There are many steps required to build a house, from gathering the right permits to conducting a final inspection. A reputable home construction company can help you complete each step along the way. They can provide you with detailed floor plans of your dream home, including the number of entrances, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Here are nine steps to follow when building a new house:
1. Consult a Home Construction Company
Once you’ve acquired the land for your new home, an experienced home construction company can guide you on how to begin your project. They can draw up a floor plan based on your desired layout and features. They can also help submit the right permits for approval, allowing them to build a house on your property.
2. Prepare the Site
Prepare the site by clearing any debris, vegetation, or trees. If the ground is uneven or covered in hills, the construction company may use a bulldozer and backhoe to clear and level the site. They will also look into the possibility of any underground lines or pipes before digging.
3. Lay the Foundation
This phase includes drawing out the measurements of the home and making sure they are placed in the proper location. Footings will need to be installed to help distribute the weight of the house more evenly. These are made of poured concrete and rebar and act as ground support systems to help prevent the home from sinking. After the footings are in place, the construction crew can continue with additional steps, including forming the foundation walls, waterproofing, pouring the concrete floor, and completing a foundation inspection.
4. Construct the Building Shell or Frame
In this step, the walls, roof, floor joists, subfloor, windows, and doors are all installed. These components form the skeleton or frame of the house. The construction includes forming hallways, framing bathrooms, and outlining bedrooms. This part of the process allows you to better visualize your home’s floor plan coming to life.
5. Install Plumbing, Electrical Wiring, and HVAC Installation
Once the frame is complete and protected from potential moisture, electricians, plumbers, and HVAC specialists can install the power, water, and gas utilities. The plumbers and electricians run the wires and vents through walls, ceilings, floors, and interior walls. The sewer lines, water supply, and gas lines are installed as well. Larger, stationary fixtures, such as water heaters, bathtubs, and shower units, may also be installed during this step.
6. Add Insulation
Insulation keeps the indoor atmosphere comfortable and with a more consistent temperature. The construction company will likely insulate all of the exterior walls, as well as the attic and the floors above crawl spaces or incomplete basements. As you build a house, it is advisable to install good-quality insulation to help improve energy conservation efficiency.
7. Complete the Drywall and Interior Finishes
During this step, the drywall is hung and taped on the interior walls to conceal the seams between the frame boards. You can choose a smooth or textured drywall appearance. Many of the interior finishes can also be completed at this time. Flooring can be installed, along with baseboards and stair railings. Main doors, vanities, cabinets, and countertops can be put in place. The primer and final coats of paint or wallpaper can also be applied. Once the paint is dry, electrical outlet coverings and light fixtures can be installed.
8. Complete the External Features
The builders commence completing exterior projects, such as the patio, walkways, and driveway. A builder may prefer to complete any main landscaping projects before pouring the driveway to avoid damage by heavy construction equipment. Exterior grading is done at this stage for a proper drainage system. The yard is prepared for landscaping. Grass, shrubs, and trees may be planted once the landscape is ready.
9. Conduct a Final Walk-through
The home builder will walk you through the complete house to familiarize you with its features and operations. You can check that all of the fixtures and finishes meet your expectations and are in the correct place. At this stage, your home will also receive an inspection to allow you to move in.
Build a House Today
The decision to build a house is a big commitment and gives you the freedom to customize your living space according to your unique needs and lifestyle. It includes many steps, from designing a floor plan and laying the foundation to picking out paint colors and having a final home inspection. Contact an experienced home construction company today to take the first step toward building your dream home today.