Building Process
1. Choosing a Builder
Finding the right builder is just as important as finding the right floor plan, since it is their expertise that will be responsible for constructing your new home. Your satisfaction will depend on their experience, skills, and commitment to customer service. It is important that the builder you choose has these qualifications and is able to meet your needs and expectations—for the home and for the buying experience. Read More.
2. Choosing a Lot
Pay attention to traffic. Even though the pricing can be better on homes that are built on well-traveled roads, make sure you know you can tolerate the noise and traffic. Busy roads are something to think twice about—especially if you have young children.
Determine how close you want to be to your neighbors. If it’s a brand-new community, make sure you’re clear on how much space will exist between homes—and if it’s something you’re comfortable with.
Size up the view. If your home is being built on or near undeveloped property, find out what future plans are. Are they residential? Commercial? A park perhaps? Educate yourself.
3. Choosing a Plan
Choosing the right house plan can be an exciting experience if you know what to look for and prioritize your needs. As you begin your search, be sure to look for features that fit your lifestyle, lot and budget. You’ll want to carefully check the design and size of each room, especially the kitchen, master suite and great room — since these are the most lived in areas of a home. The trend is towards a more casual, open floor plan, which allows you to easily customize your dream home.
4. Foundation
The foundation is a critical element of the building process, and it must be done correctly to prevent problems further down the road. Your lot needs to be cleared and adjusted (i.e. fill dirt brought in, leveling, etc.) to prepare the space for your new home. Next, form boards will be put up which serve as a mold for the foundation. After plumbing lines are put in place, the foundation is poured and you’ll be able to see your home’s footprint.
5. Framing
The foundation is a critical element of the building process, and it must be done correctly to prevent problems further down the road. Your lot needs to be cleared and adjusted (i.e. fill dirt brought in, leveling, etc.) to prepare the space for your new home. Next, form boards will be put up which serve as a mold for the foundation. After plumbing lines are put in place, the foundation is poured and you’ll be able to see your home’s footprint.
6. Inspections
Inspections are a very important part of the home construction process, for it ensures that every element of the building is done correctly. After the foundation is poured and the framing is completed, your town or city will send an inspector out to view the progress. He or she will check the framing and the mechanical components of the home, making sure they are up to code and installed properly.
After the first inspections, your builder will invite you to walk through your home. At this point you will be able to visualize more easily what your dream home will look like. At this point, all walls and trusses will be framed, and the roof sheathing will be installed. Another framing inspection will also take place.
7. Enclosing Your Home
Once the framing has undergone inspection, your builder will begin enclosing your home. At this point in the construction process your builder will install exterior sheathing, shingles, the roofing system, windows and doors. Since windows and doors are one of the most visible features of your home from both the inside and out, you’ll want to carefully select the perfect doors and windows for your new home. Make sure your windows have the performance, durability and energy efficiency that your particular geographical location warrants.
Certain climates offer a higher risk of moisture, mold and wood rot occurring in the home. Therefore, a protective barrier known as a house wrap is installed to prevent the structure of your home and its interior from getting wet. The house wrap ensures that all moisture will remain outside the home.
8. Mechanical Installation
This stage is very critical and occurs before the installation of the sheet rock. It is at this point that all mechanical components and wiring is installed. It is incredibly important that everything be installed correctly, since it will soon be covered by sheetrock and will be much less accessible. At this point, you may want to consider having a home fire sprinkler system or home entertainment system installed. During this stage, plumbing and mechanical components will be roughed in. Venting, ductwork, a water heater, and the HVAC system will be installed. Any exterior finishes, such as masonry and wood, will be installed at this point, as well.
9. Insulation
Insulation is a critical factor in determining your home’s energy and cost efficiency. When installed adequately and properly in your home’s floors, walls, and ceilings, this relatively inexpensive product can save you large amounts of money throughout the life of your home, simply by preventing heat from escaping your home. Best of all, this product is maintenance free.
10. Drywall
Once your home is framed and wrapped, and all the mechanicals have been installed, the drywall is put in place to form the walls. Your builder will be able to assist you in deciding the thickness of drywall you want to use, and if you want to use screws or nails to fasten it to the studs and joists. You may also want to consider what type of texture and paint to use on your walls to achieve your desired effect.
11. Interior Work
Once all of the major structural components have been installed, it is time to move to the more decorative details of the home. This includes cabinets and countertops, interior doors, flooring, fireplaces, moldings, staircase balusters and railings, and base and door trim. The phase basically includes choosing and installing every element that transforms your house from a structure into a home.
12. Your New Home
As you approach the final stages of the home building process, you are probably experiencing excitement, anticipation, and maybe even a little anxiety. All of these emotions are understandable, because by now, you are seeing all of the hard work that has gone into the process take shape, and the final product, your dream home, is finally within reach. It is at this point that your home develops its personality through your choices of lighting fixtures, bathroom accessories and fixtures, window treatments and more. It is only a short time from now that you can unload the moving truck and settle into your new home.
