Plenty goes into building a house from scratch. Seeing your home come together is an exciting experience. The homebuilding process may vary from builder to builder, and region to region, especially if you’re building a custom home. Nonetheless, here are the steps to building a house your builder will take during the construction process.
The Steps to Building a House - Build Your Dream Home
Site Preparation and Pouring of The Foundation
Site preparation typically involves using a bulldozer or backhoe. The crew will clear the site of any rocks, trees, and debris, level the site if necessary and dig for your home’s foundation. If concrete is poured, say in the case of a slab-on-grade, it will need about four weeks to cure to full strength. During this period, there will be no activities at the construction site. Once the curing is complete, an inspector will visit the site to ensure the foundation is installed properly and up to code.
Complete Rough Framing
This is the stage where the shell of the house is completed. Oriented standard board or plywood sheathing is applied to the roof, windows, exterior doors, and exterior walls. The sheathing is then covered with house wrap that prevents water from infiltrating the structure thus reducing the risk of wood rot and mold.
Complete Rough Plumbing, Electrical And HVAC
Once the shell is complete, roofing and siding can be installed. Consequently, the plumbing and electrical contractors start running wires and pipes through the ceilings, interior walls and floors. Water supply lines, vents and sewer lines are installed. Ductwork is then installed to the HVAC system.
Install Insulation
Insulation plays an essential role in keeping your house not only more comfortable but also efficient. Common types of insulation include:
- Cellulose
- Fiberglass
- Insulation Concrete Forms
- Rigid Foam or Foam Board
- Concrete Blocks
- Spray Foam
- Foam Mineral Wool
- Structural Insulation Panels
Complete Drywall, Interior Fixtures and Start of Exterior Fixtures
Drywall is hung and taped to hide the seams between boards, and drywall texturing (where applicable) is completed. Contractors will also apply the primer coat of paint once they’re done taping. Next, they’ll start installing exterior finishes such as siding, brick, stone and stucco. The interior and exterior fixtures in your home will depend on your budget.
Finish Interior Trim, Install Walkways and Driveways
Interior moldings, door casings, baseboards, interior doors, and other decorative elements are installed, along with vanities and cabinets. Walls also get a final coat of paint and wallpaper where applicable. The exterior walkways, driveways and patios are also formed at this stage.
Install Flooring, Countertops and Exterior Grading
Wood, tile and vinyl flooring, as well as countertops, are installed. Exterior finish grading is also completed to prepare the yard for landscaping and ensure proper drainage away from the home.
Installation of Fixtures
Switches, light fixtures and outlets are put in place and the electrical panel completed. Toilets, sinks and faucets are also installed. The carpeting, shower doors and mirrors are also installed before the final cleanup. Also, shrubs, trees and grass are planted and other exterior landscaping completed.
Bottom Line
Finally, your builder will walk you through your new home and familiarize you with the various components and systems as well as features. This also offers you an opportunity to spot any items that need to be adjusted or corrected. With the steps to building a house in this article, you will be more familiar with what’s involved, and learn about some of the materials used in the building process.
