The cost of a home starts at $130 a square foot & up this will usually mean taking out a construction loan. this usually just covers the cost of the construction on the home. Most homeowners can carry this type of loan themselves by qualifying with a bank. Some time, if a homeowner has a large enough deposit sometimes the building company can carry the loan instead.
Checklist Before Closing A Loan
Once financing is secured, the next step is to purchase the land. Sometimes, prospective homeowners can buy the land directly from the home building company. Otherwise they will need to buy it on the open market. Because there are several considerations when buying land versus buying a home, it's a good idea to work with a real estate agent experienced in buying or selling land.
After purchasing your plot, you can begin clearing the land of any overgrowth or problematic trees in preparation for construction.
Checklist for Purchasing Land
After purchasing land, it's time to design the home. This can be a quick process for those working with builders - since its often a matter of choosing between a few model home options. For those building a new custom home, now you'll hire a Architect to create a floor plan.
For those who don't mind losing a little control over the floor plan design and want to save money, buying pre-drawn floor plans online may be a good option.
Checklist for designing the build
It's common for construction to take longer than planned, so don't be too strict with timelines and allow some leeway, however a lack of planning can slow things down even further so it's a good idea to have a general plan.
Here's a sample timeline to show how long each step of the process may take.
The correct home building team will require the following trades, though not all will need to be hired immediately, for example electricians wont be needed until framing is complete but you want to hire with enough time that it will not slow your project down.
Checklist for Building Team
Usually, general contractors will manage the materials for the build. they usually already have relationships with different suppliers and often get better rates. Also usually will preform the most accurate material takeoffs to reduce the chances of materials missing on the job causing change orders.
However you can submit a material take off to suppliers near you to negotiate pricing, before materials arrive on property it is important to get builders risk insurance. This covers buildings under construction from threats like fire, hail, vandalism, and theft. This will allow you to be compensated if anything like that may occur.
Checklist for buying materials
Building can almost begin! The next step is obtaining all necessary permits, like a demolition permit. Work cannot begin without the proper permits.
After obtaining the necessary permits, the first building step is preparing the site ground. Demolition can begin by removing structures. Grading will provide a level ground for the home's foundation and create positive drainage slopes away from the property to prevent future water damage.
Once the site has been appropriately graded, the foundation can be started by doing form work, plumbing, digging grade beams, rebar, and concrete finish.
Checklist for Site Prep & Foundation
With a level and squared-off foundation, framing can begin. This is where the home can start to come to life! Subcontractors begin building the home's shape by framing each story's subfloor, walls and partitions
Next, subcontractors will add wall sheathing to prevent walls from bending or swaying, as well as to keep mositure out. Siding will also eventually get nailed to this base.
After framing is complete, the build must pass a framing inspection to ensure the home's structural integrity. with a passed inspection, workers can begin adding doors and windows to the frame.
Checklist for Framing
After passing a framing inspection, subcontractors will begin finishing the home's exterior. in this phase, workers will install the siding and trim, complete the brick or stone masonry if needed, shingle the roof, install gutters, finish hanging the foors and windows, install the garage doors and paint or stain the exterior.
Checklist for Finishing the Exterior
When it comes to working on the interior, the first step is installing necessities like plumbing, electrical, and mechanical. Workers will wire the home, install vents and route water supply and sewer lines.
For homeowners who purchased bathtubs or other large plumbing lines, now's when these items are installed. Specialty wiring - like for and entertainment system - will also get installed in this step.
Before installing Heating and Cooling systems, homeowners should take floor plans to power company to determine the size of the system required. Smaller systems are more efficient. Those building a larger home may consider installing multiple smaller systems rather than one large one.
Checklist for Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC
Insulation is vital for maintaining a comfortable temperature within a home. it will also impact how energy efficient the home is. there are several different types of insulation, but cellulose, foam and fiberglass are popular options.
The tpe of insulation you need will depend on where it will be located - wall, ceiling, etc - and the recommended R-values for your city. R-value describes how well the insulation will keep or lose heat. Your power company can advice you on what R-value they recommend for your home.
Checklist for insulation
With all electric, plumbing HVAC and insulation installed and inspected, subcontractors will begin closing up the walls. They will have drywall and add any requested texturing to the walls. Homeowners who want to stipple the ceiling should do so before painting.
After adding any texture, workers will begin painting or wallpapering the walls. At this point, it's also a good idea to give the home's interior a good cleaning. This will make installing finishing items like cabinetry or flooring easier without debris in the way.
Checklist for hanging drywall
With the walls completed, subcontractors will continue finishing the interior. This includes laying down the flooring such as carpeting, vinyl planking, tile, or wood. It also includes the installation of the baseboards.
Cabinetry also goes up in this stage. After installing the trim, any staining or painting will be done.
Add caulking around windows, door trims and anywhere at risk of water damage like around showers and tubs. if there's any remaining plumbing, electrical, and HVAC then they will now come back to finish and terminate.
While it is tempting to bring appliances like a bridge into the home now, utilities aren't usually on at this point - so consider waiting. However, if you prefer to install the appliances without hooking them up, you can.
Checklist for finishing the interior
At this point, the home is essentially complete. All thats left are the finishing touches! So hang mirrors, install curtain rods, towel racks, toilet roll holders and any other hardware according to your personal taste.
This is also the time to work on any landscaping. Pour the driveway and any walkways, patios, or vegetation you like. Now is the time to bring your vision to life!
Checklist for personal touches
One of the most exciting things of building a home is the final walkthrough. As the homeowner, you'll get to walk through the completed build to make sure everything is up to par. If you notice anything that is wrong, like a drawer that sticks, don't be afraid to ask for it to be fixed.
After the final walkthrough, give your home a good clean - the next step is moving in! it's easier to clean before moving in furniture like bed sets the can block large areas.
You can also call your utility companies to turn on the power, sewage, gas and water after your final walkthrough. If you want additional services like trash removal, internet, cable, or security systems, now is the time to do so. With the utilities turned on, you can now install appliances like a refrigerator or oven if you haven't already.
Checklist for Final walkthrough and Cleanup
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