Build in the right order.
A building project becomes easier to manage when the major decisions
happen in the right sequence. Understand the process before you
commit your time, money, and materials.
From property to finished building.
Every project is different, but the major decisions tend to follow
a recognizable path. Use this roadmap to understand what comes next
and what should be resolved before moving forward.
Property & feasibility
Understand the property before designing the building.
Establish what is allowed, what is possible, and what
constraints need to be addressed.
Site conditions
Access
Utilities
Budget
Concept & design
Translate your goals and the site’s constraints into a
workable building concept. Materials, climate, performance,
and construction methods begin to come together here.
Site planning
Materials
Performance
Design
Engineering & documentation
Turn the concept into drawings, specifications, structural
decisions, details, and documentation that can be reviewed
and built from.
Engineering
Details
Specifications
Cost review
Permits & approvals
Submit the required documentation and work through the applicable
review process before construction begins.
Zoning review
Agency approvals
Inspections
Construction
Build according to the approved design while managing materials,
sequencing, quality, inspections, changes, and communication.
Structure
Envelope
Systems
Finishes
Completion & stewardship
A building is not finished when construction stops. Understand
commissioning, maintenance, repairs, documentation, and how the
building should be cared for over time.
Documentation
Maintenance
Performance
Solve the expensive problems before construction.
The earlier a problem is discovered, the more options you usually
have for solving it. Good planning isn’t about slowing a project down.
It’s about preventing avoidable surprises later.
Understand the property and requirements before making design commitments.
Make important assumptions visible before they become construction problems.
Good construction starts with clear drawings, details, materials, and expectations.
Know the process before you start the project.
Use the Natural Building Alliance resources to explore zoning,
design, materials, construction, and the decisions that connect them.