Building a custom home in Utah: what to bring to the first meeting

Start with your project city, plans or sketches, and the information you have about the lot. Bring the questions you cannot answer yet, too. A missing utility approval or soil report belongs on the discussion list, not in the assumed-cost column.

Green Tech's custom-home process begins with how your family wants to live, followed by the house and lot plan and a cost estimate and budget review. Bring your own design or start from one of our plans.

Check the lot against the house you want

A lot can look large enough and still need a closer look. Does the house fit after setbacks, easements and the driveway are accounted for? Does the grade support the basement you want? A neighboring home does not establish the soil conditions at your building location.

Gather any survey, soil report and utility information you already have. For utilities, separate nearby lines from confirmed service: ask the provider about the connection point, approvals, fees and work that would be yours. For access, ask whether deliveries and equipment can operate at the building area, not just whether you can drive a car onto the property.

Keep unanswered questions visible

Write down what is known, what is still open and who can provide the answer. An unanswered site question is not a zero-cost item. Keep the supporting report, approval or quote with the answer so you can see what it covers.

If you are comparing lots, use the same intended home and specifications. Otherwise, a change in the house can get mixed into what looks like a difference in the lot cost.

These questions help prepare the conversation. Parcel-specific answers still need the responsible providers, authorities and qualified professionals.

Tell us about your lot and plans through our custom-home page.