Home Building

A guide to the home construction process

Building a new custom or semi-custom house? This guide will help you get started!

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Deciding on new construction for your next home is exciting, especially when you know what to expect! Understanding the stages of construction will help you follow the progress and understand updates from your builder.

Construction begins after you select a builder and the location, make decisions about the home plan, secure financing, and obtain permits.

The size of your home, the type of construction, and the region where you live can contribute to how long the process will take. As a guide, a report from the US Census Bureau suggests that from 2010-2021, it took an average of 6.6 months from the start of construction to the completion of a single-family residence.

A deep dive into the construction process

Preparing the site and foundation

A crew will use heavy equipment to clear the job site of any rocks, debris, or trees. If your home includes a basement, the crew will dig that out before installing footings and pouring the concrete.
Framing

Framing is the skeleton of the home. Once completed, it will help you visualize how the house sits on the lot as well as the exterior dimensions of the home. In this stage, the floors, walls, and roof support are built. Sheathing, house wrap, windows, and exterior doors are added to seal the building against the elements.
Rough-in plumbing, electrical, and HVAC

Next comes the part of the home that gets tucked out of sight. Electricians and plumbers will run wires and pipes throughout the house. Internal sewer lines, vents, and water supply lines are installed. Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) ductwork and the furnace are put in as well.
Insulation

Insulation's primary job is to manage the temperature and energy efficiency of the home. It keeps the cold out during the cooler months; it keeps the cool air in during the summer. Insulation can come in rolls, batts, loose fill, and spray foam.
Drywall

Drywall is hung and taped to conceal any seams between boards. Walls and ceilings are sprayed with primer. At this stage, you can get a feel for the home's interior, including the sizes of the different spaces.
Pro tip: Make sure to walk the interior space and make sure it's coming together as you envisioned. It's easier to make changes at this stage than later in the process.
Interior and exterior fixtures

At this stage, you may see more activity at the house. Contractors will be working both inside and outside to complete the project. Outside, they will begin exterior finishes such as brick, stucco, stone, and siding. Inside, doors, baseboards, door frames, windowsills, moldings, cabinets, mantels, stair rails, and other trim elements are installed.
Paint

Walls, ceilings, and trim get a final coat of paint.
Mechanical elements

Light fixtures, outlets, and switches are installed. The electrical panel is completed, and the HVAC equipment is set up. Countertops, sinks, toilets, and faucets are put in place.
Driveway and walkways

A crew will level and pour your driveway, plus any walkways to the house. If your plans call for a porch or patio pad, the crew will pour those too.
Appliances and interior finishes

Mirrors, shower doors, and final flooring are installed. Final site cleanup takes place.
Exterior landscaping

Trees, shrubs, and grass are planted, and other exterior landscaping is completed.
Final inspection

A building inspector will visit at this point to issue a certificate of occupancy, ensuring the construction follows local building codes. You also may want to pay for an independent home inspection if you prefer a second opinion.
Orientation and walk-through

Let your builder know of any items that you think need attention. Have him review how things like thermostats, in-ground sprinkler controls, garage door openers, or smart home features operate. Keep the instruction manuals in an easy-to-find location.
Review home warranty coverage

Talk with your builder about their process for warranty coverage. Mark your calendar with reminders to avoid missing deadlines. Write down anything you notice that might need attention and share that list with your builder for remediation.