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New-home plans, specifications, and allowances before signing checklist

A pre-contract new-home checklist for plan identity, site and model options, written specifications, allowances, substitutions, exclusions, schedule, inspections, change control, payment milestones, warranty documents, and unresolved assumptions before signing or depositing funds.

6 items to check

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The exact lot, model, plan revision, elevations, and options are identified

Critical item

The agreement should point to a dated, internally consistent plan set and site-specific scope rather than a marketing image or generic model.

Materials, systems, finishes, and performance requirements are written

Critical item

Specifications should define products or objective performance, installation systems, included labor, and acceptable substitution control.

Allowances, selections, upgrades, credits, and overages are understandable

Critical item

Allowance amounts and what they cover should be explicit enough to estimate the likely final price.

Site work, utility, soil, drainage, permit, and owner-supplied exclusions are allocated

Critical item

Foreseeable responsibilities and unknown-condition procedures should be assigned before work begins.

Schedule, access, inspections, changes, and delay procedures are written

The documents should state milestones, notice, owner access, independent inspections, correction review, and written change authorization.

Payment, closing, punch-list, warranty, manuals, and dispute documents are reviewed

Critical item

Commercial closeout and warranty procedures should be available before commitment, subject to applicable law and lender or title controls.

Use before signing a builder purchase agreement, construction contract, major amendment, or nonrefundable selection package. This is a document-coordination checklist, not legal advice; state contract, cancellation, deposit, licensing, lien, warranty, and disclosure rules vary. Do not enter unsupported excavations, walk incomplete framing or roofs, open energized equipment, operate pressurized systems without authorization, or interfere with required inspections. Use qualified inspectors and licensed trades for inaccessible, structural, electrical, gas, mechanical, environmental, or life-safety conditions.

Reference standards

  • Approved plans and specifications, signed purchase or construction agreement, selections and allowances, adopted state and local codes, permit and inspection conditions, authority having jurisdiction requirements, builder warranty documents, utility requirements, qualified design, and exact product manufacturer instructions
  • Current lender, title, insurance, homeowners-association, utility, incentive, and program requirements where applicable

    • Tools

  • Current plans, specifications, selections, contract, change orders, permit records, inspection approvals, and warranty documents
  • Camera, flashlight, tape measure, level, outlet or fixture test tools used only where owner-safe, and dated location-based photographs
  • Written deficiency log with location, controlling document, responsible party, correction evidence, and release decision

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