How a House Project Works
The 3- and 4-year-olds in Laura and Sandy’s morning and afternoon classes recently participated in a project about houses. This involved a lot of story re-telling and drawing. The children enjoyed learning about different types of homes, such as brick, shingle and wood (Figures 2-5). They also made connections with their own home lives. They drew pictures of their own houses and dictated ideas for a word web about what they knew about houses. This was a great way to reinforce vocabulary and develop understanding of structures (Figure 6).
The design phase is all about the blueprints and specifications for your new house. The design team will need to be knowledgeable about local building codes and zoning requirements as well as any sustainability requirements you may have. Computer-aided drafting and modeling tools can help the team create efficient and accurate drawings. The team will also need to consider materials and construction methods, such as sustainable or green construction. Engineers are also important in the design phase, evaluating limitations and making sure that the home will be safe and cost-effective to build.
Once the plans are approved and the permits are in place, work can begin on your home. The first step is preparing the site, which can include excavating and pouring the foundation. This is followed by putting up the structural frame of your home. During this stage, plumbing, electrical and HVAC lines are installed as well. Exterior finishes are then applied.
In the middle of the design process, the contractor will need to get quotes from subcontractors to determine how much the project is going to cost. It is a good idea to get estimates from multiple companies, so you can make an educated decision about who to hire. Keep in mind that prices are impacted by supply chain shortages, inflation and other factors.
At this point, the general contractor will have a better idea of how long it will take to build your home. The contractor will then be able to give you a firm price for the project. It is a good idea to negotiate the price of your home, as it can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
The next step is to finish the interior of your home. The walls will be insulated and drywall will be put up. This will make your house resemble a real home. Cabinets and flooring will be installed, as well as appliances and fireplaces if you have them. Once the drywall is finished, workers will touch up paint and install trim, such as baseboards and crown molding. This stage is the most exciting part of the build because your home will really start to take shape.