Survey the lot to define the boundaries and dimensions for your home construction.

View the physical features of the lot. Note any rocks, trees, water-fronts, or other desirable or undesirable views. Consider options to gain the most desirable view and privacy.

Note any extra requirements. Do you have room for a swimming pool, side-entry garage, recreational space, etc.

Check the drainage.

Water should drain away from the house and channel into natural or man-made tributaries.

Be careful not to channel water into your neighbors yard (drainage that is not already part of the natural flow). This could save you from potential litigation down the road.

Check your county and/or local governments for property easements and property line setbacks.

Many governments require them. Survey resource information:
www.lsrp.com

Lookup county and city governments:
www.statelocalgov.net

Find a surveyor:
www.surveyseek.com

When breaking ground, consider these points:

··	know where the underground utilities are if they cross your property — then need to be marked
··	plot where the home will be situated with plenty of room for setbacks and proper drainage
··	tag any trees that you want untouched and make sure they are not damaged following excavation
··	be present when they clear the area
··	ensure that the area has been cleared and that all trash has removed — including tree stumps

From howstuffworks.com:
about excavating land

Getting Started:

Step 1: develop the plan
take a completed draft of the spec sheet to your architect or planner, who will can customize a home building plan or revise an existing plan that meets your specs.

use your spec sheet and floor plan to bid the construction project to contractors


Step 2: get required building permits
It will either be up to you or the contractor to obtain each permit.

• all about permits
  
• lookup your local government for permit information
  
  

Step 3: find pre-screened contractors and
other service providers:

find a contractor Use this quick search to find customer-rated contractors from your area. Get reviews.