. It\u2019s not just about getting permits, it\u2019s about building a plan that works.<br><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2e0b044 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2e0b044\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;\"><span style=\"white-space-collapse: preserve;\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border-style: solid; border-width: 1px; border-color:#f3f5f8; box-shadow: 0px 0px 10px 0px rgba(0,0,0,0.5);\" class=\"alignright wp-image-2117\" src=\"https:\/\/before-you-build.buildzoom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Where-to-Start-2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"525\" height=\"350\" srcset=\"https:\/\/before-you-build.buildzoom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Where-to-Start-2.png 1536w, https:\/\/before-you-build.buildzoom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Where-to-Start-2-300x200.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 525px) 100vw, 525px\" \/>This phase includes:<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul>\n \t<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38;\"><span style=\"white-space-collapse: preserve;\">Defining your goals and scope<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38;\">Learning about your property, zoning, and restrictions<\/li>\n \t<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38;\">Creating a realistic budget<\/li>\n \t<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38;\">Building your team (architect, contractor, consultants)<\/li>\n \t<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38;\">Finalizing design decisions<\/li>\n \t<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38;\">Navigating the permitting and approval process<\/li>\n \t<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38;\">Collecting and comparing contractor bids<\/li>\n \t<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38;\">Signing contracts and preparing for construction<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;\"><span style=\"white-space-collapse: preserve;\">Preconstruction helps you:<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul>\n \t<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38;\">Make better decisions with fewer surprises<\/li>\n \t<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38;\">Avoid common legal and permitting issues<\/li>\n \t<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38;\">Understand your costs before committing<\/li>\n \t<li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38;\">Communicate clearly with your team<\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8d527ed e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"8d527ed\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7f284b4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7f284b4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;\"><span style=\"white-space-collapse: preserve;\">What\u2019s Coming: The Big Picture<\/span><\/h2><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;\"><span style=\"white-space-collapse: preserve;\">Preconstruction isn\u2019t a single step, it\u2019s a sequence of tasks, decisions, and checkpoints that move your project from idea to reality. Each phase builds on the one before it. Whether you\u2019re hiring a design-build team or managing your own architect and contractor, the process tends to follow a similar path.<\/span><\/p><p>Here\u2019s an overview of the key stages in the preconstruction journey:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-78b003a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"78b003a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-2121\" style=\"box-shadow: 0px 0px 10px 0px rgba(0,0,0,0.5); border: 1px solid #f3f5f8;\" src=\"https:\/\/before-you-build.buildzoom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Whats-to-come.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/before-you-build.buildzoom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Whats-to-come.png 1024w, https:\/\/before-you-build.buildzoom.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Whats-to-come-200x300.png 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/>1. Planning &amp; Feasibility<\/h4><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;\">Understand your land and the rules that govern it.<\/p><ul><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38;\">What\u2019s allowed on your lot (zoning, setbacks, FAR, etc.)<\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38;\">Who has jurisdiction over your property<\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38;\">What surveys, tests, or reports are needed<\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38;\">Whether you need plans or just a scope of work<\/li><\/ul><h4 style=\"font-family: Figtree, sans-serif; color: #5a6063;\">2.\u00a0Budget &amp; Finance<\/h4><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;\"><span style=\"white-space-collapse: preserve;\">Know what your project might cost before you spend.<\/span><\/p><ul style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;\"><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38;\">Set a working budget and adjust as needed<\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38;\">Explore construction loan options<\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38;\">Understand what you\u2019ll need to provide (owner-supplied items)<\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38;\">Use value engineering early to avoid rework later<\/li><\/ul><h4 style=\"font-family: Figtree, sans-serif; color: #5a6063;\">3.\u00a0Design &amp; Preconstruction Team<\/h4><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;\"><span style=\"white-space-collapse: preserve;\">Start working with the professionals who will shape your project.<\/span><\/p><ul style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;\"><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38;\">Decide if you need an architect, designer, or engineer<\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38;\">Issue RFQs and RFPs to gather proposals<\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38;\">Compare design options and align them with your goals and budget<\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38;\">Understand what\u2019s in a drawing set and how to read plans<\/li><\/ul><h4 style=\"font-family: Figtree, sans-serif; color: #5a6063;\">4.\u00a0Permits &amp; Approvals<\/h4><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;\"><span style=\"white-space-collapse: preserve;\">Start navigating your local building department.<\/span><\/p><ul style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;\"><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38;\">Understand which permits are needed and how to apply<\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38;\">Learn what RFI and submittals are and how to manage them<\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38;\">Know what slows projects down and how to avoid it<\/li><\/ul><h4 style=\"font-family: Figtree, sans-serif; color: #5a6063;\">5.\u00a0Bidding &amp; Contractor Selection<\/h4><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;\"><span style=\"white-space-collapse: preserve;\">Put your project out to bid and evaluate proposals.<\/span><\/p><ul style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;\"><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38;\">Develop a scope of work and bidding documents<\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38;\">Host site meetings with potential contractors<\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38;\">Review, compare, and clarify bids<\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38;\">Use CSI divisions to help break down scope<\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38;\">Negotiate pricing and terms<\/li><\/ul><h3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;\"><span style=\"background-color: transparent; font-size: 13pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #000000; font-weight: bold; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;\"><span style=\"color: #5a6063; font-family: Figtree, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; font-weight: 500; white-space-collapse: collapse;\">6.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-size: 24px;\">Contracts &amp; Risk Management<\/span><\/h3><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;\"><span style=\"white-space-collapse: preserve;\">Lock in agreements and protect yourself.<\/span><\/p><ul style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;\"><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38;\">Understand what type of contract you\u2019re signing<\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38;\">Review it thoroughly before you commit<\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38;\">Learn the basics of insurance, liens, and change orders<\/li><\/ul><h3 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 13pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"><span style=\"color: #5a6063; font-family: Figtree, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; font-weight: 500; white-space-collapse: collapse; background-color: transparent;\">7.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-size: 24px;\">Pre-Construction Wrap Up<\/span><\/h3><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;\"><span style=\"white-space-collapse: preserve;\">You\u2019re almost ready to build.<\/span><\/p><ul style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;\"><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38;\">Final prep steps before mobilizing to site<\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38;\">Roles and responsibilities during construction<\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38;\">Your FF&amp;E checklist (fixtures, furnishings, and equipment)<\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.38;\">Final construction timeline tool<\/li><\/ul><h2 dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 18pt; margin-bottom: 4pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 17pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"><span style=\"color: #5a6063; font-family: Figtree, sans-serif; font-size: 2rem; font-weight: 500;\">Wha<\/span><\/span><span style=\"white-space-collapse: preserve;\">t\u2019s Next<\/span><\/h2><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;\"><span style=\"white-space-collapse: preserve;\">You now have a high-level view of what the preconstruction process looks like and how this guide is organized to support you along the way. Before jumping into the deeper details, it\u2019s helpful to pause and clarify where you\u2019re starting from.<\/span><\/p><p>Head to the next page: <a href=\"https:\/\/before-you-build.buildzoom.com\/?page_id=2028\">Key Things to Consider Before You Begin<\/a>. It will walk you through a few important questions that will help shape your next steps, whether you&#8217;re still exploring ideas or ready to take action.<\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;\">\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A simple introduction to getting your project off the ground\u00a0 Starting a construction project &#8211; whether it\u2019s a custom home, remodel, addition, or accessory dwelling unit (ADU) &#8211; can feel overwhelming if you\u2019ve never done it before. This guide is here to help you understand what to expect, what steps to take, and how to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-16","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Where to Start - BuildZoom - Before You Build<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/before-you-build.buildzoom.com\/?page_id=16\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Where to Start - BuildZoom - Before You Build\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"A simple introduction to getting your project off the ground\u00a0 Starting a construction project &#8211; whether it\u2019s a custom home, remodel, addition, or accessory dwelling unit (ADU) &#8211; can feel overwhelming if you\u2019ve never done it before. 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