Building a Data Center Checklist: From Site Selection to Commissioning

Building a data center is one of the most complex construction projects you can undertake. Hundreds of interdependent tasks must be completed in the right sequence, by the right people, with the right materials. Miss a critical step and you are looking at delays measured in weeks or months — not days.

This checklist distills the data center construction process into a phase-by-phase reference that owners, developers, and general contractors can use to track progress and identify gaps before they become problems. For a deeper walkthrough of the entire process, see our comprehensive guide on how to build a data center.

Phase 1: Planning and Feasibility

The planning phase establishes the foundation for everything that follows. Decisions made here ripple through design, construction, and operations for the life of the facility.

Site Selection Checklist

• [ ] Define power requirements (total MW, utility availability, redundancy path)
• [ ] Evaluate fiber connectivity and carrier diversity at candidate sites
• [ ] Assess zoning compatibility for data center use
• [ ] Conduct environmental screening (wetlands, flood zones, endangered species)
• [ ] Verify water availability for cooling systems
• [ ] Evaluate natural disaster risk (seismic, hurricane, tornado, flood)
• [ ] Assess local workforce availability for construction and operations
• [ ] Confirm access roads can accommodate heavy equipment and transformers
• [ ] Review tax incentives and abatement programs
• [ ] Conduct preliminary geotechnical investigation

Business Planning Checklist

• [ ] Define Tier level and redundancy requirements (N, N+1, 2N, 2N+1)
• [ ] Establish total capacity target (MW IT load)
• [ ] Determine phasing strategy (build all at once vs. phased delivery)
• [ ] Develop preliminary budget ($7-12M per MW is a common range)
• [ ] Define target delivery timeline
• [ ] Identify funding sources and secure financing
• [ ] Engage owner's representative or program manager
• [ ] Select design team (architect, MEP engineer, structural engineer)

Phase 2: Design

Design is where the data center takes shape on paper. Mistakes in design are exponentially more expensive to fix during construction, so thoroughness here pays dividends.

Conceptual and Schematic Design

• [ ] Develop site master plan (building placement, utility routing, parking, future expansion)
• [ ] Establish electrical one-line diagram and redundancy architecture
• [ ] Define cooling strategy (air-cooled chillers, evaporative, liquid cooling, or hybrid)
• [ ] Design structural system (steel frame, tilt-up concrete, or precast)
• [ ] Determine floor loading requirements (data halls, battery rooms, generator areas)
• [ ] Specify raised floor vs. slab-on-grade design
• [ ] Establish fire protection strategy (pre-action, clean agent, or hybrid)
• [ ] Define physical security requirements

Design Development and Construction Documents

• [ ] Complete MEP engineering design
• [ ] Develop detailed structural drawings
• [ ] Create civil engineering package (grading, utilities, stormwater)
• [ ] Produce architectural drawings and specifications
• [ ] Develop commissioning plan and specifications
• [ ] Issue construction documents for permit review
• [ ] Identify long-lead equipment and begin procurement

Workforce Planning at Design Phase

• [ ] Develop preliminary labor plan by trade and phase
• [ ] Identify peak workforce requirements
• [ ] Assess local labor market capacity for key trades
• [ ] Engage [data center construction staffing](/services/data-center-construction-staffing) partner early
• [ ] Determine travel workforce needs and logistics

Phase 3: Permitting and Preconstruction

Permitting timelines vary dramatically by jurisdiction — from a few weeks in data-center-friendly markets to many months in others. Start early and anticipate delays.

Permitting Checklist

• [ ] Submit building permit applications
• [ ] Obtain zoning approvals and special use permits if required
• [ ] Secure environmental permits (stormwater, air quality, water discharge)
• [ ] Obtain utility connection agreements (power, water, sewer, fiber)
• [ ] Secure road access and curb cut permits
• [ ] Obtain fire department review and approval
• [ ] Secure health department approvals for water systems if applicable

Preconstruction Checklist

• [ ] Select general contractor (GC) or construction manager
• [ ] Complete GC buyout of major subcontractor packages
• [ ] Issue purchase orders for long-lead equipment (generators, switchgear, UPS, transformers, chillers)
• [ ] Finalize construction schedule with milestone dates
• [ ] Establish site logistics plan (laydown areas, parking, access)
• [ ] Complete safety plan and site-specific orientation requirements
• [ ] Mobilize preconstruction workforce

Phase 4: Site Work and Foundations

This is where construction begins in earnest. Site work sets the stage for the building and establishes critical underground infrastructure.

Site Work Checklist

• [ ] Clear and grade site to design elevations
• [ ] Install erosion and sediment control measures
• [ ] Construct stormwater management systems
• [ ] Install underground utilities (water, sewer, electrical ductbanks, fiber conduit)
• [ ] Build access roads and construction entrances
• [ ] Install perimeter fencing and temporary security

Foundation Checklist

• [ ] Complete geotechnical testing and soil preparation
• [ ] Install deep foundations (piers, piles) if required
• [ ] Form and pour spread footings and grade beams
• [ ] Install slab-on-grade with vapor barrier and reinforcement
• [ ] Pour equipment pads (generators, chillers, transformers)
• [ ] Install underground grounding grid

Phase 5: Structural and Building Envelope

The building rises during this phase. Structural and envelope work must be completed before major MEP installation can proceed efficiently.

• [ ] Erect structural steel frame
• [ ] Install metal deck and concrete topping
• [ ] Construct exterior walls (tilt-up panels, metal panels, or masonry)
• [ ] Install roofing system with appropriate R-value
• [ ] Install overhead doors and building entrances
• [ ] Complete building envelope waterproofing
• [ ] Install raised floor system in data halls if applicable

Phase 6: MEP Rough-In and Installation

MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) work is the heart of data center construction. This phase typically represents 60-70% of total project cost and the majority of labor hours.

Electrical Installation

• [ ] Set main switchgear and transformers
• [ ] Install medium voltage distribution
• [ ] Set and wire UPS systems
• [ ] Install PDUs and power whips
• [ ] Install generator systems and fuel storage
• [ ] Complete bus duct and cable tray installation
• [ ] Install lighting and convenience power
• [ ] Complete grounding and bonding systems

Mechanical Installation

• [ ] Install chilled water piping and pumps
• [ ] Set air handling units or CRAH/CRAC units
• [ ] Install chillers and cooling towers
• [ ] Complete refrigerant piping if applicable
• [ ] Install BMS/controls systems
• [ ] Install liquid cooling distribution if applicable

Fire Protection and Plumbing

• [ ] Install fire protection piping (wet and pre-action)
• [ ] Install clean agent suppression systems
• [ ] Install fire detection and alarm systems
• [ ] Complete domestic water and sanitary systems
• [ ] Install condensate drainage

Workforce Peak Management

The MEP phase is where labor demand peaks. On a 10MW facility, you may need 400-600 workers on site simultaneously during this phase. Key workforce management steps include:

• [ ] Confirm staffing levels match schedule requirements weekly
• [ ] Coordinate trade stacking to avoid workspace conflicts
• [ ] Manage shift schedules to maximize productivity
• [ ] Deploy additional [staffing resources](/services/data-center-construction-staffing) as needed to maintain schedule

Phase 7: Commissioning

Commissioning is the process of testing every system — individually and together — to verify the data center performs as designed. It is arguably the most critical phase because it is where you discover whether everything works.

Commissioning Checklist

• [ ] Complete Level 1 testing (component verification)
• [ ] Complete Level 2 testing (subsystem testing)
• [ ] Complete Level 3 testing (system integration testing)
• [ ] Complete Level 4 testing (integrated systems testing, IST)
• [ ] Perform full facility load bank testing
• [ ] Execute failure mode and effects testing (FMET)
• [ ] Verify all redundancy and failover paths
• [ ] Engage qualified [commissioning staff](/services/commissioning-staff) for independent verification
• [ ] Complete punch list and remediation
• [ ] Obtain certificate of occupancy
• [ ] Compile and deliver O&M documentation

Phase 8: Turnover and Closeout

• [ ] Complete final inspections with authorities having jurisdiction
• [ ] Deliver as-built drawings
• [ ] Transfer warranties and equipment documentation
• [ ] Complete operations staff training
• [ ] Transition from construction to operations security posture
• [ ] Conduct project lessons-learned session
• [ ] Close out subcontracts and final payment

How to Use This Checklist

This checklist is a starting framework, not an exhaustive list. Every data center project will have site-specific, design-specific, and owner-specific requirements that add items. The key is to adapt this framework to your project and use it as a living tracking document throughout construction.

The most common source of delays in data center construction is not technical failure — it is gaps in planning and coordination. A disciplined checklist approach, combined with experienced project teams and a reliable workforce, dramatically reduces the risk of costly surprises.

Cortex Construct helps data center builders staff every phase of this checklist — from the first site work crews through commissioning specialists. If your project needs skilled tradespeople who understand data center construction, contact our team to discuss your workforce plan.