What Are the Stages of Home Construction?

Building a new home can be an exciting yet stressful time. Trusting a proven, successful professional contractor makes things go more smoothly. To help you understand what will happen, your contractor can explain the step-by-step home construction process.

By knowing what to expect, you’ll spend more time dreaming about your beautiful new home and less time worrying about how it’s going to become a reality. Learn more about the phases of home building that contribute to the new construction timeline.

1. Designing the Home

Among the first steps to build a house is creating the design and blueprints. You’ll meet with architects and designers to determine the size, layout, and features to include in the new home. 

If you have special materials you’re considering using in the home’s design, the contractor can give you a timeline and cost estimate for obtaining them during this phase. You can then decide whether you want to use them.

2. Obtaining Permits

One factor that can significantly affect the residential construction sequence is obtaining permits. Some people might need rezoning or extra permits, depending on the location of the lot.

Trying to obtain the necessary approvals without the help of an experienced professional can become a nightmarish scenario. When hiring a contractor, always ask about their strategies for speeding up the permitting process.  

3. Preparing the Build Site

The first visible signs of progress in the step-by-step home construction process involve preparing the site for building. Site preparation includes:

• Surveying
• Grading
• Lot clearing
• Digging
• Managing drainage

Homeowners are often excited to see the earth move at the building site. This is a vital step, as failing to take the proper preparation steps can lead to long-term stability issues.

4. Laying the Foundation and Erecting Framing

Pouring a concrete slab or digging the foundation is the next step. If your home does not have a basement, the slab foundation will be several inches thick. If you dig a basement, you’ll need to pour footings and form the foundation walls.

Contractors must install utility runs during this step, adding electrical conduit and plumbing in the concrete. Such additions must be made carefully and precisely to simplify the rest of the building process.

Rough framing of the floors, walls, and roof happens next. Applying sheathing to the exterior walls protects the interior from weather during the upcoming steps.

5. Adding the Plumbing and Electrical

Contractors then begin running the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems throughout the home. These may include:

• Ductwork
• Plumbing pipes
• Electrical wiring
• Electrical conduits
• Sewer pipes
• Vents
• Appliance hookups
• Natural gas lines

Inspectors will regularly visit the site during these steps to ensure proper installation, so your new home is safe to occupy

6. Hanging the Drywall and Finishes

The step-by-step home construction process really comes into focus for the homeowner when they begin to see the interior walls. They add insulation inside the framing to keep the interior temperature stable and maintain energy efficiency.

Contractors begin hanging drywall on ceilings and walls, allowing the rooms to come together. Mudding and sanding drywall can be a messy process, but professionals make the job go quickly, allowing painting to begin.

Interior trim and other finishes follow the painting. Adding baseboards, door frames, and flooring is part of this process. If the contractor is installing your appliances or plumbing fixtures, this will be one of the final steps.

Meanwhile, other workers will be focused on the exterior, adding siding, landscaping, decks, and sidewalks.

7. Inspecting the Final Build

With everything installed and all the building code inspections completed, you and the contractor can conduct a final walkthrough. If you have any concerns, this is the best time to raise them. 

The contractor will explain the warranties and any regular maintenance required to protect the home’s finishes and appliances.

For homeowners planning a fresh start, our team is experienced in new construction in Gilroy, CA, guiding you through every stage from the ground up to create a home built to your exact specifications.

Let Michael Marini Construction Manage Your New Home From Start to Finish

A common question to ask a contractor when building a new home is how long the job will take. Understanding the step-by-step home construction process is important for homeowners, as it helps them track and see the progress.

At Michael Marini Construction, our home-building process ensures you can have confidence in the timeline we devise for you. In light of our successful track record, we’ll create a final product that fits your budget and exceeds your expectations, resulting in a home you’ll be more than proud to call your own. Contact us today at (408) 310-8732 to discuss your vision and how we can bring it to life.