New Home Construction Checklist for Memphis, TN Homeowners

New home construction in Memphis, TN involves dozens of decisions across months of work, and the homeowners who navigate it best are the ones who know what to do at each stage before it arrives.

Planning new home construction in Memphis, TN is one of the largest financial and logistical undertakings most people will ever take on. There are land decisions, design decisions, contractor decisions, financing decisions, and construction decisions, all layered on top of each other across a timeline that can stretch six months to over a year. Without a clear framework for what needs to happen at each stage, important items get missed, timelines slip, and costs climb.

This new home construction checklist for Memphis, TN breaks the process into eight stages, from initial planning through move-in. Each stage covers the key decisions and actions required before moving to the next. Use it as a reference throughout your project, and share it with your contractor so both parties are working from the same framework.

What to Know Before You Start

Key Takeaways

• New home construction in Memphis, TN follows a sequential process. Each stage depends on the previous one being complete. Skipping or rushing stages creates problems that are costly to fix later.
• Tennessee law requires a licensed general contractor for projects valued at $25,000 or more. Verify the license is active through the TDCI database before signing any construction contract.
• Permit review in Shelby County takes two to six weeks and cannot be compressed. Starting the design and permitting process early is the single most effective way to protect your build start date.
• Lock in all material and finish selections before the construction phase that requires them. Late decisions are the most controllable cause of schedule delays on any new home construction project in Memphis, TN.
• Never release final payment until the certificate of occupancy is issued, the punch list is fully cleared, and you hold lien waivers from all subcontractors and suppliers.

Stage 1: Planning and Lot Selection

Before any new home construction in Memphis, TN begins, you need a clear picture of what you want to build and where. These two decisions – what and where – shape every other choice that follows. Rushing through them to get to construction faster is one of the most expensive mistakes a homeowner can make.

Stage 1 Checklist

• Define the general scope: new ground-up build, spec build, or custom home
• Determine target square footage, bedroom and bathroom count, and must-have features
• Identify target neighborhoods or areas within Memphis or Shelby County
• Research zoning requirements and setback rules for any lots under consideration
• Verify lot utilities: water, sewer, gas, and electrical availability and connection costs
• Check for deed restrictions, HOA rules, or easements on the property
• Conduct a soil test and site survey before purchasing any lot
• Confirm flood zone status through FEMA maps and factor in flood insurance if applicable
• Engage a real estate attorney to review the lot purchase contract before signing

Stage 2: Financing New Home Construction

Financing a new home construction project in Memphis, TN is more complex than financing an existing home purchase. Construction loans work differently from standard mortgages. Lenders typically release funds in draws as the contractor hits milestones rather than in a single upfront disbursement. Understanding how your financing works before construction begins prevents cash flow problems mid-project.

Stage 2 Checklist

• Get pre-approved for a construction loan or construction-to-permanent loan before approaching contractors
• Understand your draw schedule and what documentation the lender requires at each milestone
• Establish a total project budget including land, construction, design fees, permits, and contingency
• Set a contingency of 10 to 15 percent above your estimated construction cost
• Confirm what your lender requires from your general contractor in terms of license, insurance, and documentation
• Account for carrying costs during construction: mortgage or rent on current residence, insurance, and taxes
• Budget separately for landscaping, window treatments, and appliances not typically included in the construction contract

Stage 3: Design and Architectural Plans

For custom new home construction in Memphis, TN, you need architectural plans before the permitting office will accept an application and before any contractor can give you an accurate bid. The design phase is where your vision becomes a buildable document. Investing time here pays dividends throughout the entire construction process.

For spec builds using pre-drawn floor plans, this stage compresses significantly. However, even spec builds often involve some design customization, and all builds require engineering review and construction drawings that satisfy the Shelby County permitting office.

Stage 3 Checklist

• Engage a licensed architect or residential designer for custom builds
• Review and approve preliminary floor plans before detailed drawings begin
• Confirm structural engineering review is included in the design scope
• Specify exterior materials, roofline, window placement, and facade details in the drawings
• Define interior layout including ceiling heights, door widths, and room dimensions
• Identify any special systems: smart home wiring, whole-house generator, in-floor heating, etc.
• Review drawings for constructability with your contractor before finalizing
• Get design drawings stamped by a licensed engineer where required by Shelby County
• Lock all design decisions before permit submission to avoid costly revisions mid-process

Stage 4: Contractor Selection and Contract

Selecting the right licensed general contractor is the most consequential decision in any new home construction project in Memphis, TN. Your GC manages every trade, every inspection, every subcontractor, and your entire project budget. The credentials and communication habits of your contractor determine whether your build runs smoothly or becomes a source of ongoing stress.

For more detail on what to look for when selecting and vetting a general contractor, see our guides on how to hire a general contractor in Memphis, TN and general contractor vs. subcontractor.

Stage 4 Checklist

• Verify Tennessee GC license at tn.gov before any other conversation
• Confirm current general liability and workers’ compensation insurance certificates
• Request to be named as additional insured on the general liability policy
• Get a minimum of three bids based on the same set of drawings and specifications
• Review each bid line by line, not just the total
• Call at least three references from comparable completed projects
• Confirm the contractor pulls all required permits as a standard practice
• Review and sign a written contract covering scope, schedule, payment milestones, change order process, and lien waiver provisions
• Confirm the draw schedule in your contract aligns with your construction loan draw schedule

Stage 5: Permits and Pre-Construction in Memphis, TN

The pre-construction stage is where your new home construction project in Memphis, TN officially enters the system. Your contractor submits for permits, orders long-lead materials, and lines up subcontractors before the first shovel hits the ground. This stage requires active coordination and moves at its own pace on the permitting side.

Permit review at the City of Memphis Office of Construction Code Enforcement or the Shelby County permitting office typically takes two to six weeks. That timeline is fixed. Submitting a complete, accurate application at the earliest possible date is the only way to protect your construction start date.

Stage 5 Checklist

• Confirm your contractor has submitted the permit application with complete drawings
• Track permit review status and follow up proactively with the permitting office
• Verify subcontractors are pre-scheduled for each trade phase before ground breaks
• Confirm long-lead materials are ordered: windows, doors, custom cabinetry, specialty fixtures
• Arrange temporary utilities on site: power, water, and portable facilities as needed
• Establish site access, material staging areas, and debris removal plan with your contractor
• Confirm HOA approval is in hand if applicable
• Review the written construction schedule before work begins

Stage 6: Active Construction Phases

Active construction on a new home in Memphis, TN moves through a defined sequence of phases. Each phase requires inspection before the next begins. Understanding this sequence helps you know what to expect on site at each point in the project and where the most common delays tend to occur.

The active build sequence runs from site preparation and foundation through framing, mechanical rough-ins, enclosure, insulation, drywall, interior finishes, and systems installation. For a detailed breakdown of each phase and typical durations, see our article on how long it takes to build a house in Memphis, TN.

Stage 6 Checklist

• Confirm a communication schedule with your contractor before work begins
• Lock in all finish selections before the phase requiring them is scheduled
• Handle all scope changes through signed written change orders, never verbally
• Visit the site at agreed intervals to observe progress and raise concerns early
• Review each draw request from your contractor against documented milestone completion before approving payment
• Track actual progress against the written schedule and flag any drift early
• Confirm each phase passes inspection before authorizing the next phase to begin

Stage 7: Inspections and Punch List

As new home construction in Memphis, TN nears completion, the focus shifts from building to verifying. Multiple inspections happen throughout the active build at each phase milestone. The final inspection and punch list process closes the gap between substantial completion and full completion.

The punch list is a written record of every remaining item your contractor must resolve before the project reaches full contractual completion and before you release final payment. For a full explanation of how the punch list process works, see our article on what a construction punch list is and why it matters.

Stage 7 Checklist

• Confirm all phase inspections passed and documentation is on file with your contractor
• Schedule the formal punch list walkthrough with your contractor
• Walk every room, test every system, and document all remaining items in writing
• Assign a completion timeline to each punch list item during the walkthrough
• Verify all punch list items are complete in person before releasing final payment
• Request final MEP inspection records for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC
• Obtain documentation of all systems, warranties, and manufacturer manuals from your contractor

Stage 8: Certificate of Occupancy and Move-In

The certificate of occupancy is the official document confirming your new home in Memphis, TN meets all building code requirements and is legally approved for occupancy. Shelby County issues the certificate after the final building inspection passes. Without it, the home is not legally occupiable and your lender will not fund the final construction loan draw.

Once the certificate is in hand, the project closeout process begins. This includes releasing final payment, collecting lien waivers, and transferring all warranties and documentation. Only after all of these steps are complete is the project truly closed.

Stage 8 Checklist

• Confirm the final building inspection is scheduled and the site is ready
• Obtain the certificate of occupancy from the Shelby County building department
• Release final payment only after the certificate of occupancy is in hand and the punch list is fully cleared
• Collect unconditional lien waivers from your GC and all major subcontractors
• Receive a complete documentation package: permits, inspection records, warranties, and manuals
• Confirm utility accounts are transferred to your name and services are active
• Schedule a final walkthrough with your contractor to confirm the home is in move-in condition
• Notify your insurance carrier that construction is complete and switch to homeowner’s coverage
• File the certificate of occupancy with your lender to trigger the final loan draw

Lawrence and Lawrence GC Services

Residential Construction Ground-up builds, home additions, and full residential renovations across Memphis and Shelby County. Learn More	Commercial Construction Office build-outs, mixed-use construction, and commercial renovation projects managed from permit to punch list. Learn More	Industrial Construction Heavy-duty industrial builds and facility work requiring licensed coordination across trades and disciplines. Learn More
Insurance Claims Contracting Licensed GC coordination for insurance-driven repairs and rebuilds. We work directly with adjusters to move your claim forward. Learn More	Licensed in Tennessee TN GC License #77821 with a $3 million license limit. We accept any individual project valued at $3 million or less. About Us	Contact Lawrence GC Memphis, TN based. Available by phone and WhatsApp. Call or text 901-750-1000 to discuss your project. 901-750-1000

Why Lawrence and Lawrence GC for New Home Construction in Memphis, TN

Lawrence and Lawrence General Contractors, LLC manages new home construction projects across Memphis and Shelby County. We hold Tennessee GC License #77821 with a $3 million license limit, carry current general liability and workers’ compensation insurance on every project, and pull all required permits as a standard part of every build we manage.

We provide a written construction schedule before work begins, pre-schedule all subcontractors before the first phase starts, and manage the full checklist above from stage one through the certificate of occupancy. Our team brings over 21 years of complex project management experience across residential, commercial, and infrastructure work. That depth means we handle the unexpected professionally when it comes up, and on new home construction in Memphis, TN, something always comes up.

Call us at 901-750-1000 or visit lawrenceandlawrencegc.com to start the conversation about your build.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does new home construction take in Memphis, TN?

Spec builds in Memphis, TN can move from permit approval to handover in 90 days or less. Custom home construction typically takes ten to fourteen months from design start to certificate of occupancy. The pre-construction phase alone, including design and permitting, can run ten to eighteen weeks before active construction begins. For a full phase-by-phase breakdown, see our article on how long it takes to build a house in Memphis, TN.

What permits are required for new home construction in Shelby County?

Shelby County requires a building permit for all new residential construction. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work each require their own trade permits. Your licensed general contractor submits all permit applications, pays applicable fees, and schedules all required inspections. Permit review typically takes two to six weeks from submission. Starting the permitting process as early as possible directly protects your construction start date.

Can I be my own general contractor for new home construction in Memphis?

Technically yes, but with significant risk. Tennessee requires a licensed GC for projects valued at $25,000 or more. Acting as your own GC means you take on full legal responsibility for permit compliance, subcontractor management, inspection scheduling, and budget control across every trade. Most Memphis homeowners who attempt this find the coordination failures and cost overruns exceed what a GC’s fee would have been. For a full breakdown of what a GC actually manages, see our article on general contractor vs. subcontractor.

What is the biggest mistake Memphis homeowners make when building a new home?

The most common and costly mistake is rushing through the planning and design stage to get to construction faster. Decisions made poorly during design create expensive problems during construction. The second most common mistake is not locking in material selections before the construction phase that requires them, which causes project delays that pile up quickly. Both mistakes are entirely preventable with disciplined pre-construction planning.

When do I release final payment on a new home construction project?

Release final payment only after three conditions are met. First, Shelby County issues the certificate of occupancy. Second, you verify every punch list item complete in person. Third, you collect unconditional lien waivers from your GC and all major subcontractors and suppliers. Releasing final payment before all three conditions removes your primary leverage to ensure all obligations are fulfilled.