In this article, we will walk through the key phases of undertaking a new home build with Solid Construction & Design. From financing to the final inspection, we’ll outline major considerations and steps regarding timeline and budgets across each milestone. We will also discuss how, with realistic frameworks, homeowners can approach custom projects with confidence.
Things To Consider Before You Build a House
Undertaking a new home build involves navigating several key aspects that smoothly transition from one to the next. Let’s take a closer look at each major factor you need to consider:
- Financing
- Price per square foot
- Architect costs
- Maintenance and landscaping
- Time and involvement
- What type of house you want
- Level of design control
10 Steps to Build Your Dream Home
For future homeowners, the prospect of building a house can seem daunting. But have no fear – in this guide, we outline each phase of the construction process to help you confidently approach the journey. And if you find the whole process too tiring, we’ll discuss expert contractors like Solid Construction & Design and how they can help you build your dream home.
1. Prepare Construction Site and Pour Foundation
Before breaking ground, secure essential permits from local municipalities, approving zoning formats, utility provisions, land contours, and construction plans. Applications are submitted, and officials grant clearance to start work.
During the site preparation, the vegetation is cleared from dirt lots, and a flat building area is created. Then, before excavators dig footing trenches, workers survey and mark the layouts.
Underground workers then install drain pipes along with electrical conduits inside the holes. Concrete is then poured into temporary wood forms that make durable foundations.
When it comes to the cost, foundation expenses nationally may range from $7,000 to $12,000. Having in mind the weather conditions, allocate a minimum of three to five weeks for this step.
2. Complete Rough Framing
In this stage, carpenters build the wooden framework for the floors, walls, and roofs based on plans. For added strength, studs frame up partition walls while plywood sheathing covers the exterior. Additionally, openings are cut for windows and doors to make place for a waterproof membrane.
Now, the structural shell can stand on its own and protect inside rooms from weather. This is the stage that requires a lot of materials. Estimates suggest homeowners allocate $9 to $18 per square foot for framed walls, floors, and rafters.
You should discuss specific budgets with your contractor, as they are the only ones that can give you a cost-effective solution to building a new home. Finally, allocate between 4 to 8 weeks for this stage.
3. Complete Rough Plumbing, Electrical and HVAC
This is the next stage, where plumbers strategically route pipes supplying water to and draining wastewater from each fixture per code. Then, HVAC ducts circulate heated or cooled air, and electricians carefully wire outlets, switches, and appliance hookups.
Two to three weeks is reasonable for completion, barring any corrections. In terms of the costs:
- Overall supply and waste plumbing costs may hit $10 per square foot,
- HVAC system with climate control hardware could reach $15,000,
- Electrical wiring and breaker panels tend to range from $3,000 to $5,000 typically.
4. Install Insulation
As a home’s most vital component, insulation regulates interior temperatures and reduces wasted energy transferring in or out through building surfaces.
Fiberglass ranks among the most widespread options. However, the optimal choices depend on factors like climate, project budget, and existing infrastructure.
Overall insulating costs vary from approximately $3 to $5 per square foot, depending on the materials you choose and the installation labor. You can allocate one to two weeks to meticulously seal up the full residence.
5. Complete Drywall and Interior Fixtures
With insulation completed, drywall sheets securely seal the inner sanctum from external conditions. Crews measure and cut panels to fit each wall and ceiling precisely before fastening them in place with screws.
Additionally, the joint compound smoothes any seams before primer painting in preparation for final decorative finishes.
On average, expect to spend:
- $1.50 to $3 per square foot on material and installation,
- $1.25 more per square foot on texture spraying.
6. Install Exterior Walkways and Driveway
This is the final stage of the exterior, where craftsmen install walkways, patios, and the driveway foundation. Many builders wait to pour the driveway concrete until the very end to protect it from construction equipment that could damage it.
There are also times when the driveway is poured earlier after laying the home’s foundation to prevent mud and messy shoes for those visiting the work site.
7. Install Hard Surface Flooring and Countertops
This is the stage where ceramic tile, vinyl, wood flooring, and countertops are installed. Additionally, complete exterior grading to ensure proper drainage and prepare for landscaping.
The cost to install flooring will depend on the type you choose:
- Hardwood and tile flooring costs approximately $3,000 on average for a 500-square-foot area.
- Countertop installation typically runs around $3,000, including labor.
- Exterior grading has a wide cost range – averages between $970-$3,000.
The flooring and countertops are typically installed concurrently with the trim and cabinetry, taking 1-2 weeks. However, depending on the weather, exterior grading usually takes several days based on the size of the crew.
8. Install Bathroom Fixtures
Before the final home inspection, you should install lighting, wiring, HVAC, bath fixtures, as well as flooring. Finish interior cleanup and exterior landscaping concurrently.
The whole process can take a few weeks for the interior and another week for final cleanup and inspection. In terms of the cost range:
- Lighting ($150-$2,500),
- Wiring ($1,400),
- Bath fixtures ($250-$400),
- Landscaping ($700-$7,000).
9. Final Home Inspection
The final home inspection serves to verify the home’s full functionality and safety before move-in. An inspector thoroughly checks plumbing, electricals, HVAC, structural integrity, and many more.
Contractors address any issues that arise before re-inspection to ensure the home matches agreed-upon plans by reviewing details closely and noting any incomplete work or damage. The final process can take a week to finish.
Conclusion
Navigating a custom home build brings great excitement, but the journey also requires detailed planning, patience, and due diligence across each construction phase. Maintaining realistic expectations around scheduling and investments helps balance eagerness with pragmatic decision-making. And, for the best results, hire an experienced contractor to handle it all for you.
