Building your home from the ground up can be a very exciting and stressful process. However, knowing the steps makes the process much smoother, so we at Construction Guide wanted to make sure everyone knew the major steps in home building.
The first step in any building project is to prepare the site (strip away trees and debris, level the ground) and to build a template for the new property. The house’s footings are installed at this stage, and any basements or wells are dug. Once this is completed, the concrete foundations are poured and left to cure.
Floor systems, walls and roofs are all added onto the wooden template built in step 1. Plywood sheathing is then added to the exterior as a level of weather protection, and doors and windows are marked out and installed if possible. Finally, plastic sheeting is added to the plywood to make the structure water resistant.
Wiring and plumbing systems are installed at this stage because it’s easier before walls are fitted. Similarly, HVAC systems are also installed, and roofing is fitted. At this stage the house is considered dried in, making it suitable for electrics to be installed.
Thermal insulation is fitted between the interior and exterior walls. What materials your builders use will depend on the climate and budget, although fiberglass and foam are most common.
After insulation, the interior drywalls can be fitted onto the frame. This seals the insulation in and makes it start to look more like a home. At the same time, builders will install exterior finishes, such as bricks or stucco.
This stage focuses on interior trim, such as doorframes, bannisters, etc., and walls are painted and wallpapered where necessary. Outside the property, work starts on pathways, drives, and patios. Exterior work like this is saved until after the heavy machinery needed for interior work has left the site.
Hard flooring is installed at this stage because it’s more resilient than carpet. Countertops are added to cabinets built during stage 5, and preparation is done outside ready for landscaping.
Light fixtures, plug sockets and switches are installed, along with bathroom fixtures and HVAC systems.
Your home is nearly finished, and the final touches are added inside, such as mirrors, shower doors and carpets. Outside, landscapers will add grass, plants and everything else needed to complete the exterior.
Once the project is completed, it’s time for a final inspection with the contractor. This is your chance to sign off on everything, and to make sure any mistakes are corrected. Builders will also discuss maintenance, warranty and other relevant information at this stage.
The steps to building a home are quite straightforward once you know what’s happening. As the homeowner, it’s worth keeping up with developments on the construction site and to pay regular visits to ensure everything is going smoothly. Similarly, it’s always important to work with your contractor’s expertise to build the best home possible. Here at Construction Guide, we know how exciting it is to build your new home, especially when you understand how the process works. That is why we designed this construction guide to help you, good luck!
