Build your new home with clearer next steps.
Understand the documents, decisions and people involved in turning your new-home drawings into a built home. Start with the stage your project has reached.

Where this path begins
The main path starts when drawings are mostly complete, ready for submission or in plan check. Earlier-stage pages help you review information with your design team; they do not replace architectural or engineering services.
Your project, step by step
Review the information behind your drawings, compare contractors, follow construction and prepare for handover.
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Make your new-home plans ready for the next decision
Turn the design you have into a clear starting point for review and construction pricing.
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Check the site information behind your drawings
Review the surveys, reports and utility assumptions that can change a new home’s price and build plan.
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Coordinate drawings, review and permits
Understand which drawings support your bids, what is being reviewed and what still needs to be resolved.
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Choose a contractor for your new home
Compare relevant experience, bids and contract terms using the same drawings and scope.
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Keep new-home construction decisions connected
Track decisions, inspections and payment questions as the work progresses.
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Prepare your new home for handover
Bring unfinished work, final approvals and project records together before the final handover.
Questions to work through
Which professionals may your new home need?
Know which person can answer a design, site or construction question without having to coordinate every discipline yourself.
What can new-home site studies tell you?
Understand how the documents about your property affect the assumptions behind a construction bid.
How to compare new-home construction bids
Compare the same work, documents and assumptions before deciding which proposal fits your project.
How new-home contract pricing can differ
Understand the questions to ask about a fixed price, cost-plus proposal or other pricing arrangement.
Review new-home invoices and changes
Connect each request for money to the agreed work and keep a clear record of approved changes.
What to collect before final payment
Review the final account, unfinished work and handover documents as one closeout decision.
Common questions
Can I start if my drawings are still being reviewed?
Yes. Record the current review status and ask whether the documents are suitable for preliminary pricing or final bids. Give every bidder the same revisions.
Does a construction proposal cover my whole project budget?
Not necessarily. Check design, permit and utility costs, owner purchases, allowances and excluded work before comparing totals.
Where do I confirm permits and final approval?
Ask the City or County building department responsible for the property. Requirements and the departments involved depend on the site and scope.
Choose your next step
Find contractors with relevant new-home experience, or talk with us about where your project stands.
Official resources
Check with the agency responsible for your property. City and County resources below apply within their respective jurisdictions.
- City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety — Plan Review & Permitting
- City of San Diego Development Services — Permits and Approvals
- California Contractors State License Board — Check a License
- City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety — Inspections
- California Contractors State License Board — Understanding Mechanics Liens
Content updated .