For some people, building a custom home may be a better option than purchasing an existing one and going through the renovation process. Yet, when making the choice between building, buying and upgrading an existing home, you should know everything that the process entails.

Building a home can be a challenging process, with many steps along the way. However, the home building process can be highly rewarding. The following infographic created by Donald A. Gardner Architects is a guide on what to do and where to start if you are either considering or have already started building a custom home.

As you’ll see, many of the steps refer to finding a contractor with the certifications and skills required to complete the job on time and with the highest quality. The infographic also refers to the process of how to button up your home with efficient insulation, HVAC systems, windows, and doors, similar to how you would address energy upgrades in your existing home.