The Owner-Builder Platform

Build your home. Without the chaos.

Most people who want to build a custom home have no idea where to start. LandToKeys walks you through every decision — from selecting raw land to getting your certificate of occupancy — guided by a licensed GC with real project experience.

8 Build
Phases
98+ Checklist
Items
$40K Avg Owner-
Builder Savings
🗺️
Land Selection Zoning · Flood zones · Utilities
🧪
Feasibility & Due Diligence Perc tests · Title · Permits preview
📐
Plans & Design Stock plans · Architect · Energy compliance
🏦
Financing Construction loans · Owner-builder options
👷
Contractor Selection GC vs. owner-builder · Contracts
📋
Permitting & Entitlements Stock plans · Architect · Energy compliance
Utilities & Infrastructure Septic · Well · Power · Driveway
🏗️
Construction Management Draws · Inspections · CO

Building a custom home is the most complex project most people will ever attempt.

Most owner-builders waste thousands of dollars and months of time making mistakes that an experienced GC would catch in five minutes. The information exists — it's just scattered across county websites, contractor word-of-mouth, and YouTube rabbit holes.

🏚️ They buy the wrong land

Failed perc tests, landlocked parcels, wetland overlays — rookie buyers find out after close. Due diligence costs $200. Mistakes cost $40,000.

📄 They miss critical permits

Septic permits, grading permits, energy compliance — skipped items stop inspections cold. A missed permit can halt your build for months.

💸 They overpay contractors

Without knowing market rates or contract terms, owner-builders get gouged on change orders and upfront deposits. Lien waivers? Most have never heard of them.

Everything you need.
Nothing you don't.

Phase-by-Phase Checklists

98+ items across 8 build phases. Each item includes why it matters, what can go wrong, and what it costs if you skip it. Critical items are flagged so nothing slips through.

💰

Cost Estimator

Real cost ranges for every phase — septic systems, permit fees, well drilling, framing, and more. Real numbers for every phase — calibrated to US market conditions.

🤖

AI Expert Assistant

Ask anything. Get answers backed by licensed GC expertise and national building code knowledge. Perc test failed? Permit rejected? The AI knows what to do next.

📊

Progress Tracking

Check off items as you complete them. See your progress across all 8 phases. Know exactly where you stand and what comes next — no spreadsheet required.

⚖️

State-Specific Guidance

State contractor license verification, fire hazard zones, energy compliance, and local code requirements — built into every phase for all 50 states.

📋

Document Templates

Change order forms, lien waivers, subcontractor agreements, punch list templates — the paperwork a GC uses on every job, ready for you to use.

🌍

AI Land Matcher

Answer 8 questions about your priorities — budget, climate, acreage, water access — and get AI recommendations for the best US regions to find buildable land, plus direct links to active listings.

Built by a GC.
Be the first to weigh in.

LandToKeys just launched. We're collecting feedback from real owner-builders, land buyers, and construction professionals. If you've explored the platform, we want to hear from you.

Your testimonial could be here. Get free Pro access and share your honest experience.

✍️
Owner-builder · Coming soon Submit yours below

Know what a perc test is? Know what a draw schedule is? Tell us if the platform explains it clearly.

✍️
Land buyer · Coming soon Submit yours below

Are you a contractor, GC, or real estate professional? We'd love your perspective on the accuracy and usefulness of this platform.

✍️
Industry professional · Coming soon Submit yours below
Share your experience

Get free Pro access in exchange for honest feedback. Takes 20–30 minutes to explore the platform. No fake reviews — we want what you actually think.

Submit a Testimonial →

Pay less than one hour
of contractor time.

A single change order mistake costs more than a year of LandToKeys Pro. Cancel any time.

Starter
$0
Free forever
Explore the platform and see what your build will involve. No credit card needed.
  • Phase 1 complete — all 16 items (free)
  • See what your build involves
  • All 8 phase overviews
  • All 8 full checklists
  • AI Expert Assistant
  • Document templates
Get Started Free
Lite
$29
per month · cancel any time
All the checklists and cost data. Great if you're still in early planning and not ready to commit.
  • All 8 full phase checklists
  • Detailed cost estimators
  • Progress tracking
  • AI Expert Assistant
  • Document templates
  • Priority support
Start Lite — $29/mo
Annual Pro
$799
per year · save $389 vs monthly
Full Pro access for a full year. Best value for active builders who want to commit.
  • Everything in Pro
  • 2 months free vs monthly
  • Phase summary PDF exports
  • 1-hr GC expert Q&A call
  • Early access to new features
  • Invoice for your records
Get Annual — $799/yr

🔒 Secure checkout via Stripe · Create your free account first, then upgrade · 14-day money-back guarantee on monthly plans

Built by a licensed GC —
not a content marketer.

LandToKeys was built by Eli Anderson, a California Class B General Contractor with over 25 years of real construction experience across residential and federal projects. Every checklist item, cost range, and piece of guidance on this platform comes from hands-on field experience — not textbooks or YouTube.

🏗️
CA Class B GC License #1021495Licensed General Contractor, State of California
🎖️
OSHA 30/40-Hour · Army Corps CQM CertifiedFederal and military construction standards
Federal & Military Project ExperienceIncluding electrical substation work at MCRD San Diego
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AI-Enhanced, GC-VerifiedEvery AI answer is grounded in real construction knowledge — not generic internet content
By the numbers
25+Years GC Experience
98+Checklist Items
8Build Phases
50States Covered
"I built this because I watched too many people get taken advantage of — overpaying contractors, buying unbuildable land, failing inspections that a 10-minute conversation with a GC would have prevented. This platform is that conversation, available any time."
— Eli Anderson, B A Construction

Need help finding the right land?
Talk to a specialist who's done it 33 years.

👩‍💼
Land Specialist
Sarah Jones
Windermere Real Estate · Anacortes, WA · 33 years experience
Sarah and her daughter Morgan specialize in exactly what LandToKeys users need — unimproved vacant land, new construction sites, waterfront, and island properties across the Pacific Northwest. With over 33 years of experience and deep knowledge of rural land, environmental overlays, well water, and septic viability, they can help you find buildable land that actually works for your project.
✓ Vacant land ✓ New construction sites ✓ Waterfront ✓ Island properties ✓ MLS licensed

Get answers from a licensed GC
or a land specialist — on a live call.

Book a 30-minute video or phone consultation directly with a licensed GC or MLS realtor. Get real answers for your specific project — not generic advice. Discounted rates for paid plan members.

🏗️
GC Consultation
30 min · video or phone · with a licensed CA Class B General Contractor
✓ Site planning & buildability questions
✓ Contractor selection & contract review
✓ Permit strategy & inspection prep
✓ Budget & cost reality check
Free plan$199 / session
Lite members$149 / session
Pro / Annual members$99 / session
Book a GC Call →
🏡
Land & Realtor Consultation
30 min · with Sarah or Morgan Jones · MLS licensed, San Juan Islands & Pacific NW specialists
✓ Evaluate a specific parcel you're considering
✓ Vacant land, waterfront & island properties
✓ Offer strategy & negotiation guidance
✓ Pacific NW market & island build considerations
Free plan$199 / session
Lite members$149 / session
Pro / Annual members$99 / session
Contact Sarah & Morgan →
Browsing land in the Pacific Northwest? View Sarah & Morgan's Active Listings →

Consultation fees are paid directly at booking. Rate discount applies to active paid subscribers. Sessions are non-refundable once confirmed. Pro/Annual rate of $99 reflects minimum market rate for licensed GC and realtor time.

Need a licensed GC on your paperwork?

Some California projects require a licensed contractor's involvement in the permit process. We offer two licensed contractor services for CA owner-builders who need more than guidance — they need a licensed GC in the room.

These are separate from our platform subscriptions. All services governed by a written consulting or contractor agreement. CA Class B License #1021495 · Eli Anderson · B A Construction.

📋
Permit Pulling Service
Southern CA · SD · LA · OC · Riverside · SB

We handle the permit application process as your licensed contractor — working with your building department, submitting documents, and navigating plan check. Two options depending on your project's needs.

Option A — Advisory
You pull as owner-builder. We guide you through the process, review your submittal package, and flag issues before you submit. Best for straightforward projects.
Option B — Contractor of Record
We pull the permit under our CA Class B license. Requires a signed contractor agreement defining scope, responsibilities, and limitations. Best when a licensed GC is required by the jurisdiction or lender.
Tiered Pricing
Free planStarting at $799
Lite membersStarting at $599
Pro / Annual membersStarting at $499
Final quote depends on jurisdiction, project complexity, and option selected. Site visit may be required.
Book a Permit Consultation →
🏗️
Licensed GC Consultation
Remote · California projects only

30-minute sessions with a licensed CA Class B GC. Get direct answers to your project-specific questions — plans, contractors, sequencing, inspections, contracts, or anything else standing between you and your CO.

✓ Plan review & permit strategy
✓ Contractor bid evaluation
✓ Contract & change order review
✓ Inspection prep & punch list guidance
✓ Budget reality check against your quotes
✓ Any phase — land through CO
Tiered Pricing · Per 30-min Session
Free plan$199 / session
Lite members$149 / session
Pro / Annual members$99 / session
Book a GC Session →

⚖️ Important: All contractor services require a signed written agreement prior to commencement. Contractor of Record services (Option B) are subject to project scope review and are not available for all project types. These services are offered by Eli Anderson, CA Class B GC License #1021495, operating under B A Construction. LandToKeys platform subscriptions and contractor services are separate — a platform subscription is not required to book contractor services, but plan members receive discounted rates. Not legal advice.

Everything you need to know
before you start.

Is LandToKeys for beginners or experienced builders?+
Both — but it's especially valuable if you've never built before. The platform gives first-time owner-builders the knowledge that experienced GCs take for granted. If you've built before, you'll find it useful as a systematic reference and project tracking tool.
Does it work in my state?+
Yes — LandToKeys covers all 50 states. The core build process is similar across the country. Where requirements vary by state or county, the platform tells you exactly where to check locally and what questions to ask. The AI Expert can answer state-specific questions directly.
What's the difference between Lite and Pro?+
Lite ($29/mo) gives you all 8 phase checklists with detailed instructions and cost estimators — great if you're in early planning. Pro ($99/mo) adds the AI Expert Assistant, document templates (lien waivers, change orders, etc.), and priority support. Most serious owner-builders use Pro.
Can I cancel any time?+
Yes. No contracts, no cancellation fees. Cancel any time from your account settings — you'll keep access until the end of your billing period. Monthly plans ($29/$99) include a 7-day refund if fewer than 3 checklist phases have been accessed. Annual plans ($799) are non-refundable but can be converted to a 12-month Pro credit if you're not satisfied — contact us within 30 days.
Is this legal or financial advice?+
No — LandToKeys provides general construction guidance based on real GC experience, not legal or financial advice. We always recommend verifying local requirements with your county, consulting a licensed attorney for contracts, and working with a lender for construction financing.
Does my progress save if I close the browser?+
Yes — when you create a free account, all your checklist progress, notes, contacts, costs, and dates save automatically. You can pick up exactly where you left off on any device. Without an account, progress doesn't persist between sessions.
How accurate are the cost estimates?+
Cost ranges reflect typical US market conditions based on real project experience. They're designed as a realistic planning baseline — not a final bid. Costs vary significantly by region, lot conditions, and contractor availability. Always get 3 local bids before committing to any number.
What are the document templates?+
Lite and Pro subscribers get 6 fillable templates used on real construction jobs: Conditional Lien Waiver, Unconditional Lien Waiver, Change Order Form, Punch List, Subcontractor Agreement, and Contractor Reference Check. Fill in the fields and print or save as PDF. Consult an attorney before using any contract.

Ready to build smarter?

Start for free — no credit card required. Upgrade any time when you're ready to go deeper. Available in all 50 states.

Free Resource
Get the Owner-Builder Checklist PDF
All 8 phases, 98+ items — printable reference for your build.

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Start Building Free → Go Pro — $99/mo

14-day money-back guarantee on monthly plans · Cancel any time · All 50 states