Section 07 — Move-In
From punch list to front door key
The last four steps of an owner-built house: finish the details, earn the certificate of occupancy, convert the loan, and move in.
Sheets04
StageMove-in
Comes afterFinish work
CostFree
Move-in sheets
The last four steps
MI-01 — MI-04
The final stretch of an owner-built house is detail work and paperwork rather than construction, and it is where tired builders lose weeks. Four steps stand between a finished house and your keys — they run roughly in this order, though the loan paperwork can start while the punch list is still open.
MI-01Punch ListThe room-by-room walkthrough method, the items inspectors reliably catch, and how to get subs back on site to fix their own work.1–2 weeksMI-02Certificate of OccupancyWhat the final inspection requires, the hold-ups that stall a CO, and how to get signed off without a second visit.1–3 daysMI-03Loan ConversionTurning the construction loan into a permanent mortgage — appraisal requirements, rate locks, timeline, and the costs to expect.2–4 weeksMI-04Moving InUtility setup, safety checks, warranty registrations, and the first-week checklist for the house you just built.1 week