Preparing For Your House Project
Building a house is a long and complex process that requires a lot of planning and preparation. During the pre-construction phase, you’ll need to purchase the land, find an architect to draft your house plans, obtain building permits and hire a contractor (if you’ll use one).
The initial construction stage is when the home actually starts to take shape. Your contractor will start with site work, which can include the installation of a footing, foundation and retaining walls. After the foundation is in place, your builder will start framing your home.
Frames typically consist of lumber or oriented strand board sheathing. Sheathing protects the frame from weather and moisture, preventing wood rot and mold from developing. The sheathing also helps to keep the structure’s interior temperature from getting too cold or hot.
After the frame is in place, your contractor will begin to install windows and doors, siding and roofing, and any other finishing elements you choose. This part of the project can last for a couple of months or longer, depending on the complexity and size of your home.
During this time, your builder will also set up your electrical and plumbing systems. These components can be very complicated and may require specialized skill sets. During the final walk-through, your builder will make sure all of these components are installed properly and in good working order before the final inspection is done.
You should also be aware that construction can be a messy and exhausting process, so you might want to think about hiring a professional cleaning crew to help with the cleanup. This will also give your home a fresh, clean look when it’s finished.
The framing of the house is arguably the most expensive part of the home-building process, and it will take a significant amount of lumber. This is why it’s important to consider your budget at this stage and stick with it.
It’s critical to know that the cost of constructing your home will vary by region and by the type of building materials you choose. Luckily, you can do a little research to get an idea of what your specific region’s average costs are.
Whether you are working with an architect or designing the home yourself, it’s crucial to understand exactly how all of your design choices will affect your overall costs. The more you understand, the easier it will be to plan your budget.
In addition, you should also be mindful that the materials used in a home will change over time. As a result, it’s always a good idea to add a buffer to your build budget in case of unexpected material prices and availability issues.
If you’re planning to build a new home, be sure to hire a builder that regularly constructs homes comparable in size, style and quality to the one you’re thinking about. This will ensure that you’ll have a home that’s up to code, within your budget and on time.
