To execute a high-quality build, these services are essential. In Clayton’s context, some carry extra complexity:

Surveying & Land Planning

Before anything, you need a boundary survey, topographic plan, and layout. This ensures correct setbacks, easement compliance, drainage, and orientation. In Clayton, you also may need to check whether your lot lies within the town limits or the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). The town of Clayton notes that zoning rules and building permits require coordination of both zoning compliance and building plans.

Soil Testing & Geotechnical Studies

Understanding soil bearing capacity, water table, drainage, and potential rock or clay layers is critical. In rural or fringe lots around Clayton, poor drainage or unstable soils can cause foundation or grading problems.

Grading, Site Prep, Erosion Control

Especially for sloped or wooded lots, you’ll need earthwork, retaining walls, stormwater control, and erosion mitigation. The Johnston County Land Development Design Manual provides standards for things like grading, runoff, and lot development.

Utilities: Water, Sewer, Septic

In Clayton and Johnston County, many rural lots still require septic and well systems, unless part of a public water/sewer district. When building, you will need to coordinate with Johnston County Environmental Health to “perk” the lot or approve septic systems.
If your lot is inside a municipality’s water/sewer service area, you’ll need formal hookup approvals and utility extension agreements.

Architectural & Structural Design

You’ll need custom or semi-custom home plans, structural engineering, permit-ready drawings (floor plans, elevations, sections). Clayton’s Code of Ordinances confirms that building permits require plans and specifications.

Contractor / General Builder Procurement

Finding a reliable general contractor who can manage subcontractors, control timelines, handle permit coordination, quality control, and communication is often the heartbeat of successful construction. In Clayton you have local contractors like HMT Construction, LLC, RLD LLC, Seven Generations Build Group and others.

Inspections & Code Compliance

Clayton’s Building Inspections department handles scheduling inspections. Contractors use ePermits—a portal where licensed contractors can request permits, upload documents, schedule inspections, and track results.
In Johnston County, you must include a copy of the Land Use / Zoning Permit, well/septic approvals, and plan reviews when applying for building permits.

Interior Trades & Finishes

You’ll need qualified plumbers, electricians, HVAC, cabinetry, flooring, tile, millwork, and painting. Coordinating timing and quality among these trades is critical.

Landscaping, Hardscaping & Infrastructure

Driveways, grading, drainage swales, patios, retaining walls, curb cuts, and final site grading all need to be integrated.

Warranty, Punch List & Post-Occupancy

At completion, you must track defects, warranty issues, mechanical teething problems. The builder should provide a defined warranty period; you’ll manage the punch list and ensure perfections are corrected.