You may be planning to buy a new house for your family where you can live comfortably for years and lead a lifestyle of your choice. You have already viewed and inspected various new houses available in your area. From them, you have chosen to buy a house from a particular builder in your area because of its design, space, quality of materials, budget, etc. and because of the builder’s reputation. But have you cared to know about the steps undertaken by the builder to build the house? You should, because this will help you gain a general idea of how a house is built. Also, this knowledge will come handy if you decide to build your own house in the future. Moreover, you can also use it for guiding someone known to you who is planning to build a new house.
These are the steps undertaken by a residential real estate builder for constructing a new house :-
1. Preparing construction site and pouring foundation
Before starting construction work, a builder has to approach the local government for getting approvals for the house’s design and other related things like zoning, grading, septic systems, house construction, electrical work and plumbing. Only after he gets the necessary permits, he can begin the physical construction of the house.
Before starting the construction, his construction crew levels the site. Usually, site preparation and foundation work are performed by the same crew, but this is not the case with a heavily wooded area. With the help of a backhoe and a bulldozer, the crew clears the house site of debris, rocks and trees and digs for the septic system.
Next, comes raising the foundation with the help of wooden forms. The crew levels the site, installs wooden forms as a template for the foundation and digs holes and trenches. Then they will install the footings which serve as the ground support system to save the home from sinking.
After raising the footings, waterproofing and plumbing are installed. Drains, sewer system, water taps and other plumbing are also installed at this time.
2. Rough Framing
In this step, the floor system, walls and roof system (collectively known as the shell or skeleton of the house) are installed. Also, sheathing is applied to exterior walls and it is covered with a protective wrap.
Plywood or oriented strand board sheathing is applied to the roof and the exterior walls. Moreover, the windows and exterior doors are installed. The sheathing is then covered with a house wrap which is a kind of protective barrier. The sheathing helps to prevent water from infiltrating the structure while allowing water vapor to escape. This consequently reduces the likelihood of occurrence of wood rot and mold.
3. Rough plumbing, electrical and HVAC
At this stage, wires and pipes, sewer lines and vents, water supply lines and bathtubs and shower units are installed. Ductwork for HVAC system, HVAC vent pipes and electrical wiring and receptacles are also installed during this stage.
After the shell is completed, siding and roofing can be installed. Simultaneously, the electrical and plumbing contractors begin running wires and pipes through the interior walls, ceilings and floors. Sewer lines and vents and water supply lines for each fixture are installed. Bathtubs and one-piece shower/tub units are put in place at this time because there is more room to maneuver large and heavy objects.
At this time, ductwork is installed for the HVAC system and possibly the furnace. HVAC vent pipes are installed through the roof of the house. Also, the insulation is installed in the walls, floors and ceilings.
After the roofing is performed, the house is considered “dried in.” At this time, an electrician installs receptacles for lights, outlets and switches and runs wires from the breaker panel to each receptacle. This also involves running wires for cable TV, telephones and music systems. It is worth noting that HVAC ducts and plumbing are generally installed before wiring because of the ease in running wires around pipes and ducts than vice versa.
4. Installing insulation
Insulation contributes in creating a more comfortable and consistent indoor climate. It also plays a significant role in ensuring energy efficiency of a home. Thermal performance or R-value is one of the most important qualities of insulation. It indicates how well the material resists heat transfer. The majority of the homes are insulated in all exterior walls and the attic and any floors located above unfinished basements or crawl spaces.
Fiberglass, cellulose and foam are the most common types of insulation used in new homes. Your builder may also use some other insulation options like concrete blocks, mineral wool, foam board or rigid foam, insulating concrete forms, structural insulated panels or spray foam. The builder’s choice of these insulation options depends on the region and climate.
Blanket insulation, loose-fill and blown-insulation and liquid foam are some other insulation options used in new homes.
5. Installing drywall and interior fixtures and starting exterior finishes
In this step, drywall is hung and taped. The drywall is hung on the interior walls and taped to ensure the seams between the boards are not visible. If drywall texture is applicable, then it is also completed at this stage.
The primer coat of paint is applied as well as exterior finishes are installed. Contractors use exterior options like stucco, brick, stone and siding for installing exterior finishes.
6. Performing interior trimming and installing exterior walkways and driveway
At this stage, the builder’s crew will install windowsills, doors and decorative trim. Also, they will install baseboards, interior doors, door casings, moldings, stair balusters and other decorative trim.
They will also install vanities, cabinets and fireplace mantels. Then they will apply a final coat of paint. If required, they may also use a wallpaper instead of paint.
The driveway, walkways and patios are also formed on the exterior at this stage.
7. Installing hard surface flooring and countertops and exterior grading
In this step, ceramic tile, vinyl and wood flooring are installed. Countertops are also installed at this time. Moreover, the exterior finish grading is completed for ensuring a proper drainage away from the home and for preparing the yard for landscaping.
8. Completing mechanical trims and installing bathroom fixtures
At this stage, light fixtures, outlets and switches are installed. Electrical panel is also completed at this time. HVAC equipment installation is also performed at this time. Registers are completed, plus, toilets, sinks and faucets are put in place.
9. Installing mirrors and shower doors and performing flooring and exterior landscaping
Here mirrors, shower doors and carpeting are installed. A final cleanup is also performed at this time. Trees, grass, and shrubs are planted and other exterior landscaping is done at this time.
10. Final inspection
By now the house is fully complete. Before being shown to an interested customer, the house is checked for any items that need to be adjusted or corrected. Also, the surfaces of fixtures, countertops, floors and walls are checked for possible damage. After fixing any spotted issues, the house is ready to be shown to a prospective customer.
It is worth noting here that a city inspector inspects the construction of the house from time to time. This is done to check if various local government laws and regulations are being complied by the builder while constructing the house.
Now you have a good knowledge of the steps followed by a developer in building a new house. We hope this knowledge provided by house construction experts of Trindor Homes, a leading residential real estate property builder and developer in Verona, Wisconsin will help you to buy residential property of your choice in the USA. It will also help you better prepare for any house building project that you wish to undertake for building a house for yourself in the future. In the end, we would like to wish you good luck for your house searching and buying journey!