How to Create a Build Binder for Your New Home

Building a new construction home from scratch is an incredible endeavor. It takes a lot of time, effort and money from all parties involved. It’s likely one of the most expensive and stressful projects you could ever take on, so being organized matters more than you might realize. The best way to ensure everyone stays on track and the project doesn’t suffer unnecessary delays is to build a build binder.

What is it?
A build binder is a binder filled with all the details of your construction project. You can make a copy for yourself, your contractor and, if you want to be really safe, create a digital backup. You and your contractor should consider it your bible throughout the construction process. In it, you can store everything related to the build, including contact details for any and all parties involved, product codes, design plans, and more.

How do I organize it?
A giant folder with all your notes and information thrown in randomly will end up causing more stress instead of helping you through the process, so keeping things very organized is the key here. Use labeled dividers to section out every room of the home, and within each room you can have all the information needed for that specific room from paint colors to appliances and floor plans. This makes it easy for your contractor to easily find answers to any questions they may have without having to ask you.

Is it really necessary?
Truthfully, creating a build binder will take time and effort on your part, and some may choose to go ahead without one—but if you have the time, it is very much worth it. Many owners end up feeling stressed out by the process of having to choose fixtures and appliances at the last minute, making choices they otherwise wouldn’t have. Having a plan early and ahead of time ensures you get exactly what you want without the stress of last-minute decisions or items being out of stock. It ensures your build not only goes smoothly but that you get exactly what you want with as little stress as possible.

It helps prevent mistakes.
The biggest benefit to the binder is that it is a blueprint for your team—there is no reason for mistakes to happen when they have all the answers to their questions right there in the binder. Not only will it ensure you end up with the home you want on time, on budget and on schedule, but it will also ensure the process is as seamless as it can possibly be not only for you, but for your contractors.