A Step-by-Step Guide to the Home Building Process
Here’s what to expect during the major phases of construction.
Building your new home is exciting, especially when you understand how the process works.
1. Prepare Construction Site and Pour Foundation
- Apply for and Acquire Permits
- Construction Crew Levels Site
- Puts Up Wooden Forms for the Temporary Foundation
- Footings Are Installed
2. Complete Rough Framing
- Floor System, Walls, Roof Systems Are Completed
- Sheathing Applied to Exterior Walls, Covered With Protective Wrap
The floor systems, walls and roof systems are completed (collectively known as the shell or skeleton of the house). Plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) sheathing is applied to the exterior walls and roof and windows and exterior doors are installed. The sheathing is then covered with a protective barrier known as a house wrap; it prevents liquid water from infiltrating the structure while allowing water vapor to escape. This reduces the likelihood of mold and wood rot.
3. Complete Rough Plumbing, Electrical HVAC
The Following Are Installed:
- Pipes and Wires
- Sewer Lines and Vents
- Water Supply Lines
- Bathtubs, Shower Units
- Ductwork for HVAC System
- HVAC Vent Pipes
4. Install Insulation
Common Types of Insulation in New Homes
- Fiberglass
- Cellulose
- Foam Mineral Wool
- Concrete Blocks
- Insulation Concrete Forms
- Spray Foam
- Structural Insulated Panels
- Foam Board or RidgedFoam
5. Complete Drywall and Interior Fixtures, Start Exterior Finishes
- Drywall is Hung and Taped
- Texturing is Completed
- Primary Coat of Paint is Applied
- Exterior Finishes (Brick, Stucco, Stone) Are Installed
6. Finish Interior Trim, Install Exterior Walkways and Driveway
- Doors, Window Sills, Decorative Trim Installed
- Cabinets, Vanities, Fireplace Mantles Installed
- Final Coat of Paint
7. Install Hard Surface Flooring, Countertops; Complete Exterior Grading
Ceramic tile, vinyl and wood flooring are installed as well as countertops. Exterior finish grading is completed to ensure proper drainage away from the home and prepare the yard for landscaping.
8. Finish Mechanical Trims; Install Bathroom Fixtures
Light fixtures, outlets and switches are installed and the electrical panel is completed. HVAC equipment is installed and registers completed. Sinks, toilets and faucets are put in place.
9. Install Mirrors, Shower Doors; Finish Flooring, Exterior Landscaping
Mirrors, shower doors and carpeting are installed and final cleanup takes place. Trees, shrubs and grass are planted and other exterior landscaping completed.
10. Final Walk-Through
As your builder we will walk you through your new home to acquaint you with its features and the operation of various systems and components and explain your responsibilities for maintenance and upkeep, as well as warranty coverage and procedures. This is often referred to as a pre-settlement walk-through. It’s also an opportunity to spot items that need to be corrected or adjusted, so be attentive and observant. Examine the surfaces of countertops, fixtures, floors, and walls for possible damage. Sometimes disputes arise because the homeowner discovers a gouge in a countertop after move-in and there’s no way to prove whether it was caused by the builder’s crew or the homeowner’s movers..
Other Items that are Further Customizable
Some of the additional options that can be customized for your family, include the following:
Ceiling heights and details have many options ranging from recessed tray ceilings to cathedral or barrel-vaulted ceilings to the height of the arches separating rooms.
Door and window sizes are listed on plans with width first, then height. You have plenty of choices for door options, including solid core doors, French doors, the overall window panes on a door, Dutch doors, etc.
Window details are more than just width and height; they involve decisions about single- or double-hung windows, fixed/non-operable windows, tempered glass, butted glass, and so much more.
Wall details involve noting the thickness by the width of the wall for interior walls, living exterior walls, garage walls, and plumbing walls.
Flooring notes on a plan include stained concrete, carpeting, tile, wood, wood decking, vinyl tile, or exterior non-decorative concrete for the foundation or flatwork pour.
Cabinetry, built-ins, and sink types are numerous in form and function, depending on under-mount or apron front kitchen and utility sinks; built-in desks, lockers, floating shelves, closet racks; and linen cabinets, knee space under a vanity, or kitchen islands.
Electrical and plumbing notes are incredibly important. On floor plans, some electrical and plumbing notes feature the option for further discussion between you and our design team. Those noted as optional are not in the original price.
Exterior elevations are not just simply about the curb view; they are so much more. There are the trim details like shutters, wrapped trusses, and material, metal and shingle roofing, and masonry material such as brick, siding, stucco, stone, and board and batten.
