Building a home in Utah is equal parts planning, paperwork, and precision craftsmanship. This start-to-finish guide walks you through the milestones—from the first budget sketch to the final walkthrough—so you know what happens when, who’s responsible, and where the biggest time/cost levers are.
Contents
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1) Vision, Budget & Financing (Weeks 1–4)
Define the must-haves and the money.
- List non-negotiables (beds/baths, lot size, garage, office/ADU).
- Establish a total budget (land + soft costs + hard costs + 10–15% contingency).
- Pre-qualify for a construction-to-perm loan; understand the lender’s draw schedule and inspection checkpoints.
- Decide custom vs. semi-custom vs. production—each impacts design freedom, timeline, and cost.
2) Land & Due Diligence (Weeks 2–8)
Buy the right lot to avoid surprises.
- Order survey & soils (compaction, expansive clay, groundwater).
- Check zoning/HOA rules, setbacks, height limits, view corridors.
- Verify utilities (power, water, sewer/septic, gas, internet) and connection fees.
- Factor site work: grading, access, retaining walls—common in Washington & Iron Counties.
3) Choose Your Build Partner (Weeks 2–6)
Builder/GC selection sets the tone for everything.
- Interview licensed, insured firms with Utah references and similar project types.
- Ask for transparent allowances (cabinets, flooring, fixtures) and an escalation plan.
- Prefer a GC who self-performs critical trades (e.g., concrete) or manages them tightly.
- In Southern Utah, home builders in St. George, Utah can lead a full custom build, while trusted general contractors in Cedar City, Utah are ideal when you also need concrete scopes (foundations, flatwork, retaining walls) handled with one point of accountability.
4) Design & Pre-Construction (Weeks 4–12)
Turn ideas into buildable plans.
- Schematic design → design development → permit-ready construction drawings.
- Value engineering: optimize spans, foundation types, and exterior assemblies for Utah’s freeze–thaw, wind, and sun exposure.
- Create a preliminary construction schedule and refine the budget with real vendor quotes.
5) Permits, Approvals & Bids (Weeks 8–14)
Paperwork and pricing before breaking ground.
- Submit permits to the local jurisdiction; coordinate any HOA architectural review.
- Bid core scopes: earthwork, concrete (slabs, footings, retaining), framing, MEP, roofing, windows.
- Lock long-lead items (windows, HVAC, specialty doors) to protect the timeline.
6) Site Prep & Foundation/Concrete (Weeks 14–20)
Where durable homes are made or lost.
- Clear, stake, and rough grade; trench for utilities.
- Form and pour footings and foundation walls, then slab-on-grade with proper vapor barrier, rebar, and control/expansion joints.
- Exterior flatwork follows: driveways, walkways, patios (consider broom, exposed aggregate, or stamped concrete that stands up to Utah sun and freeze–thaw cycles).
Pro tip: Concrete quality and jointing cut future maintenance. If you’re comparing concrete companies in Utah, prioritize mix design, curing, and joint layout over the “cheapest” bid.
7) Framing, Shell & Rough-Ins (Weeks 20–30)
From foundation to weather-tight.
- Framing (floors, walls, trusses), sheathing, and roof dry-in.
- Windows/doors installed; exterior WRB and flashings integrated.
- Rough mechanicals (electrical, plumbing, HVAC). Schedule inspections and lender draws.
8) Insulation, Drywall & Exterior (Weeks 28–36)
Comfort, efficiency, and curb appeal.
- Insulation per climate zone (consider advanced air-sealing for efficiency).
- Drywall hang/tape/texture; exterior cladding, stone/brick accents, stucco/paint.
- Exterior flatwork completion and any retaining walls/landscape borders.
9) Interior Finishes (Weeks 34–44)
Where allowances and taste collide.
- Cabinets, countertops, tile, flooring, interior doors/trim, plumbing & lighting fixtures.
- Appliances, mirrors, shower glass; paint and finish carpentry.
- Expect punch-list touch-ups; keep a small contingency for selections upgrades.
10) Final Inspections, CO & Handover (Weeks 44–48)
Close it out the right way.
- Mechanical, life-safety, and final building inspections → Certificate of Occupancy.
- Blue-tape walkthrough; builder completes punch list.
- Collect as-builts, manuals, and warranties; understand 1-year workmanship warranty and structural coverage.
Utah-Specific Choices That Pay Off
- Concrete & sitework: freeze–thaw-aware mixes, proper drainage, and control joints reduce cracking. If you need a local concrete company with flatwork and stamped concrete expertise in Iron County, a GC like A To Z Construction keeps quality and schedule tight.
- Envelope & windows: low-E glazing, well-detailed WRB, and air sealing fight heat gain and winter drafts.
- Retaining walls: design for drainage and surcharge; they’re common on sloped lots from Cedar City to St. George.
- Future resale: invest in driveway/walkway durability and kitchen/bath finishes—you’ll see it in appraisals.
Who’s the Right Fit for Your Build?
- Want a start-to-finish custom experience with design support, 3D visualizations, and white-glove project management in Washington & Iron Counties? Explore Prestigious Home Builders for new home construction and full-home remodels.
- Need a GC who can self-perform foundations, slabs, driveways, walkways, retaining walls, and decorative/stamped concrete—plus coordinate other trades for residential or commercial construction? Shortlist A To Z Construction in Cedar City.
Simple Timeline Snapshot (typical custom build)
- Plan & finance: 1–2 months
- Design & pre-con: 1–2 months
- Permits & bids: 1–2 months
- Build: 6–9 months (site-dependent)
- Total: ~9–15 months
Builder/GC Interview Checklist
- License, insurance, Utah references, and similar project photos.
- Transparent bid with allowances and exclusions.
- Concrete scope specifics (mix, rebar, control-joint plan, curing).
- Schedule with critical paths and long-lead locks.
- Communication cadence; single point of contact.
- Warranty terms (workmanship & structural).
Ready to Start?
Map your budget, pick the lot, and put the right team in place. For full-service custom builds in Southern Utah, begin with Prestigious Home Builders. If your project calls for a hands-on concrete company in Utah that also serves as GC—foundations, flatwork, driveway concrete repair, and stamped concrete included—connect with A To Z Construction.
