The House Project
The House project is a research and design initiative that aims to improve housing conditions for billions of people living on less than $1 per day. It is a collaborative effort between faculty and students in the Department of Architecture at MIT.
The first step in the House project is pre-design, where the client explains their goals, lifestyle, and desires for their new home. The information collected in this phase is compiled into a document called the Program, which will be the basis for the design phases to come.
Once the Program is established, construction can begin. This is the most time-consuming step and can take up to a year to complete. This is due to a number of factors, including purchasing and clearing the land, building permits, septic system installation, and water and electrical line extensions. Additionally, the weather can play a major role in construction time, especially in colder regions where it takes longer to build with concrete foundations and snow removal.
After the foundation is laid, your builder will start to coordinate step 2, framing. This is when you will begin to see the skeleton of your new home form and it’s very exciting! Depending on the weather, this may take up to a month. There may also be visits from city inspectors to ensure that the foundation and footings are up to code before construction can continue.
During the framing process, your plumbing and electricity will be installed. You’ll likely have different specialty contractors working in parallel at this point, ensuring that the wiring and plumbing is done correctly. Once the framing is complete, insulation and drywall will be installed and your new home will truly begin to take shape.
Once drywall is installed, paint and trim will be installed. Your home will start to look a lot more finished at this point and the finishing touches can be put on, like baseboards and crown molding. The final stage in the construction process is getting a certificate of occupancy. At this point, your contractor will ensure that all of the work completed meets city requirements and you’re ready to move in!
The cost of the House project varies from project to project. The price of the plot of land can be a significant factor, as well as the price of utilities and septic systems. The type of house also makes a difference in price. It’s important to consider these factors when budgeting for the construction of your new home.
A house can be a huge investment and it’s important to plan ahead to make sure you are comfortable with the budget. Ultimately, the best way to budget for your new home is to break down each of the steps in the construction process and determine what you can afford. By doing this, you will be able to find the perfect home for your family’s needs.
