General overview of the new home construction process

The new home construction process can seem like a stressful process, but it doesn’t have to be. To help you prepare for and understand your new home’s construction, the following steps outline the general steps your builder will take during the construction of a new home, and will help keep you informed on what to expect through each phase.

It is extremely important to keep in mind that the homebuilding process may vary from region to region and builder to builder, especially when building a custom home from top to bottom. Be sure to ask your builder about their specific policies and procedures, as the steps below are just a general overview of the new home construction process.

 
 

Step 1:

Applying for and Acquiring the correct Permits

  • Leveling the build site

  • A Temporary Foundation will be put in place

  • Installation of Footing

Before anything can begin on the building site, the home design must be approved and accompanied by the required permits to zone, grade, electrical and plumbing etc. Only after ALL permits are acquired, can construction begin.

If your home plans include a basement, this is when the digging will begin. Also during this process the footings are poured along with the foundation walls, then the main slab will be poured.

Once concrete is poured it will need to cure. At this time, no work will be done on the site.

Step 2:

Framing

  • Walls, Flooring and Roof are completed

  • Sheathing is applied

At this time the shell of the home, as commonly referred to, is completed (Walls, flooring and roof are completed. Plywood or oriented strand board sheathing is applied to the exterior walls, roof, windows and exterior doors are installed. To prevent any moisture from rotting the wood and forming mold, a protective barrier known as a house wrap is installed.

Step 3:

Plumbing & Electrical HVAC

  • Pipes and Wires

  • Sewer Lines and Vents

  • Water Supply Lines

  • Bathtubs, Shower Units

  • Ductwork for HVAC System

  • HVAC Vent Pipes

Upon completion of the shell, siding and roofing are installed. Electrical contractors and plumbing contractors then run wires and plumbing lines and install water lines and sewage vents.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) ductwork, and possibly the furnace, are installed in the attic, and your insulation should be installed on the walls, the ceiling, and the floors.

The house is considered "dry in" after the roof is installed. An electrician then installs outlets, switches, and wires from the breaker panel to the outlets. Telephone, cable TV, and music systems are also installed.

Step 4:

Insulation

Common Types of Insulation are..

  • Fiberglass

  • Cellulose

  • Foam Mineral Wool

  • Concrete Blocks

  • Insulation Concrete Forms

  • Spray Foam

  • Structural Insulated Panels

  • Foam Board or Ridged Foam

Thermal efficiency or R-value indicates how well insulation resists heat flow throughout a home. Insulation plays a crucial role in creating a comfortable, consistent indoor climate, in addition to improving energy efficiency.

Fiberglass, cellulose and foam are the most common types of insulation used in new homes. Your builder may also use mineral wool (also known as rock wool or slag wool), concrete blocks, foam board or rigid foam, and insulating concrete forms depending on your region and climate.

The most common method of insulation in new homes is blanket insulation, which comes in batts or rolls. Another type of insulation is loose-fill/blown-in insulation, which is made from fiberglass, cellulose, or mineral wool.

Generally, fiberglass batts and mineral-wool rolls are installed in side walls, attics, floors, crawl spaces, cathedral ceilings, and basements. Manufacturers generally attach an air and vapor barrier using kraft paper and foil-kraft paper.

Step 5:

Complete Drywall and Interior Fixtures, Start Exterior Finishes

  • Texturing is Completed

  • Primary Coat of Paint is Applied

  • Exterior Finishes (Brick, Stucco, Stone) Installation

As drywall is hung and taped, drywall texturing (if applicable) is completed and the primer coat of paint is applied. After the primer coat of paint is applied, contractors begin installing exterior finishes such as brick, stucco, stone, and siding.

Finish Interior Trim, Install Exterior Walkways and Driveway

  • Doors, Window Sills, Decorative Trim Installed

  • Cabinets, Vanities, Fireplace Mantles Installed

  • Final Coat of Paint

As part of our interior remodeling, doors, baseboards, casings, window sills, moldings, balusters, and cabinets to your home. Walls are painted and wallpapered if necessary.

Many builders wait until the end of the project to pour the driveway because heavy equipment (such as a drywall delivery truck) can damage concrete. But some builders pour the driveway during this stage.

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.

Step 6:

 Finish Mechanical Trims; Install Bathroom Fixtures

The electrical panel is finished, as are the light fixtures, outlets, and switches. The HVAC equipment has been installed, and the registers have been finished. Sinks, toilets, and faucets have all been installed.

Install Mirrors, Shower Doors; Finish Flooring, Exterior Landscaping

The room is thoroughly cleaned and mirrors, shower doors, and carpeting are installed.

Step 7:

Final Walk-Through

This is where you will determine what needs to be corrected or adjusted!

Your builder will walk you through your new home to familiarize you with its features and the operation of various systems and components, as well as explain your maintenance and upkeep responsibilities, as well as warranty coverage and procedures - This is commonly known as a pre-settlement walk-through.

In addition, it's a good opportunity to spot anything that needs to be adjusted or corrected, so be alert and aware.