Building a new custom home can be a thrilling prospect—but how does it all happen? Read on to learn the core steps of new home construction so that you can better understand both the process and the timeline.
Permits, Preparation, and Foundation
Before anything can happen construction-wise, your municipality has to approve the plans and grant your builder the necessary permits. This step sets the stage for all the rest to come.
Once the plans and permits are squared away, the building site needs to be prepared. Trees, rocks, and debris are removed and the earth is leveled to give an even surface for building.
Next comes the foundation. Even if your property doesn’t have a basement, your building team will need to dig below the surface level in order to pour the foundation (typically concrete reinforced with rebar). Once the concrete has cured, it is waterproofed.
Finally, the foundation-level plumbing is installed. This includes drains, sewer pipes, water taps, and any other plumbing fixtures needed for your home.
Once everything is in place on the foundation level, the construction is inspected to verify that everything is up to code. This is an essential step to ensure the safety and longevity of your home. You can expect several other inspections to follow at just about every stage of the building process!
Walls Up! The Framing Stage
Once the foundation is in place, it’s time to start on the “bones” of the house—a.k.a. framing. Framing provides what’s known as the “skeleton” of the building, including the basic beams and outline of the:
- Floors
- Walls
- Roof
Just like the skeleton of a human body, framing gives these core areas their structural integrity and strength. At this stage, exterior doors and windows are also added and the base layer of the exterior walls is installed.
Plumbing, Wiring, & HVAC, Oh My!
Next, your custom home builder can move on to the internal systems—the pipes, electrical wiring, and heating and cooling systems. Since the components of all these systems will be located out of sight behind walls, it’s important to get them all in the right place now!
Elements installed at this point include:
- Air ducts
- Vents for sewer lines and HVAC pipes
- Water supply and sewer lines
- Electrical wiring
It’s also typical to install bathtub and shower units since those are so closely linked with the plumbing. It might look a little strange to have a shower stall but no solid walls, but that’s how it’s supposed to happen!
As the ductwork, pipes, and wiring are all put in, it’s time to create a more solid exterior. The roof and the outside siding are installed to keep everything inside safe and dry.
Insulation Installation
Insulation is the next big checkbox on the list. This is not a step you want to skip or skimp on! The quality and thoroughness of your home’s insulation will impact your comfort (and your utility bills) for years to come.
All About Walls
Once the insulation is in place, the outer surface of the walls can be installed. Inside, this usually means hanging sheets of drywall, then priming them to be painted or papered later.
Outside, this means adding whatever the exterior finish of the home will be. Options include:
- Brick
- Stucco
- Siding
- Stone
Whatever you choose, this is a great stage of the process because the shape and look of your new home starts to become clearer.
Interior Finishing
We’re not quite to the decorating part yet, but this is when specific interior finishes are installed, such as:
- Cabinets
- Baseboards
- Mantles
- Windowsills
- Interior doors
The primed walls are painted or wallpapered to achieve a finished look. Next up is hard flooring, like tile or hardwood, as well as countertops. Things are starting to almost look like home!
That “home” feeling is helped by the addition of lighting fixtures, heating and cooling units, and—last but not least—toilets and faucets. Other final touches might include:
- Carpeting
- Mirrors
- Shower doors
- Exterior landscaping
Cleanup, Walk-Through, and Inspection
Your new home is almost done! Your building team will clean up any leftover material or debris prior to the final inspection. After that inspection by outside parties, you should also do your own inspection, known as a final walk-through. This lets you assess the project and make sure everything’s done to your satisfaction. It’s also a chance to learn about the features of your new home in real-time.
If you’re looking for custom home builders in Montgomery or the greater Hudson Valley area, call John Falvella Construction Services. With over 40 years of experience, we can help you create the new home of your dreams. John Falvella Construction Services: Serving the Hudson Valley Since 1983.