What Every Homeowner Must Finalize Before Construction Begins

Sometimes, the right house just doesn’t exist. If you’ve searched through homes for sale in Grand Junction and still can’t find the one—that’s a sign. You don’t have to settle. It may be smarter to build one that fits your life exactly the way you want it.

At Alegria Homes, we build homes designed around you, not the other way around. But the success of a new home doesn’t begin with blueprints. It begins with clarity. Land, layout, and lifestyle choices have to be locked in before the first trench is dug or the concrete is poured.

This blog walks you through what to know, what to decide, and what to plan early—so building doesn’t become more stressful than it should be.

Choosing the Right Land: It’s More Than Just Location

The lot you choose sets the entire tone for your future home. Size matters—but so do slope, drainage, zoning, and utilities. The right location won’t just look good. It’ll work well for the house you want to build.

Ask these questions before buying land:

• Is the lot flat, or will it require excavation or retaining walls?
• Does the property have access to city utilities or will it need a septic system and well?
• What zoning rules apply? Will they affect how large you can build or what you can do on the property?
• Are there setback limits that change where your home can sit?
• Is the soil stable and ready for foundation work?

If you’re not sure how to evaluate a lot, a reputable builder will help with that. We always recommend walking the property with a professional before you buy. A site might seem perfect on paper but require tens of thousands in prep work that catches first-time builders off guard.

Layout Isn’t Just About Square Footage

Once you have the land, the layout must follow the land—not fight it. You don’t just decide you want a 3,000-square-foot home and plug it in. The slope, views, light exposure, and even wind direction all influence how your floor plan should be shaped.

Design with both the land and your lifestyle in mind:

• Want a walkout basement? You’ll need a sloped lot.
• Want morning sun in the kitchen? Face that side east.
• Plan to entertain? Make sure your great room flows naturally into the kitchen and patio.
• Prefer peace and quiet? Put bedrooms away from the garage and main traffic areas.

It’s not just about placing rooms. It’s about how those rooms support the way you live—day to night, season to season.

Lifestyle Drives Design

You aren’t building a house. You’re building a lifestyle. And it’s easier to align everything when you’re not trying to work around someone else’s design decisions.

Think through how you really live:

 Do you work from home?

Include a proper office with natural light and built-in storage.

Do you have small kids or expect family to visit often?

Split-bedroom layouts work great for privacy while keeping the main areas shared.

Are you active outdoors?

Mudrooms, extra garage bays, and even home gyms can be built right into the plan.

Want aging-in-place features?

We can include wide doorways, step-free entries, and future-proof layouts that let you stay comfortable long-term.

How Zoning and Local Codes Could Change Your Plans

Many people find the perfect lot and assume they can build whatever they want. That’s rarely true. Zoning laws may limit building size, placement, roof height, even the type of dwelling allowed.

In some parts of Mesa County, rural lots may require additional permits for things like:

• Private access roads
• Fire mitigation if near wildland zones
• Septic systems
• Height limits for second stories
• Water rights if irrigation or agricultural use is planned

Our team at Alegria Homes navigates this step with you. It’s better to handle it early than run into issues after you’ve already finalized the design.

Utilities, Easements, and Access

Another part of land selection and planning that can sneak up on people is infrastructure. Not every lot has ready access to everything your home needs. And not every access point is truly yours to use.

Here’s what you’ll need to confirm:

• Water – Is there city water? Or will a well need to be drilled and tested?
• Sewer – Can your home connect to a public system? Or does it need space for a septic tank and drain field?
• Electric – How far is the nearest utility pole? Who covers installation costs?
• Gas – Will you be able to install natural gas appliances, or will you need a propane tank?
• Easements – Are there underground lines or driveways on your lot that others have legal access to?

A full site evaluation answers these questions upfront so there are no surprises halfway through the build.

Don’t Skip the Budget Planning

Building a custom home lets you control everything—but it also means costs can rise quickly if choices aren’t made carefully. The cost of the land, permits, design, materials, labor, and finishes all add up.

Start by deciding where you want to prioritize spending:

• High-end kitchen vs. larger living room
• Custom wood flooring vs. upgraded windows
• Detached garage now or plan for it later?

A good builder doesn’t just quote you a total cost. We walk through the estimate line by line so you understand exactly where your money is going. And we’ll help keep you on track without sacrificing the features you care about.

Timeline Planning: Know What to Expect

Even in the best conditions, building a custom home takes time. Weather, permits, and decisions all play a role in how fast things move. But the more decisions you make early, the smoother the process becomes.

Here’s a rough outline of a typical build timeline:

1. Land Purchase and Due Diligence – 2 to 4 weeks
2. Design and Architectural Planning – 4 to 8 weeks
3. Permitting and Engineering Approvals – 3 to 6 weeks
4. Site Prep and Foundation – 2 to 4 weeks
5. Framing, Roofing, Windows – 4 to 6 weeks
6. Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC – 3 to 5 weeks
7. Insulation, Drywall, Interior Finish – 5 to 8 weeks
8. Final Walkthrough and Punch List – 1 to 2 weeks

Of course, your timeline may shift slightly based on scope and season. We provide updates at every stage, so you’re never in the dark.

Custom Isn’t Complicated—When You Start Smart

Many people think building a custom home means dozens of big decisions every week. It doesn’t have to. The right planning up front removes most of the pressure later.

Get the land right. Finalize a floor plan that supports your life. Plan for how the space should feel and function—not just how it should look.

We’ve seen firsthand that when people take their time in the early stages, the rest of the process feels simple and rewarding.

Let’s Build the Right Way, from Day One

If you’re tired of scrolling through listings and nothing feels right, maybe you’re not looking for a house. Maybe you’re looking for a home—and it’s time to build it.

At Alegria Homes, we work with families who want more than just square footage. We help them find land that fits. We design layouts that serve. And we shape homes around real lives.

If that’s the path you’re ready to take, we’re here for it. Let’s build it together.