Construction Observation Checklist

Land

• Selection of a suitable lot often is among the first steps during construction of a new home. A checklist of observational items includes determining whether the land is zoned for residential structures. Property must be suitable to support your building schematics because not every parcel will fit your needs, developer Mark Donovan writes for the Home Addition Plus website. Locate utilities to ensure your construction crew avoids hitting underground or overhead cables. Visually inspect neighboring properties for fencing or lighting that affects your property.

Foundation

• Use your construction site checklist during preliminary excavation so you have assurance your foundation is stable. Ask your builder to explain whether the steel-barred footings offer adequate support below all the foundation walls, Ask The Builder website suggests. Another checklist item is the thickness of the concrete foundation walls that must follow local government standards. This base must be aligned horizontally, vertically and to a 90-degree angle, often referred to as plumb, level and square.

Drainage

• Observe the construction site for any potential issues with drainage. For example, check for 4-inches of perforated drain tiles in the foundation, as well as tiling to accommodate runoff from natural sloping, says Ask The Builder. Your checklist also should include an inspection to see if tiles are covered with several feet of washed gravel that is covered with straw before backfilling with dirt. In addition, watch over installation of the sanitary system and leach beds. Note on your checklist whether the tank and lines adhere to municipal codes.

Features

• Itemize the internal features on your construction observation checklist. This includes staircases, sunroofs and ceiling fans. Pay attention to installation of fixtures like a hot water tank, air conditioner and furnace, as well as ventilation for your clothes dryer. Save all the owner's manuals in case you have to contest improper installation of any of those items, Ask The Builder website recommends. Examine doors and walls to make certain the doors block noise and the walls can support curtain rods and pictures.