Start with the drawings you have
This path focuses on owners whose drawings are mostly complete or entering permit review. If you are earlier, use the questions below with your design team before seeking a firm construction price.
- List the drawing date and revision, including structural and other consultant sheets.
- Ask which choices are still open and who will resolve them.
- Separate an early cost estimate from a proposal based on coordinated documents.
Look beyond the construction proposal
A construction price may leave out owner purchases and other project costs. Prepare a complete budget with your advisers instead of relying on one price per square foot.
- Identify design, permit, utility and site costs that sit outside the proposed contract.
- Record finish allowances: budget amounts for items not yet fully selected.
- Keep a separate provision for unresolved site conditions and design decisions.
Decide what must happen before bidding
Ask your designer for a short readiness review. A useful outcome is a document list, an open-question list and a person responsible for each answer.
- Confirm whether the plans are suitable for preliminary pricing or contract bids.
- Agree how bidders will receive later drawing changes.
- Choose a realistic decision date that allows questions to be answered.
What to check next
- Record the current plan revision.
- List costs outside construction.
- Assign each open selection to a person and date.
- Confirm the basis for the next estimate.
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
Content updated .