Building a new home is thrilling. It can also be stressful. The more you understand the construction process, the more enjoyable the experience will be. Read on for Pat Galati’s, construction manager with Falconcrest Homes, explanation of the stages of new home construction.
The Stages of New Home Construction
Permit Stage
During the permit stage, the city reviews the design plans, building layout, site grade and zoning requirements. Issuing a permit, along with a list of inspections to verify, is done after meeting all the requirements and standards. The permit stage usually takes ten days.
Stake Out and Excavation Stage
During this stage, a surveyor establishes the building lines. Then excavation begins. The sewer laterals and water service are dug first and then the basement. After installing the sewers and water service, the city does an inspection to ensure the pipes have sufficient slope, lay on stable ground, and are covered with gravel. The way the pipes run to the street is marked for future reference. The stake out and excavation stage usually three days.
Footing Stage
During the footing stage, a surveyor pins the exterior corners of the walls. Placement of the footings is to the size and depth of the required plans. The footing stage takes about two days.
Foundation and Backfill Stage
There are several steps during the foundation and backfill stage, and it usually takes twelve days.
- The basement walls are formed and poured. The curing process begins after removing the forms.
- The walls are sprayed with tar and wrapped with a waterproofing membrane.
- The weeping tile is laid around the perimeter and connected either to the storm sewer or a sump pump pit; then it is covered with stone.
- Once passing inspection, the foundation walls are braced, and backfill begins.
Framing Stage
The framing stage is when the house begins to take shape and purchasers can start to visualise their new home.This process is usually 21 days
Rough-in Stage
The rough-in stage is the installation of mechanical, plumbing and electrical. It is also when many of the inspections occur: the HVAC, plumbing and electrical.
Insulation Stage
The insulation stage is where all the walls, exposed floors and attic get insulated. Next, the walls and ceiling are drywalled, taped and primed. This process takes about 21 days
Finishing Stage
The finishing stage is when the building becomes a home.
- Install tiles, paint walls, and hang trim and doors. This takes about 18 days.
- Next, comes installation of the kitchen and vanities and electrical and plumbing fixtures. This takes about seven days.
- Next, the hardwood/ broadloom, staining of the stairs and paint touch-ups. Then a final checkout of the patching drywall and caulking.
- A final inspection of occupancy by the city is done to establish that the home is livable. This usually takes 14 days.
The Pre-Delivery Inspection
A pre-delivery inspection is when the homeowner inspects his new home for problems and issues with workmanship and material.
“Building a new home has several advantages over buying resale,“ stated Galati. “The greatest advantage is that new home buyers can customise the home with the colours and finishes of their choice.They can also make structural changes to floor plans to accommodate their needs. New home construction uses updated building standards and building codes. The current standards ensure greater energy efficiency practices which will save on heating and cooling costs. For those who want control over the design of their homes, new home construction is the better option over buying resale.”
Tags: Building a new home, Falconcrest Homes, New Home Construction, New Home Construction process, new homes