New Build Materials Checklist: A Plot-by-Plot Framework for UK Builders

A repeatable new-build materials checklist is one of the highest-leverage tools a builder, contractor or developer can own. The same plots, the same trades, the same defects — every time materials are ordered against memory rather than a structured list. This new build materials checklist gives you a phase-by-phase framework you can use on every plot, refined into your own house template over time.

Substructure and Groundworks

• Foundation concrete (ready-mix or bagged for small pours)
• Damp proof course (DPC) and damp proof membrane (DPM)
• Sub-base aggregate (MOT Type 1) and oversite stone
• Blockwork below DPC — typically dense concrete blocks for strength
• Drainage runs, fittings, gullies and access points
• Manhole rings, cover slabs and covers (loading class to match application)
• Soakaway crates or attenuation systems where required

Superstructure — Walls

• Facing bricks (specify blend, pack size and lead time early)
• Medium-density concrete blocks for inner leaves and internal walls
• Mortar — bagged, ready-mix, or silo for larger sites
• Wall ties (typically stainless steel, density per square metre per design)
• Cavity insulation to current Part L
• Lintels (steel for openings, concrete for short spans)
• Cavity trays, weep vents, DPC at openings
• Movement joints and bed reinforcement where designed

Superstructure — Roof

• Roof trusses (engineered to design) or cut roof structural timbers
• Roofing membrane or felt
• Treated roof battens (graded for the chosen tile or slate)
• Concrete or clay roof tiles, or natural and fibre cement slates
• Ridge tiles, hip tiles and dry verge systems
• Valley liners, lead flashings and back gutters
• Fascia, soffit, bargeboards and rainwater goods (gutters, downpipes, hoppers)
• Eaves ventilation and ridge ventilation to meet roof breather requirements

First Fix

• Stud partition timber (CLS treated where required)
• Plasterboard (standard, moisture-resistant and fire-rated as designed)
• Acoustic and thermal insulation between floors and partitions
• Internal doorsets and frames (lined or pre-hung)
• Skirting and architrave (primed, MDF or softwood)
• First-fix plumbing pipework, fittings and clips
• First-fix electrical containment (back boxes, cable, conduit)
• Floor screed or chipboard tongue-and-groove flooring

Second Fix and Finishes

• Internal doors and ironmongery (handles, hinges, latches)
• Kitchen carcasses, worktops, sinks and taps
• Bathroom sanitaryware, brassware and tiling
• Painting and decorating sundries (filler, primer, undercoat, topcoat, brushes, rollers, tape)
• Floor finishes (carpet, vinyl, LVT, engineered wood, tiles)
• External doors and door furniture
• Final ironmongery, smoke alarms and CO detectors

Tools, PPE and Site Consumables

A separate consumables order at the start of each plot covers screws, nails, fixings, adhesives, sealants, hi-vis, hard hats, gloves, eye protection, sharps bins, hand sanitiser and welfare consumables. Bundling these into one consolidated order reduces top-up trips to the merchant.

Phasing the Checklist Against the Programme

Don't order everything at once. Order substructure and superstructure for the dry shell, then first fix and second fix as the programme reaches each phase. Phased ordering reduces site theft, damage from weather, mortar going off and the cash flow drag of materials sitting on the compound.

Download and Reuse on Every Job

Speak to our team and we'll share this checklist as an editable document, set up your trade account, and pre-load a reorder basket against your standard house type so every future plot orders in minutes rather than hours.