If you watch any of the home improvement shows, you may get the idea that home construction or a major remodel happens practically overnight. These shows make it look easy because their job is to provide entertainment! But compressing a construction time frame into an hour-long show really doesn’t do justice to the overall process, and all the details and planning that make a successful project.
Let’s take a look behind-the-scenes – here’s a look at what really happens from start to finish as we build a new house for you!
Grading & Site Preparation
Before construction can begin, the site must be prepared properly. Site preparation can involve a number of steps, but the exact process varies based on the condition of the land. Here are a few of the most common tasks:
- clearing the site of rocks, trees, and other vegetation, grading or leveling the site,
- staking the area where the structure will be built,
- building access roads to the property,
- and digging for the foundation or basement.
Footings
The next step is to excavate footings, which will support the foundation of the house. They are typically made of concrete with rebar reinforcing; footings are important to prevent the house from “settling.”
Foundation
This particular house foundation is built of block and brick veneer; it is the supporting structure of the home. Two important features of the finished foundation:
- It is high enough so that water moves away from the house, and
- It is waterproofed to keep water from accumulating in the basement or in the crawl space.
Framing
Framing is when a structure actually begins to look like a house! In this part of the process, the walls, roof, windows, and exterior doors are put up. This will keep the house dry from any type of weather. Framing also includes installing inside floors and ceilings.
Exterior
The next step is finishing the exterior of the home. This means that siding, brick, or whatever material you choose will be installed.
Rough-In Electrical, Plumbing & HVAC
Electrical, plumbing and heating & cooling will be roughed-in at this time. Roughed-in means that all the equipment – pipes, duct work, electrical conduit – are brought into the house but final connections are not made. An inspection is needed after rough-ins are complete.
Insulation
After the inspection for the rough-ins is complete, we will insulate the walls, ceiling, and floor of the house. Insulation is measured by its R-value; the higher the number, the more insulating it provides. Insulation is a primary driver for minimizing heating and cooling costs, so we always want to choose wisely.
Drywall
Once the insulation is complete, the drywall is installed in a process we call “hung, taped, and mudded.” Sounds exciting, doesn’t it? First, drywall is screwed to the wall studs and ceiling joists, then taped at the seams; finally, joint compound is applied, and we’re done with this phase.
Trim
To trim is to hang the interior doors, put up the trim, baseboards, and moldings. These finishing materials can be simple or elaborate, depending on your style.
Prime & Paint
The next step is to spray the primer and then paint. It’s best to do this before the flooring is installed. Any outside painting that needs to be done is completed at this point as well.
Flooring
We’re getting close! Hardwood floors, tile, and vinyl are next to be installed.
Cabinets & Countertops
We will work with you to select your cabinets and countertop material. There is a wide selection available, and we will work with you to choose the perfect treatment for your style and budget.
Finish Electrical, Plumbing & HVAC
Remember the rough-in we did earlier? Now is the stage where the trades return. The electrician comes back to install the outlets, switches, light fixtures, ceiling fans, and door bells. He will also hook up the appliances, furnace, and air conditioner. The plumber returns to set toilets, install sinks, faucets, and any other fixtures needed. This is called trimming out. The HVAC sub then installs the registers and gets the furnace and air conditioning running properly.
Well and Septic
If the house does not have access to city utilities, we will install a well and septic system.
Driveway
This is usually one of the last steps! Once all of the heavy trucks and equipment have done their job, we can pour the concrete driveway.
Landscape
Time to plant grass, shrubs, and trees. We’ll create flower beds or other landscaping you request, and then put down any mulch necessary. This gives the house a polished and finished look!
Welcome home – here are the keys!
We hope your family makes many memories in your new home!
