How to Build a House on Your Own Land in North Carolina

Confirm the property first

Confirm ownership and legal access before design or site work begins. Review the deed, recorded access, zoning, setbacks and easements with the appropriate local office and closing professionals.

Obtain a current survey or recorded plat that identifies boundaries, easements and the buildable area. A builder needs reliable property information before placing a house, driveway or utilities.

Evaluate utilities, soil and the building site

Determine whether public water and sewer are available or whether the home will need a well and septic system. County approvals, soil evaluation and utility extension costs can change feasibility.

Slope, drainage, soil and foundation conditions influence clearing, grading and foundation design. Review these conditions before assuming a plan will fit or a preliminary budget will hold.

• What to check before buying land
• Well and septic considerations

Choose plans and establish a realistic budget

Select or develop a properly licensed house plan that suits the buildable area, access, foundation conditions and family needs. Online plans may need local-code, engineering or site adaptations.

Build a preliminary construction budget that includes plans, permits, site preparation, utilities, foundation, the home itself, finish selections and contingency. Learn more in our construction cost guide and house-plan guide.

Arrange financing, permits and a qualified contractor

If financing is needed, speak with construction lenders early about prequalification, builder documents, draws and permanent financing. Terms depend on the lender and borrower.

Before construction, complete plans and specifications, secure applicable permits, establish inspections and select a licensed general contractor. AGCS coordinates the construction sequence through new-home construction.

Begin construction with one accountable plan

After the written construction agreement and approvals are complete, work generally moves through site preparation, foundation, framing, dry-in, trade rough-ins, inspections, insulation, finishes and closeout. The exact sequence depends on the project.