Dirt to KeysResidential Build Sequence
Dirt → Keys

Every step, every trade, every inspection — in the order it actually happens.

A field reference for custom home builders, site supers and subcontractors. Nine phases, 30 sequenced steps, with prerequisites and handoff criteria, critical measurements and code tolerances, permit and inspection milestones, and the tricks that keep callbacks off your books.

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Per step

Measurements & tolerances

30+

Permit & inspection gates

153

Checklist line items

The nine phases

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  1. 1

    Pre-Construction & Permitting

    4–12 weeks

    Paper before dirt. Every day saved here is a day off the loan.

    Zoning & Lot Due DiligenceGeotechnical Report & Boundary SurveyConstruction Documents & EngineeringPermit Submittal, Review & Issuance
    0/19
  2. 2

    Earthwork & Foundation

    3–6 weeks

    Dirt work is geometry. Get it wrong and every trade after pays.

    Clearing, Erosion Control & Building StakeoutExcavation, Pad Build & CompactionUnderground Plumbing & Utility SleevesFootings, Forms & Rebar InspectionVapor Barrier, Slab Pour & Waterproofing
    0/23
  3. 3

    Structural Framing

    3–6 weeks

    The house stops being a drawing. Plumb, level, square, dry.

    Sill Plates, Wall Framing & LayoutShear Walls, Straps & Hold-downsFloor System, Roof Trusses & SheathingRoof Dry-in, Windows & Exterior Doors
    0/18
  4. 4

    MEP Rough-ins

    2–4 weeks

    Plumbing, HVAC, electrical and low voltage race inside the walls — sequence them or pay twice.

    Plumbing Rough-inHVAC Ductwork & Equipment RoughElectrical Rough-in & Home RunsLow Voltage, Security & Pre-wire
    0/22
  5. 5

    Rough Inspections & Envelope

    1–2 weeks

    The pre-drywall gate. Nothing gets covered until every trade signs off.

    Pre-Drywall Multi-Trade Walk & Framing InspectionAir Sealing, Insulation & Blower-Door Prep
    0/11
  6. 6

    Drywall & Interior Finishes

    4–8 weeks

    From bare studs to a room the homeowner recognizes.

    Drywall Hang, Tape, Texture & PrimeInterior Doors, Trim & StairsCabinets, Countertops & Tile
    0/16
  7. 7

    Exterior Finishes

    3–6 weeks

    Skin, water management, and everything the appraiser sees first.

    Siding, Stucco or Masonry VeneerFlatwork, Grading, Gutters & Drainage
    0/10
  8. 8

    MEP Trim-out & Fixtures

    2–3 weeks

    Everything gets its face on and its first power-up.

    Plumbing Fixtures & Water Heater Start-upElectrical Trim, Devices & Panel LabelingHVAC Condensers, Grilles & Commissioning
    0/17
  9. 9

    Final Inspections & Handover

    1–3 weeks

    Certificate of Occupancy, punch list, and keys in the homeowner's hand.

    Municipal Final Inspections & Certificate of OccupancyQA Punch List & Final CleanHomeowner Orientation & Keys Handover
    0/17

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