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Custom Home Build Pre-Estimate Checklist

Help us understand your dream home vision and determine project scope

1 Client Contact Information
We'll use this information to reach out regarding your custom home build project.
2 Property / Lot Information
Tell us about your building site and lot.
3 Home Size & Layout
Help us understand the scale and design of your custom home.
Michigan Code Note: All exterior footings must extend a minimum of 42 inches below grade per the Michigan Residential Code (R403.1.4). Foundation walls require waterproofing and drain tile systems for habitable below-grade spaces.
4 Design & Style Preferences
What architectural style appeals to you?
5 Engineered Plans & Drawings
If you have blueprints, engineered plans, floor plans, or any drawings for your project, upload them here.
Accepted file types: PDF, JPG, PNG, DWG, DXF, DOC, DOCX (max 25 MB)
Note: If you have multiple files, you can email additional plans to kory@dreamtorealityllc.com after submitting this checklist.
6 Key Features & Must-Haves
What features are most important to you? (Select all that apply)
Michigan Code Requirement: Every bedroom must have an emergency egress window with a minimum opening of 5.7 sq ft (5.0 sq ft at ground floor), minimum 24" height, minimum 20" width, and maximum 44" sill height above the floor. Basement bedrooms require egress window wells.
7 Kitchen Vision
Describe your ideal kitchen.
8 Bathroom Vision
What's your ideal bathroom layout and style?
9 Mechanical Systems
What mechanical and utility systems appeal to you?
Michigan Code Note (2023 NEC): GFCI protection is required in all bathrooms, kitchens (countertop), garages, outdoors, unfinished basements, laundry areas, and crawlspaces. AFCI protection is required in bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, dining rooms, family rooms, dens, closets, hallways, and laundry rooms. Kitchen countertop circuits require dual GFCI + AFCI protection.
Michigan Code Requirement: Hardwired, interconnected smoke alarms with battery backup are required on every floor, in every bedroom, and outside each sleeping area. Carbon monoxide detectors are required near bedrooms, near attached garages, and near any fuel-burning appliances. All must be hardwired and interconnected in new construction.
10 Site Work & Prep
How should we prepare your building site?
11 Permits & Approvals
Have you started the permit process?
Note: We handle all permit applications and inspections as part of our build process.
12 Budget Pre-Qualification
Which budget range best fits your custom home vision?
Tier 1: $250,000–$400,000
Quality-built home with standard finishes, efficient layout, and solid construction. Great for families wanting a well-built custom home without luxury upgrades.
Tier 2: $400,000–$600,000
Mid-range custom home with upgraded finishes, premium kitchen and baths, custom millwork, and enhanced energy efficiency.
Tier 3: $600,000+
High-end custom build with luxury finishes throughout, custom architectural details, premium mechanicals, and top-tier materials.
Note: These ranges are guidelines based on UP Michigan pricing. Final cost depends on size, site conditions, finishes, and specifications.
13 Financing
How will you finance your custom home build?
14 Timeline
What's your desired timeline for this project?
15 Decision-Making & Readiness
Who are the key decision-makers, and how ready are you?
[N] Michigan Building Code Compliance
The following items are required by Michigan code for new residential construction. This helps us ensure your project meets all requirements.
Michigan Energy Code: Michigan's Upper Peninsula falls in Climate Zones 6–7 (Very Cold). New homes must meet minimum insulation values: R-49 ceiling, R-20 or R-13+5ci walls, R-10 foundation/basement walls, and R-30 floors over unconditioned spaces. All windows and doors must meet U-factor and SHGC requirements per Table N1102.1.1.
Note: Some Michigan jurisdictions require residential fire sprinklers. We will verify requirements with your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) during the permit process.
Michigan Code Requirement: All new home construction requires building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits. Inspections are required at key stages: footing/foundation, framing, rough-in (electrical, plumbing, mechanical), insulation, and final. A Certificate of Occupancy must be issued before the home can be occupied. Dream To Reality Construction handles all permit applications and coordinates all required inspections.
16 Acknowledgment

What Happens Next?

We'll review your checklist and contact you within 24 hours to schedule a consultation. No obligations — just honest conversation about your custom home build.