The Process of Building a New House
Building a new house is an exciting endeavor. Often, homeowners spend months (or even years) dreaming about it, designing it in their minds and imagining the lifelong memories they will make there. But when the build is underway, it can be frustrating to see how many steps there are between you and your completed home.
If you’re considering building a new home, there are several things to consider, including the timeline of the project and estimated costs. In this article, we’ll break these down for you and give you a better understanding of what to expect during the construction process.
The first step of any project is to gather information and define the scope of work. This is referred to as the pre-design phase and it’s essential in order to understand your personality, lifestyle and requirements. During this stage, you can also get an idea of the amount of space you need and your budget for the project.
During this phase, engineers are involved in the process and assess limitations to ensure that the design and the structure will be safe, cost-effective and practical. They will visit the site and provide their input and recommendations. There are also trade-specific contractors that are brought in during this phase – these include plumbers, electricians and roofers. The builders will have to apply for a permit in this phase and meet with local officials to ensure that they’re following the laws.
Once the permits have been granted, the construction of the house can start. The contractor will need to lay the foundations, footings and begin forming the framing. This is an exciting time as you can watch the skeleton of your home take shape. It’s important to keep in mind that the weather can impact this phase, so it’s essential to plan accordingly.
After the frame is erected, the electrical and plumbing systems will be installed. This includes the installation of ductwork and vents, as well as wiring and electrical fixtures. During this phase, the builders will also install insulation and drywall.
It’s also during this time that the builder will install cabinets, countertops and faucets, as well as paint and trim. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the budget at this point as it might be necessary to reduce or increase certain components of the home in order to stay within your desired price range.
During this phase, you can also decide what extras you’d like to add to your home, such as a deck ($4,080-$11,300), an inground pool ($36,000-$100,000) or a screened-in porch ($1,200-$6,100). This is an important step as it allows you to compare prices and features to see what will best suit your needs and budget. If you have wiggle room left in the budget, it’s wise to invest it in an upgrade that will add value to your property in the long-term. For example, adding a pool will likely increase the resale value of your home by a significant percentage.
