Planning checklist
A Calgary custom home checklist for the decisions that matter.
A practical Calgary custom-home checklist covering property, budget, team, design, approvals, construction and handover.
Direct answer
The most useful custom-home checklist follows the project sequence. Confirm the site and budget before fixing the design; confirm responsibilities and selections before construction; document quality, commissioning and handover before possession.
Before design
Establish the problem the home must solve and the constraints around it.
- Household brief and non-negotiables
- Property status and due diligence
- Total-project budget and contingency
- Delivery model and consultant team
- Desired timing and decision capacity
Before construction
A construction start should follow coordinated documents, approvals, scope and decisions—not simply a target date.
- Issued design and consultant documents
- Permits and required approvals
- Contract, allowances and exclusions
- Selection and long-lead schedule
- Communication and change process
- Insurance, warranty and safety verification
Common questions
Clear answers for early decisions.
When should selections begin?
High-impact and long-lead selections should begin during design and pre-construction. Waiting until the related trade is on site can create delays or forced compromises.
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