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Home » Buying a New Home » A Step-by-Step Guide to the Home Building Process

A Step-by-Step Guide to the Home Building Process

building-a-home

Here’s what to expect during the major phases of construction.

Building your new home is exciting, especially when you understand how the process works.

The 10 Steps to Build a New Home Are: 

1. Prepare Construction Site and Pour Foundation
2. Complete Rough Framing
3. Complete Rough Plumbing, Electrical HVAC
4. Install Insulation
5. Complete Drywall and Interior Fixtures, Start Exterior Finishes
6. Finish Interior Trim, Install Exterior Walkways and Driveway
7. Install Hard Surface Flooring, Countertops; Complete Exterior Grading
8. Finish Mechanical Trims; Install Bathroom Fixtures
9. Install Mirrors, Shower Doors; Finish Flooring, Exterior Landscaping
10. Final Walk-Through

Chip Perschino, senior vice president of construction at Edward Andrews Homes, says it’s understandable that buyers are excited to see their new home, from start to finish.

“Our homeowners enjoy watching the home come together, from pouring the foundation to framing and watching the home take shape,” he says. “Once the home has drywall, they start to visualize themselves living in the space and how they’ll use it — imagining what furniture goes where and how they’ll entertain friends and family there.

“They spend a good bit of time designing the home to be unique to their family needs and tastes so seeing it all come together is rewarding for them,” says Perschino.

To help you prepare for and understand your new home’s construction, this article outlines the typical steps your builder will take during the construction of a new home and will help keep you abreast of what happens at key stages.

Keep in mind that the homebuilding process may vary from region to region and builder to builder, especially if you’re building an elaborate custom home. Be sure to ask your builder about his or her specific policies and procedures.

“We encourage our homebuyers to make an appointment with their agent or project manager to come out and walk through the home at any stage,” Perschino says. “We suggest that it be by appointment to cut down on some of the safety concerns or limitations when a house is under construction. It also gives us a chance to offer a one-on-one conversation that may not be the same via email.”

1. Prepare Construction Site and Pour Foundation

  • Apply for and Acquire Permits
  • Construction Crew Levels Site
  • Puts Up Wooden Forms for the Temporary Foundation
  • Footings Are Installed

Before a builder can put a shovel in the ground, local government must approve the design and provide permits for everything from the zoning and grading (changing the contour of the land to accommodate your home and driveway) to the septic systems, home construction, electrical work, and plumbing. Once permits are acquired, physical construction can begin.

Often, site preparation and foundation work are performed by the same crew, but this may not be the case with a wooded lot. Using a backhoe and a bulldozer, the crew clears the site of rocks, debris and trees for the house and, if applicable, the septic system. The crew levels the site, puts up wooden forms to serve as a template for the foundation and digs the holes and trenches. Footings (structures where the house interfaces with the earth that supports it) are installed. If your home is going to have a well, it will be dug at this point.

If the home has a full basement, the hole is dug, the footings are formed and poured, and the foundation walls are formed and poured. If it’s slab-on-grade, the footings are dug, formed and poured; the area between them is leveled and fitted with utility runs (e.g. plumbing drains and electrical chases); and the slab is poured.

Once concrete is poured into the holes and trenches, it will need time to cure. During this period, there will be no activity on the construction site.

After the concrete is cured, the crew applies a waterproofing membrane to the foundation walls; installs drains, sewer, and water taps and any plumbing that needs to go into the first-floor slab or basement floor; and backfills excavated dirt into the hole around the foundation wall.

Inspection #1

When the curing process is complete, a city inspector visits the site to make sure foundation components are up to code and installed properly. This inspection may be repeated depending on the type of foundation (slab, crawl space or basement). Your builder will then remove the forms and begin coordinating step No. 2, the framing phase.

2. Complete Rough Framing

  • Floor System, Walls, Roof Systems Are Completed
  • Sheathing Applied to Exterior Walls, Covered With Protective Wrap

The floor systems, walls and roof systems are completed (collectively known as the shell or skeleton of the house). Plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) sheathing is applied to the exterior walls and roof and windows and exterior doors are installed. The sheathing is then covered with a protective barrier known as a house wrap; it prevents liquid water from infiltrating the structure while allowing water vapor to escape. This reduces the likelihood of mold and wood rot.

3. Complete Rough Plumbing, Electrical HVAC

The Following Are Installed:

  • Pipes and Wires
  • Sewer Lines and Vents
  • Water Supply Lines
  • Bathtubs, Shower Units
  • Ductwork for HVAC System
  • HVAC Vent Pipes

Once the shell is finished, siding and roofing can be installed. At the same time, the electrical and plumbing contractors start running pipes and wires through the interior walls, ceilings and floors. Sewer lines and vents, as well as water supply lines for each fixture, are installed. Bathtubs and one-piece shower/tub units are put in place at this point because there’s more room to maneuver large, heavy objects.

Ductwork is installed for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, and possibly the furnace. HVAC vent pipes are installed through the roof and insulation is installed in the floors, walls and ceilings.

After the roofing goes on, the house is considered “dried in.” An electrician then installs receptacles for outlets, lights and switches and runs wires from the breaker panel to each receptacle. Wiring for telephones, cable TV and music systems is included in this work.

Note that HVAC ducts and plumbing are usually installed before wiring because it’s easier to run wires around pipes and ducts than vice versa.

Inspections #2, #3, #4

Rough framing, plumbing, and electrical and mechanical systems are inspected for compliance with building codes. Most likely these will be three different inspections. At the very least, the framing inspection will be conducted separately from the electrical/mechanical inspections.

At this stage, drywall (also known as plasterboard, wallboard or gypsum board) is delivered to the building site.

4. Install Insulation

Common Types of Insulation in New Homes

  • Fiberglass
  • Cellulose
  • Foam Mineral Wool
  • Concrete Blocks
  • Insulation Concrete Forms
  • Spray Foam
  • Structural Insulated Panels
  • Foam Board or Ridged Foam

Insulation plays a key role in creating a more comfortable, consistent indoor climate while significantly improving a home’s energy efficiency. One of the most important qualities of insulation is its thermal performance or R-value, which indicates how well the material resists heat transfer. Most homes are insulated in all exterior walls, as well as the attic and any floors that are located above unfinished basements or crawl spaces.

The most common types of insulation used in new homes are fiberglass, cellulose and foam. Depending on the region and climate, your builder may also use mineral wool (otherwise known as rock wool or slag wool); concrete blocks; foam board or rigid foam; insulating concrete forms (ICFs); sprayed foam; and structural insulated panels (SIPs).

Blanket insulation, which comes in batts or rolls, is typical in new-home construction. So is loose-fill and blown-in insulation, which is made of fiberglass, cellulose or mineral-wool particles. Another insulation option, liquid foam, can be sprayed, foamed-in-place, injected or poured. While it costs more than traditional batt insulation, liquid foam has twice the R-value per inch and can fill the smallest cavities, creating an effective air barrier.

Fiberglass and mineral-wool batts and rolls are usually installed in side walls, attics, floors, crawl spaces, cathedral ceilings and basements. Manufacturers often attach a facing such as kraft paper or foil-kraft paper to act as a vapor barrier and/or air barrier. In areas where the insulation will be left exposed, such as basement walls, the batts sometimes have a special flame-resistant facing.

5. Complete Drywall and Interior Fixtures, Start Exterior Finishes

  • Drywall is Hung and Taped
  • Texturing is Completed
  • Primary Coat of Paint is Applied
  • Exterior Finishes (Brick, Stucco, Stone) Are Installed

Drywall is hung and taped so the seams between the boards aren’t visible, and drywall texturing (if applicable) is completed. The primer coat of paint is also applied after taping is complete. Contractors begin installing exterior finishes such as brick, stucco, stone and siding.

6. Finish Interior Trim, Install Exterior Walkways and Driveway

  • Doors, Window Sills, Decorative Trim Installed
  • Cabinets, Vanities, Fireplace Mantles Installed
  • Final Coat of Paint

Interior doors, baseboards, door casings, window sills, moldings, stair balusters and other decorative trim are installed, along with cabinets, vanities and fireplace mantels and surrounds. Walls get a finish coat of paint and are wallpapered where applicable.

Generally, exterior driveways, walkways and patios are formed at this stage. Many builders prefer to wait until the end of the project before pouring the driveway because heavy equipment (such as a drywall delivery truck) can damage concrete. But some builders pour the driveway as soon as the foundation is completed so that when homeowners visit the construction site, they won’t get their shoes muddy.

7. 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.

8. Finish Mechanical Trims; Install Bathroom Fixtures

Light fixtures, outlets and switches are installed and the electrical panel is completed. HVAC equipment is installed and registers completed. Sinks, toilets and faucets are put in place.

9. Install Mirrors, Shower Doors; Finish Flooring, Exterior Landscaping

Mirrors, shower doors and carpeting are installed and final cleanup takes place. Trees, shrubs and grass are planted and other exterior landscaping completed.

Inspection #5

A building-code official completes a final inspection and issues a certificate of occupancy. If any defects are found during this inspection, a follow-up inspection may be scheduled to ensure that they’ve been corrected.

10. Final Walk-Through

This is where you spot items that need to be corrected or adjusted!

Your builder will walk you through your new home to acquaint you with its features and the operation of various systems and components and explain your responsibilities for maintenance and upkeep, as well as warranty coverage and procedures. This is often referred to as a pre-settlement walk-through. It’s also an opportunity to spot items that need to be corrected or adjusted, so be attentive and observant. Examine the surfaces of countertops, fixtures, floors and walls for possible damage. Sometimes disputes arise because the homeowner discovers a gouge in a countertop after move-in and there’s no way to prove whether it was caused by the builder’s crew or the homeowner’s movers.

A Few Words About Inspections

Your new home will be inspected periodically during the course of construction. In addition to mandated inspections for code compliance, your builder may conduct quality checks at critical points in the process. (In the story above, we point out when these inspections typically take place.) The idea is to catch as many potential problems as possible before construction is finished, though some issues may not surface until you’ve lived in the home for a period of time.

A survey of the New Home Source Insights Panel found that most panelists are interested in tracking the progress of their new homes – whether that be via email communication from the builder, drivebys or even through the use of drones. Before you head to the homesite unannounced, talk to your builder early on about attending inspections, with or without your real-estate agent. Even if your presence is not required, it’s an opportunity to learn more about what’s behind the walls of your new home and how everything works. If you’re planning to hire your own inspector to do an additional review of the home, notify your builder prior to the start of construction.

Working with the builder who’ll construct your new home is the fifth of six steps to your new home. In our New Home Guide, you’ll find helpful and inspiring articles, slideshows and videos that will make your new home journey easier and more rewarding.

Susan Bady-Holmes

Susan Bady-Holmes is a freelance writer and editor specializing in residential design and construction. She currently writes for NewHomeSource.com, Metal Architecture magazine and Metal Construction News.

Susan has also been an assignment editor for Consumers Digest magazine; handled media relations for home builders at Taylor Johnson Associates and written feature articles for Better Homes and Gardens’ Home Plan Ideas. Consequently, she has a wide range of experience in the consumer and business press and a deep understanding of the homebuilding business. She has won numerous awards for journalistic excellence.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Steve

    February 5, 2020 at 12:01 pm

    I didn’t see a mention of when windows we’re to be installed?
    Before or after Sheetrock?
    Before or after HVAC?

    Reply
    • Kristine

      March 10, 2020 at 10:16 pm

      It’s under step #2

      Reply
  2. Cassandra Massenburg

    June 16, 2020 at 3:00 pm

    Do you have a video of the home building process

    Reply
    • Jamie Garcia

      June 19, 2020 at 3:21 pm

      Hi Cassandra,
      Here you go! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrUQZPFGE-k

      Reply
      • Raul Flores

        September 15, 2020 at 3:05 pm

        Thank you

        Reply
  3. Linda J Pavlos

    July 18, 2020 at 8:08 pm

    At what stage is the roofing finished? The beginning or the end?

    Reply
    • Jamie Garcia

      July 28, 2020 at 2:51 pm

      Hi Linda,
      As the article states, roof systems are completed very near the beginning of the process. You can ask your builder for a timeline specific to your home.

      Reply
  4. Tamika McGee

    September 28, 2020 at 7:51 pm

    Will I need the same inspections and permits to build a 2 story Bungalow tiny home on my own land as I would a regular home?

    Reply
    • Jamie Garcia

      October 6, 2020 at 5:14 pm

      Hi Tamika,
      You can read about the legalities surrounding tiny homes here: https://www.newhomesource.com/learn/tiny-house-legal/ and for more info on tiny homes, check out our tiny homes resource center: https://www.newhomesource.com/learn/tiny-houses/

      Reply
  5. drakesatterwhite

    November 22, 2020 at 5:25 pm

    after the foundation is finished which room is the best to start at?

    Reply
    • Jamie Garcia

      December 2, 2020 at 1:08 pm

      Hi,
      You will need to discuss all building plans with your builder.

      Reply
      • jose manuel Velasquez

        February 18, 2021 at 1:43 am

        Can I use different contractors for each step or does it have to be one specific builder?

        Reply
        • Jamie Garcia

          March 12, 2021 at 1:05 pm

          Hi Jose,
          If you choose to build your home on your own, you can certainly select your own, hand-picked team of contractors. However, if you choose to use an established builder, you agree to use that builder’s preferred contractors. You can always have a conversation with your builder regarding this (if, say, you have one particular contractor you want to use but are OK with using the builder’s contractors for the rest), but that is between you and the builder.

          Reply
  6. Thane roedel

    February 7, 2021 at 8:40 pm

    It looks like there are 4 inspections, is there a point in the progress say after stage 4 or 5 that I can finish the house on my own to save money.?

    Reply
    • Jamie Garcia

      March 12, 2021 at 1:03 pm

      Hi Thane,
      This may be possible, but you aren’t likely to find a builder who will agree to this.

      Reply

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