Buying a new construction home is exciting. It's also one of the most complex purchases most people will ever make.

You'll be asked to make dozens of decisions, sign hundreds of pages of contracts, coordinate with multiple parties (builder, lender, real estate agent, inspector, insurance), and stay on top of a 5–9 month timeline. One missed item can cost thousands of dollars or push closing back by weeks.

This is the complete checklist we wish every buyer had before they signed a contract — 87 items across five phases of the build process, from "I'm thinking about it" to "I just got the keys." We've been building homes in Greater Cincinnati for over 60 years. This is what we'd tell our own family members.

Print it. Check items off as you go. Or — and we recommend this — let a builder handle the parts you don't want to do yourself.

Phase 1: Before you sign anything (12 items)

This is the research phase. Most buyers rush through it. Don't.

1. Get pre-qualified with a lender. Before you look at homes, look at your budget. A 24-hour pre-qualification gives you a real number based on your real finances. Without it, you're guessing.

2. Decide if you want builder-path or owner-builder. Owner-builder means you're the general contractor — you find land, hire subs, pull permits, and manage the whole build. Builder-path means you choose a community and a floor plan, and the builder handles everything. Most buyers want builder-path even if they don't realize it.

3. Identify your top 3 school districts. Greater Cincinnati has dozens of school districts with widely varying quality. School district affects both education and resale value. Don't tour communities outside your top districts.

4. Establish a realistic commute boundary. A 35-minute commute is sustainable. A 50-minute commute, after the new-home excitement wears off, is not. Map your top communities against your workplaces.

5. List your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves. Master suite on the main floor: must-have or nice-to-have? Three-car garage: must-have or nice-to-have? Be specific. Bring this list when you tour.

6. Research builders before you tour. Read reviews. Drive past completed communities. Ask the builder how long they've been in business and how many homes they build per year. Lifetime quality differs more than buyers expect.

7. Visit at least 3 communities before signing anything. Even if you fall in love with the first one, see two others. Comparison reveals what matters to you.

8. Talk to current homeowners. Knock on a few doors in the community. Ask what they wish they'd known. This single step has saved buyers more money and heartache than almost any other.

9. Understand the CRA tax abatement. The Community Reinvestment Area program in Cincinnati, Hamilton County, and several surrounding cities can eliminate or substantially reduce property taxes on new construction for 10–15 years. The terms vary by community. Some Cristo Homes communities offer 100% 15-year abatements (Morningside in Forest Park, Enclave at Mariemont). Anderson Place in Madisonville offers a 10-year abatement. Heritage Landing in Middletown offers a 5-year abatement. Read about CRA tax abatement →

10. Understand the HOA (if applicable). Most newer Cincinnati communities have HOAs. Find out the monthly cost, what it covers, and what the architectural review board requires. Some HOAs prohibit fences, certain paint colors, or backyard sheds.

11. Get an honest answer on builder timeline. Ask: "What's your average build time on this floor plan in this community, including delays?" If they won't give you a number, that's information.

12. Know what's in the base price vs. what's an upgrade. A $349,000 base price can become $389,000 with upgrades you assumed were standard. Ask for an itemized list of what's included. For more on this question — and for the real cost of building in Cincinnati — see our cost-to-build guide for the Cincinnati market.

How Cristo Homes handles this phase: We give every buyer a base-vs-upgrades document up front so there are no surprises at the design center. Browse our 14 active communities →

Phase 2: Contract and pre-construction (16 items)

You've picked a community and a floor plan. Now you're signing on the dotted line.

13. Review the purchase contract before signing. A real estate attorney can review it for $300–$500. For a $400,000 home, this is cheap insurance.

14. Confirm the lot you're buying. Some communities sell from a site plan. Confirm exactly which lot is yours, see it in person, and verify it's noted correctly on the contract.

15. Understand the earnest money deposit. How much, when it's due, how it's held (escrow), and what happens to it if either party defaults.

16. Read the contingencies. Most contracts have financing, inspection, and appraisal contingencies. Know what each one means and what triggers them.

17. Note the expected delivery window, not a specific date. Builders give you a 30–60 day window because weather and inspections aren't perfectly predictable. Plan your move-out timing with the window in mind.

18. Lock in your mortgage rate at the right time. Rate locks typically last 60–90 days. Lock too early and you may pay extension fees. Lock too late and you may miss a better rate. Coordinate with your lender as the build approaches its midpoint.

19. Schedule your design center appointment within 30 days. Selections need to happen early enough that materials can be ordered in time. Delays in selections cause delays in build.

20. Bring a notebook to the design center. You'll make 50+ decisions in one session. Write down what you picked, why, and what you ruled out.

21. Don't make selections from a brochure. Sit in front of the actual tile, the actual cabinet door, the actual countertop sample. Photos are misleading.

22. Think 5 years ahead on finishes. Trends date a home fast. Pick neutrals for the things you can't easily change (cabinets, countertops, flooring). Save the trendy choices for paint and decor.

23. Negotiate or add the upgrades that pay back. A finished basement, an upgraded garage door, and quality flooring tend to add resale value. A built-in coffee bar usually doesn't.

24. Document everything in writing. Verbal promises don't survive contractor turnover. Get every commitment in writing as a contract addendum.

25. Buy homeowners insurance early. Lenders require a binder before closing. Shop rates 60 days out, not the week of closing.

26. Set up a moving timeline. Notify your current landlord (if renting), schedule movers, transfer utilities, change your address with the USPS and your employer.

27. Plan for closing costs. Closing costs typically run 2–4% of the purchase price. On a $400,000 home, that's $8,000–$16,000 on top of the down payment.

28. Confirm the warranty. What's covered, for how long, and how to file a claim. Most builders offer 1-year workmanship, 2-year systems, and 10-year structural warranties. For a deeper look at how warranties actually work and what to ask about, see our complete guide to new construction home warranties.

How Cristo Homes handles this phase: Our sales counselors walk through the contract page by page. Our design lead, Alec Hare, spends as much time as needed at the design center. We don't rush selections.

Phase 3: Foundation and framing (18 items)

Once the contract is signed and selections are made, construction begins. This is where buyers often get nervous because they can't see most of the progress.

29. Confirm site preparation is complete before excavation. Trees cleared, utilities marked, silt fencing installed, lot graded.

30. Verify the foundation type matches your contract. Full basement, slab, or crawlspace — it should match what you signed.

31. Watch the foundation pour if you can. You won't see this part of the home again once it's covered. Even a brief visit teaches you a lot.

32. Inspect the foundation walls for cracks. Small hairline cracks during curing are normal. Anything wider than 1/16" or that runs corner-to-corner is worth asking about.

33. Confirm waterproofing was applied to the foundation exterior. This is the single biggest determinant of whether your basement stays dry.

34. Verify backfill is compacted. Improperly compacted backfill causes basement walls to bow over time.

35. Check the framing for plumb and square. Walls should be vertical. Doorways should be square. If they're not, raise the issue during framing — not after drywall.

36. Walk through the floor plan in person during framing. This is the best time to add an outlet, move a switch, or add recessed lighting. After drywall, every change is expensive.

37. Note window placement and sizing. Once windows are installed, changing them is a rebuild-the-wall project.

38. Verify the roof pitch and shingle color. Look at the home from the curb. Confirm it matches what you ordered.

39. Confirm the HVAC system size and location. An undersized system will struggle to heat and cool. An oversized system wastes energy. Both should be visible on the spec sheet.

40. Verify the location of every electrical box. Standard placement is one outlet per wall, but kitchens, baths, and home offices need more. Adding outlets at this stage is cheap.

41. Check plumbing rough-in for tubs, showers, and toilets. Verify locations and fixture types match your selections.

42. Confirm the location of cable, internet, and TV outlets. Most builders include a basic package. If you want extra ports — at a desk location, behind a TV, in a basement future media room — say so now.

43. Schedule an electrical walkthrough before drywall. Most builders allow this. Take 30 minutes and walk every room with the electrician.

44. Verify insulation R-value. Check the spec sheet against what's installed. R-13 in exterior walls and R-38 in the attic is typical in Cincinnati's climate zone.

45. Confirm exterior color and finish. Brick, siding, stone — match against your selections.

46. Get a written list of any change orders. A change order modifies the contract. Both parties should sign each one.

How Cristo Homes handles this phase: We give our buyers regular construction updates with photos at each milestone. You're never wondering what's happening.

Phase 4: Finishes and systems (20 items)

Once the home is dried-in and the rough-ins are inspected, the home transforms quickly. Most of the "wow" moments happen here.

47. Walk through with the painter before paint goes up. Confirm wall colors, trim colors, and accent walls.

48. Check cabinet installation level and plumb. Sloppy cabinet installation will haunt you every time you open a drawer.

49. Confirm cabinet hardware style and finish. This is one of the most-changed items in the first year of homeownership. Get it right now.

50. Watch countertop seam placement. A seam in a visible spot is a daily annoyance. Ask where seams will fall before fabrication.

51. Inspect tile work for level and grout consistency. Bad tile work shows up most around tubs, showers, and backsplashes.

52. Test every electrical outlet and switch. Bring a small lamp or outlet tester to the walkthrough.

53. Run every faucet, both hot and cold. Check pressure, drainage, and any leaks under sinks.

54. Flush every toilet. Make sure it flushes fully and refills correctly.

55. Test the HVAC in heating and cooling modes. Both modes should work. The thermostat should respond accurately.

56. Verify all appliances are working. Open the fridge. Run the dishwasher empty. Test every burner on the stove. Check the microwave.

57. Open and close every window. Locks, sashes, screens. Note any that stick.

58. Open and close every door. Interior, exterior, closet, garage. Check for proper latching.

59. Check garage door operation. Both the door itself and any remote openers. Test the safety reverse.

60. Inspect flooring for scratches, gaps, or damage. Hard surfaces should be tight. Carpet should be free of seams in visible areas.

61. Look at the ceiling for drywall flaws. Bright window light reveals waves, bumps, and visible joints.

62. Walk the exterior for siding alignment, brick mortar, and paint coverage. Bad exterior finish work shows from 30 feet away.

63. Verify gutters and downspouts route water away from the foundation. Downspouts should extend at least 4 feet from the home.

64. Confirm the driveway slope drains away from the garage. Pooling water at the garage door is a recurring headache.

65. Test the doorbell. It's a small thing. Builders forget.

66. Check exterior lights. Front door, back door, garage carriage lights. All should work and be timed to come on at dusk if photocell-controlled.

67. Verify landscape package is installed per contract. Sod or seed, foundation plants, tree(s). Compare to what's in your contract.

Phase 5: Pre-closing and move-in (21 items)

The home is almost done. These last 30 days are where careful buyers separate from rushed buyers.

68. Schedule a final walkthrough 7–10 days before closing. This is your formal punch-list opportunity. Bring a notepad, a flashlight, and patience.

69. Bring a checklist to the walkthrough. This guide is one. Print it. Use it.

70. Test every door, window, outlet, switch, and faucet again. The walkthrough is the last easy moment to catch things.

71. Note any cosmetic flaws. Paint touch-ups, drywall dings, scratches in flooring. The builder fixes these before closing.

72. Confirm any change orders have been completed. Walk through each one with the builder.

73. Get the warranty documents in writing. Workmanship, systems, and structural. Read them.

74. Verify all appliance warranties have been registered. Most appliances require online registration within 30 days for full warranty.

75. Get a manual or location for every system. HVAC, water heater, garage door opener, security system. Builders usually leave a packet in the kitchen.

76. Locate the water shut-off, gas shut-off, and electrical panel. Know where they are before you need them in an emergency.

77. Identify smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector locations. Test each one. Replace batteries annually.

78. Get keys for every lock — front door, back door, garage door, mailbox. Count them. Make sure they all work.

79. Order homeowners insurance to begin on closing day. Have the binder in hand.

80. Schedule final mortgage paperwork review. Most lenders provide a closing disclosure 3 days before closing. Read it. Question anything unfamiliar.

81. Confirm utilities transfer to your name on closing day. Water, gas, electric, internet. Each utility has its own process and timeline.

82. Bring a cashier's check to closing. Personal checks are usually not accepted. Confirm the exact amount with the title company 24 hours in advance.

83. Bring photo ID to closing. Driver's license or passport.

84. Take a final reading of utility meters. Photograph them on closing day. Document baseline numbers in case of disputes later.

85. Change the locks within the first week. Subcontractors, real estate agents, and inspectors all had keys. Your locks should now have one set of keys: yours.

86. File any warranty issues within the first 30 days. Sticky doors, small leaks, paint touch-ups. Most builders prefer all first-month issues bundled into one work order rather than 12 separate ones.

87. Schedule the 11-month warranty walkthrough. Most builder warranties expire at 12 months. The 11-month walkthrough is your last chance to catch anything still covered.

How Cristo Homes handles this phase: Our warranty process is straightforward. Any time something needs attention after closing, you submit a request through our online owner warranty portal. We process the request, inspect when needed, and issue a work order to the right trade partner. No 1-800 line, no third-party administrator routing you in circles.

What's different about new construction in Cincinnati specifically

A few things that are unique to the Greater Cincinnati market:

CRA tax abatement is a major factor in the math. Cincinnati's CRA program is one of the most generous tax abatement structures in the Midwest. On a $400,000 home, a 15-year abatement can save $40,000–$80,000 over the abatement period. Communities like Morningside in Forest Park and Enclave at Mariemont offer 100% 15-year abatements. Read more about CRA tax abatement →

Permitting timelines vary widely by jurisdiction. A permit in Hamilton County unincorporated areas might take 2 weeks. A permit in the city of Cincinnati can take 6–8 weeks. Builders who work in multiple jurisdictions know how to navigate this; first-time owner-builders often don't.

Seasonal build timing matters. Excavation in December–February is possible in Cincinnati but more expensive due to frozen ground. Most builders prefer to schedule foundation work in March–November.

School district maps don't always match city boundaries. A home in "Cincinnati" might be in Cincinnati Public Schools or in one of 20+ surrounding districts. Confirm the actual school district before falling in love with a community.

The Cincinnati resale market in 2026 still has tight inventory. New construction often closes faster than resale right now because resale inventory is still tight in many neighborhoods.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the whole process take?

For a Cristo Homes community: 30–90 days for a quick move-in home; 5–9 months for new construction on an available lot. For an owner-builder custom project: 14–24 months including land, design, permitting, and construction.

When in the checklist do I sign the contract?

Step 13 — Phase 2. Don't sign until you've completed all 12 items in Phase 1.

What do builders handle vs. what's on me?

Builder-path: the builder handles land, permits, all subcontractors, inspections, and warranty. You handle financing approval, design center selections, and move-in. Owner-builder: you handle everything on the builder's list yourself.

Do I really need a real estate attorney?

Recommended for any home purchase but especially for new construction, where contracts are more complex than resale. $300–$500 buys substantial peace of mind.

Is buying new really worth it vs. resale?

Depends on the buyer. New construction wins on energy efficiency, modern layout, warranty coverage, and tax abatement. Resale wins on mature trees, established neighborhoods, faster timelines, and sometimes price per square foot. Read our new vs. existing comparison →

Don't manage 87 items yourself

If you read this list and thought "this is a lot," you're right. Owner-builders manage all 87 items themselves. Buyers who work with a quality builder hand off 60+ of these items to the builder's team.

At Cristo Homes, we've been building homes in Greater Cincinnati since 1963. We've handled every item on this list thousands of times. We know which inspectors to call in which jurisdictions. We know which subcontractors hit their dates and which ones don't. We know how to deliver a home that passes inspection the first time.

You bring the dream and the budget. We handle the 87 items.

What to do next

Browse the 14 active Cristo Homes communities. From the $240s for patio homes and townhomes through luxury single-family options. See all communities →

Get pre-qualified for financing. A 24–48 hour pre-qualification with one of our preferred lenders — Huntington Bank, NewRez, or LCNB — gives you a real budget number. See financing information →

Read the related guides. The build-your-own-house step-by-step guide, the 25 essential questions to ask your builder, the new construction home warranties guide, and the CRA tax abatement guide are good companion reading.

If you'd like to talk to a Cristo Homes sales counselor about your specific situation — no pressure, no commitment — call (513) 224-4465 or Contact Us. We've been building homes in Greater Cincinnati for 60+ years. We'd like to help you build yours — and we'll give you straight answers, including which competitor might fit you better if Cristo isn't the right match.