About Us
Simplifying the journey from blueprint to move-in.
Building a home is one of the most significant projects most people will ever undertake. Yet, the sequence of construction materials, building codes, and phases is often hidden behind industry jargon or fragmented spreadsheets.
Why We Built This
The Materials Roadmap was created to empower first-time homeowners, owner-builders, and curious builders in the United States. Our goal is to bring absolute transparency to the residential building sequence.
By breaking down the construction journey into 13 logical, sequential phases—from initial permits and excavation through insulation, interior trims, and final building inspection certifications—we hope to help you coordinate materials, estimate timelines, and consult with subcontractors with confidence.
How to Use This Roadmap
We suggest exploring the stages in order to understand how earlier choices (such as foundation type or window style) influence later trades (such as drywall or trim finishes). You can check off items as you research local suppliers or purchase products, and your browser will save your progress automatically.
Remember, local building codes (adopted variants of the International Residential Code) and US climate zones affect requirements, so make sure to select your climate zone in the filter tool.
Who We Are
We are a collective of architects, builders, and web developers passionate about construction education and clean, human-centered design. We believe that building your own home should be a rewarding adventure, not an overwhelming puzzle.