A step-by-step guide to building a new home

It is easy to plan and build a home when you know the process of building one. It also gives you the desire to see your new home finalized. While each home is unique to the needs of the family members that are to stay there, the general process of building any home is all the same.

Here is an outline of the basic steps to building a new home. The steps may vary from one region to the other, the customization that you require and the type of the new home builders you hire. It is important to know specific procedures and policies of any construction before you get started. Moreover, it is important to be in regular communication with the home builders during the construction process in order to be in the know for any changes.

Preparing the site and pouring foundation

Site preparation involves leveling the site, putting up wooden form to be the foundation template and digging up trenches and holes. The process is followed by the installation of the footings. The footings are the contact point between the building and the earth that holds the house in one piece. The construction is inspected by the City inspector to ensure that the building code is followed and that the foundation has been done professionally.

2. Completion of rough framing

The rough framing involves the completion of the wall, floor systems, and the roofing systems. This is the skeleton of the house. The new home builders can use oriented strand board sheathing, or the plywood is applied to the roof, exterior walls, and windows. A protective structure is put on the framing to prevent the seepage of water wood rot and mold. The protection is called house wrapping.

Completion of rough electrical, plumbing and HVAC

Once the custom home builders have roofed the shell or the skeleton of the house, he then starts to install such utilities as

Water supply piping and sewer line including the sewer vents

Electrical wiring of the house

Shower units and bathtubs

The HVAC system ductwork and vent work (it may also include the installation of the furnace)

You may also have the receptacles of the TV, telephone, switches and lights installed at this stage. This is because the construction is said to have dried in.

Installation of insulation

Due to the varying of temperature from season to the other, you need to insulate your house to prevent the loss of heat or entry of heat from the outside when there are extreme temperature changes. This increases the energy efficiency. The common materials that are used in the insulation include cellulose, fiberglass, concrete blocks, foam mineral wool, spray foam, insulating concrete forms, rigid or foam board or the structural insulated panels. Materials are checked for their R-Value, which is the resistance to transfer heat.

Completion of the drywall and the interior fixtures. The external finishing may also be started

The drywall is hung carefully to ensure that there are no visible seams at the joints of the boards. Where the texturing of the drywall is required, it is completed at this stage. Once the taping of the drywall is done, paint can be applied on the finalized wall. At this point, the contractor may start the exterior finishing that includes stucco, brick, sliding and stone construction.

6. Completion of the exterior trim and the installation of walkways and exterior driveways

This process also includes the installation of window sills, baseboards, interior doors, door casings, stair balusters, and moldings. The home builders may install the decorative trim at this stage. The final layer of paint is applied at this stage. The interior decorative along with vanities, fireplace mantels, and cabinets are also installed.

7. Installation of hard surface flooring and completion of exterior grading

This is the point that hard flooring such as ceramic tiles or the vinyl flooring is installed. The countertops are installed too. The grading of the exterior finish is completed to ensure that water drains way from the house. Custom home builders may add other features to your home at this stage.

8. Installation of the bathroom fixtures and finishing of mechanical trims

At this stage, the electrical contractor installs the outlets, light fixtures, and switches. The electrical panel is also completed. In addition, the HVAC equipment is installed at the house and registers put in place. The home builders also complete faucets, sinks, and toilets.

Installation of shower doors, mirrors, and finishing of landscaping

This is the final construction stage where shower doors, mirrors, and carpeting are installed. This is followed up by the cleanup of in and around the house. On the yard, shrubs, trees, and grass are planted in addition to other types of exterior landscaping. The house is then inspected by a building code official who issues the certificate of occupancy if he or she is content that the house meets the minimum requirements.

Walkthrough and handover

The custom home builders walk you through the new building showing you the utilities and features within. You will also be shown how each of the systems work, as well as the location of the control points. They will also explain your responsibility as regards the maintenance of the house as well as the warranty for the home.

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