Before building a home on a piece of land, there are several key steps that must be taken. Keep in mind that some of these steps may differ based on local regulations and rules, but here is a general list:

1. **Land Survey**: A professional land survey is needed to verify the boundaries of your property. This will help you in planning the construction to make sure that it is within your own property lines.

2. **Soil Testing**: It's often important to get the soil of your land tested to check its capacity to support a structure. This could impact the design of your home's foundation.

3. **Site Plan**: You will need a site plan that includes the location of the planned home on the property, the location of any existing structures, and details about the natural features of the property. 

4. **Building Plans**: You will need to have architectural plans drawn up for the home you wish to build. These should be done by a licensed architect or a building designer.

5. **Building Permits**: You will need to submit your site plan, building plans, and any other required documents to the local building department in your Rhode Island municipality to obtain a building permit. This often involves a fee. The local building department will review your plans to ensure they comply with local zoning laws, building codes, and other regulations. 

6. **Septic/Well Permits**: If you're not connected to a city sewer or water system, you will need to install a septic system and well. These require separate permits and must comply with Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) standards.

7. **Other Permits**: Depending on the specifics of your project and the local regulations, you might also need electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits. 

8. **Construction Insurance**: It's advisable to get construction insurance to protect against any accidents or damages that could occur during the building process.

9. **Hiring a Contractor**: You'll also need to hire a contractor to perform the work, unless you are qualified and plan to do it yourself. Be sure to hire a licensed and insured contractor and verify their references and past work.

10. **Inspections**: During construction, your home will need to be inspected by a building inspector to ensure it's being built according to code and the approved plans.

Remember to check with the Rhode Island local government and your specific city or county for the most accurate and current information, as the process and regulations can change over time.