Understanding the Home Building Process: From Concept to Completion

When you are having a new home built, it can be exciting to see it coming together. It may take longer than you expect, however, so it is important to know a little bit about the construction process before you begin. Building a house is a complicated process, requiring planning, prep-work, and plenty of labor. Knowing the various construction phases can help you better understand what is going on with your home.

Construction Phases: A Step by Step Look

Once you have met with your builder and chosen your home’s design, the construction crew can begin the hard work of making your dream home a reality.

• It starts with the pre-construction phase. This is the phase in which everything is set into motion. The builder will acquire the necessary permits, the schedule will be set, and construction crew will level the site. Wooden forms will then be set up to create a template for the foundation. To lay the foundation, the crew will dig holes and trenches to create the ground support system of your home, typically made of poured concrete and rebar. The utility runs for electrical chases and plumbing drains will be fitted, and if there is to be a well, it will be created at the same time. Once the concrete has been poured for the foundation, activity on your site will be suspended until the concrete has had time to cure. At that point, an inspector will come out to the site to ensure that the foundation is up to code and properly installed.
• The construction phase has many elements. Once the foundation is in, the work of creating your house begins.
  • Framing: Wood frames and steel beams are installed to create the skeleton of your home. The walls, floor system, and roof of the house are set into place, along with necessary masonry. The exterior walls are covered plywood or strand board sheathing, which is then covered in a protective barrier to keep water from building up in the structure.
  • Electrical and plumbing: The rough plumbing and electrical work is done by specialty contractors, who install pipes and wires under the floors, ceilings, and walls. It is called “rough” because it is not the finished electrical and plumbing work, but just the tasks that need to be done for drywall, insulation, and ceilings to be installed.
  • Roofing: The roof is finished before the rest of the work begins, to protect the home from the elements.
  • Exterior finishing. The external parts of the building are plastered, and external cladding is installed to elevate the look of the house.
  • Heating and cooling: Now that the house has a roof and exterior walls, vents, ducts, heating units and cooling systems are installed.
  • Interior finishing: This involves plastering the internal walls, installing floor tiles, putting in drywall, ceiling, and insulation. At this point, the electrician can finish the outlets and install the light fixtures.
  • Woodwork and fixtures: Now that the construction is almost finished, the plumbing will be finished in the kitchen and bathrooms. At this point, the trim will be installed as well, including interior doors, window sills, moldings, baseboards, and decorative trim. Cabinets, mantels, and vanities are installed, and the walls are painted or wallpapered.
  • External walkways and driveways: While all of this work is happening inside, the driveway, patios, walkways, and other hardscaped areas are formed outside. This is often left to the end of the project, so that heavy equipment doesn’t damage the concrete.
  • Installation inside, yard grading outside: Hard surface flooring and countertops are installed, and the yard is graded to make sure that water drains away from the house. The yard is prepared for landscaping.
  • Waterproofing: This is done to keep water from infiltrating the house.
  • Painting: The house is painted to give it an attractive look and protect it from exposure to the elements.
  • Finishing touches, inside and outside: The mirrors and shower doors are installed, any carpet is put down, the house is cleaned, and the exterior landscaping is completed.
• The post-construction phase is the last part of the project, right before the home is handed over to you. The building team does a final walk-through, to make sure everything is complete. The architect, contractor, and relevant supervisors confirm that the building is fully functional and up to local requirements. Then the local government issues a certificate of occupancy. After that, the contractor can hand over the keys to your new home! You will have plenty of time to make sure that your home meets your expectations, and the contractor will give you all plans, models, and operation manuals.

How Long Does the Home Building Process Take?

While home building follows a predictable pattern of construction phases, there is no set timeline that applies to every project. The typical family home can take seven months to build, but a custom home can take longer than that. Your best bet is to stay in contact with your builder, who will be able to give you an estimate of when your home will be completed. Remember, home building can face delays, due to weather and other factors, so be patient. You will have a beautiful new home at the end of the process, and that is well worth the wait!

Build Your New Home with Landmark Fine Homes

Landmark Fine Homes has beautiful new and custom-built homes in a variety of sizes and floorplans, just waiting to become yours. Our homes are energy efficient and built with the utmost attention to detail, located in active adult communities where you’ll find plenty to do. For more information and inspiration, check out our gallery or visit one of our model homes. Make your next house the home of your dreams by contacting Landmark Fine Homes today!\