The 57 phases of a custom home build

1. Site Preparation

12 checklist items

• Future Structures
• Defensible Space & Fire Mitigation
• Future Tree Issues
• 50' Minimum Tree Clearance
• Flag Trees To Keep
• Property Survey and Corner Stakes

+ 6 more in the ShackSTAC portal

2. Excavation & Grading

7 checklist items

• Soil Test / Geotechnical Report
• Excavation Depth
• Finished Floor Elevation
• Over-Dig and Backfill Material
• Erosion Control / Silt Fence
• Construction Entrance

+ 1 more in the ShackSTAC portal

3. Footings & Concrete Work

7 checklist items

• Footing Depth Below Frost Line
• Foundation Wall Material
• Frost-Protected Shallow Foundation
• Rebar Schedule and Pre-Pour Inspection
• Anchor Bolt Placement
• Capillary Break Between Footing and Wall

+ 1 more in the ShackSTAC portal

4. Foundation

33 checklist items

• Foundation Type
• Basement Type
• Slab Type
• Basement Ceiling Height
• Basement Finish
• Heavy Load Support

+ 27 more in the ShackSTAC portal

5. Backfill & Final Grade

5 checklist items

• Backfill Compaction in Lifts
• Final Grade Slopes Away From the House
• Drainage Swales
• Retaining Walls
• Downspout Discharge Points

6. Exterior Walls

16 checklist items

• Exterior Wall Type
• Advanced Framing
• Exterior Wall Stud Size
• Exterior Wall Stud Spacing
• Exterior Sheathing Material
• Alternative Wall Sheathing

+ 10 more in the ShackSTAC portal

7. Structural & Engineering

6 checklist items

• Engineered Truss and Beam Drawings
• Header Sizes
• Beams for Open Spans
• Hold-Downs and Hurricane Ties
• Shear Walls
• Point Loads Carried to the Foundation

8. Framing

26 checklist items

• First Floor Ceiling Height
• Second Floor Ceiling Height
• Webbed Floor Trusses
• Interior Wall Stud Spacing
• Stacked Walls for Clear Runs
• Dropped Beam Locations

+ 20 more in the ShackSTAC portal

9. Roofing

34 checklist items

• Roof Pitch
• Class A Fire-Rated Roofing
• Material
• Radiant Barrier + Spray Foam
• Gutter Size
• Roof Overhang Depth

+ 28 more in the ShackSTAC portal

10. Siding

24 checklist items

• Fire-Resistant Exterior Materials
• Vinyl Siding and Sun Exposure
• Vinyl Siding and Window Reflection
• Siding Material
• Veneer Wall Material
• Veneer Walls

+ 18 more in the ShackSTAC portal

11. Doors and Windows

51 checklist items

• Front Door Security Considerations
• Front Door Height and Width
• Front Door Window
• Interior Door Height
• Interior Door Width
• Larger 36” Door Openings

+ 45 more in the ShackSTAC portal

12. Window & Door Flashing / Water Management

6 checklist items

• Sill Pans
• Flashing Order (Shingle-Style Laps)
• Sloped Sills
• Flashing Tape Over Nailing Flanges
• Head Flashing Over Doors
• Water Test Before Siding

13. Framing Details & Built-Ins

34 checklist items

• Garage Depth for Full-Size Vehicles
• Oversized Hallways
• Solar Panel Friendly Roof
• Access Door Size
• Fridge Recess for Flush Fit
• 2x6 Wall for Recessed Dryer Vent

+ 28 more in the ShackSTAC portal

14. Attic

12 checklist items

• Full-Size Attic Staircase
• Attic Staircase Hidden in Closet
• Standard-Size Attic Door
• Attic Plywood for Storage
• Catwalks
• Attic Flooring

+ 6 more in the ShackSTAC portal

15. Porch

20 checklist items

• Porch Floor Material
• Porch Beam Size
• Aluminum Plinth Blocks Under Porch Posts
• Deck Frame Protection
• Deck Drainage for Dry Space Below
• Porch Swing Mount

+ 14 more in the ShackSTAC portal

16. Dry-In Walkthrough & Inspections

8 checklist items

• Framing Inspection Passed
• Walls Plumb and Floors Level
• Rough Openings Match Window Orders
• Room Sizes Match the Plan
• Subfloor Squeak Walk
• House Wrap Photos Before Siding

+ 2 more in the ShackSTAC portal

17. Deck

6 checklist items

• Deck Material
• Ledger Board Flashing
• Joist Tape
• Railing Height and Spacing
• Stair Landings
• Hidden Fasteners

18. Utilities

24 checklist items

• Waste Type
• Type
• Source
• Location of Power Poles and Lines
• Avoid Burying Utility Lines in Future Build Zones
• Septic Tank Size

+ 18 more in the ShackSTAC portal

19. Plumbing

63 checklist items

• Basement Bathroom Rough-In
• Plumbing Type
• Sink and Drain Locations
• Bathtub Drain Location
• Water Heater Type
• Tankless Water Heater Fuel

+ 57 more in the ShackSTAC portal

20. HVAC (Heating & AC)

30 checklist items

• Load Calculation Before Sizing
• Fuel Type
• Number of HVAC Units
• Furnace Stage
• HVAC Zoning System
• Number of Head Units Needed (Zones/Rooms)

+ 24 more in the ShackSTAC portal

21. Ventilation & Indoor Air

8 checklist items

• Range Hood Ducting
• Radon Mitigation Rough-In
• Bathroom Exhaust Fans
• Make-Up Air for Large Range Hoods
• Dryer Vent Route & Length
• Fresh Air System (ERV / HRV)

+ 2 more in the ShackSTAC portal

22. Electrical Wiring

49 checklist items

• Electrical Service Size
• Panel & Meter Location
• Critical Items for Generator
• Dedicated Electrical Circuits
• EV Charger-Ready Circuit
• Electric Shades or Curtains

+ 43 more in the ShackSTAC portal

23. Lighting Switches

15 checklist items

• Determining Preferred Switch Location
• Avoid Tight Switch Placement
• Dimmable Switches
• Light Switches at Top and Bottom of Stairs
• Bedroom Light Switch Within Reach of Bed
• Fireplace On/Off Switch

+ 9 more in the ShackSTAC portal

24. Electrical Outlets

34 checklist items

• Kitchen Counter & Island Outlets
• Phone Charging Stations
• Floor Outlets
• 240V Garage Outlet
• Christmas Tree Location
• Electric Litter Box Location

+ 28 more in the ShackSTAC portal

25. Pre-Drywall Walkthrough & Inspections

9 checklist items

• Rough-In Inspections Passed
• Walkthrough With Your Builder
• Photo & Video of Every Wall
• Count Boxes Against the Plan
• Label Every Circuit & Wire
• Nail Plates Over Pipes & Wires

+ 3 more in the ShackSTAC portal

26. Solar & Energy Prep

5 checklist items

• Roof Area for Panels
• Solar-Ready Electrical Panel
• Conduit From Roof to Panel
• Wall Space for Inverter & Battery
• Roof Structure for Panel Load

27. Interior Lighting

16 checklist items

• Wafer vs Regressed
• Built-In Bunk Bed Light
• Wall-Mounted Picture Light
• Under and Top of Cabinet Lighting
• Crawlspace and/or Attic Lighting
• Light and Fan Combo Over Shower

+ 10 more in the ShackSTAC portal

28. Low-Voltage Wiring / Network

21 checklist items

• Internet Service Entry Point
• Low Voltage Wiring Installation
• Network Room
• CAT 6 Cable (Ethernet) Uses
• CAT Cable Preference
• Speaker Locations

+ 15 more in the ShackSTAC portal

29. Fireplace

9 checklist items

• Fireplace Locations
• Fuel
• Vent Type
• Fireplace Hearth Height
• On/Off Wall Switch
• Surround or Mantel

+ 3 more in the ShackSTAC portal

30. Insulation / Drywall

73 checklist items

• Insulation Option by Location
• Radiant Barrier and Spray Foam Compatibility
• Drywall Thickness
• Drywall Finish Level
• Kitchen Island
• Countertop Heights

+ 67 more in the ShackSTAC portal

31. Kitchen

17 checklist items

• Trash and Recycling Pull-Out
• Painter's Tape Island Mock-Up
• Island Outlets
• Outlets Under Upper Cabinets for Countertop Use
• Outlets Inside Kitchen Cabinets/Drawers (Chargers/Small Appliances)
• Adjustable Depth Outlet Box for Backsplash

+ 11 more in the ShackSTAC portal

32. Kitchen Cabinets

37 checklist items

• Cabinet Material
• Cabinet Overlay
• Panel-Ready Appliances (Match Cabinets)
• Cabinets to the Ceiling
• Family Command Center/Drop Zone
• Recessed Area Behind Fridge/Deeper Cabinets

+ 31 more in the ShackSTAC portal

33. Countertops

6 checklist items

• Countertop Material by Area
• Island Seating Overhang
• Seam Placement
• Templating After Cabinets Are Set
• Sink and Faucet Cutouts
• Sealing and Care

34. Pantry

9 checklist items

• Butler Pantry
• Chest Freezer
• Pantry Door Style
• Pantry Cabinets
• Pantry Countertop
• Shelving

+ 3 more in the ShackSTAC portal

35. Bathrooms

88 checklist items

• Wet Room Bathroom
• Open Shower (No Door)
• Curbless Shower
• Pocket Door
• Alternate Bathroom Tub/Shower
• Tub Type

+ 82 more in the ShackSTAC portal

36. Tile & Stone Work

7 checklist items

• Shower Niche Placement
• Heated Floor Mat Under Tile
• Shower Waterproofing Membrane
• Tile Layout and Pattern
• Grout Color and Width
• Tile Edge Finish

+ 1 more in the ShackSTAC portal

37. Laundry

28 checklist items

• Adjacent Room Laundry Access
• Built-In Washer and Dryer (Under Counter)
• Dryer Vent Discharge: Horizontal vs. Vertical
• Sink Mount
• Wall Mounted Faucet
• Open or Cabinet Storage for Rolling Laundry Basket

+ 22 more in the ShackSTAC portal

38. Mudroom

8 checklist items

• Shoe Storage
• In-Cabinet/In-Drawer Outlets
• Built-Ins with Wall Hooks
• Cubbies
• Seating with Drawers/Storage
• Bench with Shoe Storage

+ 2 more in the ShackSTAC portal

39. Trim

22 checklist items

• No Baseboard Style
• Drywall Return
• Trim Storage
• Painted vs. Stained Trim
• Built-In Pantry Shelves
• Built-In Closet Shelves

+ 16 more in the ShackSTAC portal

40. Closets & Storage Systems

6 checklist items

• Closet System vs. Wire Shelving
• Walk-In vs. Reach-In Layouts
• Closet Lighting
• Outlet in Main Closet
• Linen Closet
• Coat Closet

41. Interior Doors & Hardware

8 checklist items

• Interior Door Style
• Door Height
• Wider Doorways (36 in.)
• Solid-Core Doors for Privacy
• Lever vs. Knob
• Hardware Finish Plan

+ 2 more in the ShackSTAC portal

42. Paint

19 checklist items

• Masking Liquid
• Sheen by Surface
• Washable Paint for High-Traffic Rooms
• Ceiling Paint Color
• Exterior Color
• Exterior Paint Sheen

+ 13 more in the ShackSTAC portal

43. Mirrors & Glass

4 checklist items

• Who Installs Mirrors and Glass
• Shower Glass Style
• Mirror Sizes
• Protective Glass Coating

44. Foyer

9 checklist items

• Entry Layout & Sightlines
• Door Swing & Clearances
• Coat Closet
• Foyer Lighting & Chandelier Support
• Foyer Outlets & Controls
• Entry Flooring & Transitions

+ 3 more in the ShackSTAC portal

45. Vault / Safe Room

10 checklist items

• Purpose & Location
• Hidden Room
• Protection Standard
• Occupancy & Storage Needs
• Reinforced Floor, Walls & Ceiling
• Rated Door & Locking

+ 4 more in the ShackSTAC portal

46. Stairs

10 checklist items

• Stair Finish
• Stair Lighting Types
• Stair Protection During Build
• Stair Tread Material
• Handrail Type and Design
• Carpet Runner vs. Hardwood Treads

+ 4 more in the ShackSTAC portal

47. Flooring

15 checklist items

• Primary Flooring Material, Color, and Location
• Secondary Flooring Material, Color, and Location
• Primary Bathroom Flooring Material and Color
• Secondary Bathroom Flooring Material and Color
• LVP Installation Type
• Flooring Installation Pattern

+ 9 more in the ShackSTAC portal

48. Misc Appliances

37 checklist items

• Garage Depth
• Front and Back Garage Doors
• Double Garage Doors (Pull In/Out)
• Garage Door Height
• Garage Side Door (Man Door)
• Trash Can Closet

+ 31 more in the ShackSTAC portal

49. Garage

14 checklist items

• 240V Outlets
• Garage Utility Sink
• Workshop 240V Circuits
• High Outlet for Fan (Garage/Porch)
• Extra Garage Outlets (Mounted High)
• Outlets Inside Garage Cabinets

+ 8 more in the ShackSTAC portal

50. Driveway / Walkway

29 checklist items

• Driveway Type
• Driveway Width
• Driveway Turnaround Size
• Concrete Walkways: Most Direct Path
• Extra Wide Concrete Walkways
• Mailbox Placement

+ 23 more in the ShackSTAC portal

51. Exterior Items

41 checklist items

• Fencing Location and Type
• Fence Gates on Opposing Sides of Yard
• No Plants or Trees Near Sewer Line
• Landscape Lighting
• Sprinklers
• Hose Bib Locations on All Sides

+ 35 more in the ShackSTAC portal

52. Landscaping & Irrigation

6 checklist items

• Sod vs. Seed and Timing
• Tree Placement Away From House and Lines
• Topsoil Depth
• Irrigation Zone Layout
• Sleeves Under Hardscape
• Plant and Sod Warranty

53. Miscellaneous

23 checklist items

• Pet Water Faucet or Pot Filler Location
• Doorbell
• Pet Ramp Along Stairs
• Pet Bowl Station
• Electrical Panel
• Central Vacuum System

+ 17 more in the ShackSTAC portal

54. Final Walkthrough & Punch List

18 checklist items

• Blue-Tape Punch List
• Lights-On Night Walkthrough
• Paint Touch-Up Kit
• Labeled Attic Stock Bin
• Paint and Grout Color Album
• Warranty and Manuals Packet

+ 12 more in the ShackSTAC portal

55. Final Clean & Move-In Prep

6 checklist items

• Duct and Vent Cleaning
• Window and Track Cleaning
• Floor Protection During Move-In
• Rekey or Change Locks
• Reset Garage and Keypad Codes
• Move Smart Devices to Your Accounts

56. Warranty & Closeout

5 checklist items

• Warranty Start Date in Writing
• Schedule the 11-Month Warranty Walkthrough
• Lien Releases From All Subcontractors
• Final Draw Paperwork
• List of Every Subcontractor

57. Home Maintenance Schedule

6 checklist items

• HVAC Filter Change Schedule
• Water Heater Flush
• Gutter Cleaning
• Caulk and Grout Check
• Sump Pump Test
• Seasonal Checklist Handed Over at Closing