Preconstruction is where an owner creates control over a custom-home project. The goal is to align the property information, consultant work, approvals, cost plan and procurement strategy before site decisions become expensive construction decisions.
This checklist is a practical starting point for a custom home on the North Shore. Every property is different, so the required studies and approvals should be confirmed with the project team and the applicable municipality.
Property and site information
- Current legal survey and available title information
- Topography, access, existing services and site constraints
- Geotechnical, arborist or environmental input where applicable
- Demolition, temporary access and neighbouring-property considerations
Owner brief and design basis
- Required rooms, areas, parking and outdoor spaces
- Target quality level for exterior, interior and building systems
- Energy, comfort, durability and maintenance priorities
- Items the owner intends to purchase directly
Consultant roles and deliverables
Confirm which disciplines are required, who retains each consultant and what each party will issue at concept, permit, pricing and construction stages. Architectural, structural, envelope, mechanical, electrical, landscape, civil, interior and energy work must connect at defined interfaces.
Permit and approval path
- Applicable planning and building requirements confirmed
- Submission responsibilities and target dates assigned
- Known municipal comments or design revisions tracked
- Utility, servicing and third-party approvals identified
Design coordination and constructability
Schedule coordinated reviews before major pricing or construction releases. Look closely at structural openings, waterproofing transitions, glazing interfaces, drainage, mechanical routes, ceiling space, equipment access, millwork coordination and exterior grades. Record the decisions and identify any information still outstanding.
Cost plan and scope alignment
- Owner’s total budget separated from construction cost
- Estimate aligned with the current drawing stage
- Allowances and exclusions clearly described
- Design contingency and construction contingency considered separately
- Cost-saving options evaluated before they affect permit or procurement timing
Procurement and long-lead planning
Identify packages that need early decisions, shop drawings, samples or deposits. Windows, specialty doors, mechanical equipment, electrical gear, millwork, appliances, stone and imported finishes can influence the schedule well before installation. The team should know what must be selected, approved and released;and by whom.
Project controls before mobilization
- Baseline schedule and key milestones
- Budget, commitments and forecast reporting format
- Decision, submittal and change logs
- Meeting and document-control expectations
- Inspection, testing, deficiency and closeout responsibilities
Start before the drawings are finished
Preconstruction leadership is most useful while the owner can still influence scope, consultant coordination, procurement and sequence. If your property and design team are already in place, PBH can review the current stage and identify the next controls the project needs.