No doubt, building a house is a big commitment. It is a complicated job that needs to be carefully coordinated with many people across many steps. For many, it is the realization of a childhood dream or a vision, but the process can be scary and intimidating if you do not have any idea of what to expect.
But it does not have to be that way. Building a new house can be fun and exciting. Construction projects are not finished in a single, easy step. Instead, they are made up of a series of events or tasks that need to be done over time. To bring an enormous project to life, we can think of it in terms of smaller events and actions. It is critical to understand the steps and handle the problems that come up along the way. Each project is unique, so the process of building a house can be different in different areas or if you are working with other builders.
However, before the building can start, a lot of Work needs to be done, such as making plans, designing, hiring workers, evaluating how much resources you will need, and so on. This article will help homeowners, contractors, and anyone else working on building a new home by giving a detailed breakdown of each step, from the first plans to the finishing touches. But before that, let us look at the things you need to think about before building a new home.
Things to Consider Before Starting Your Next Residential Project
As mentioned earlier, the construction of a new home can be fun and challenging at the same time. Before you make the big decision to start the project, think about the pros and cons of each of these choices. Is it worth the money you need to make it? Do you want to change some things about your home or the whole thing? What should you expect while your house is being built?
Cost
When comparing the cost of building a new house to buying and renovating an old one, you should consider more than just the price. Here are some things that could change, which will help you choose which is worth the money.
Financing
Unless you pay cash, you will probably need a construction loan to pay for your new building. The total cost of the home may go up because the interest rates on these loans are higher than those on a regular mortgage.
Budget
When it comes to construction, it is critical to get an accurate idea of the price because new homes are more significant than older ones. Building a new home may seem like a more substantial investment at first, but it usually costs less per square foot and gives you more room for your money.
Professional Fees
Some home builders have planners on staff. If you still need to, remember to include your architect’s fees in your plans. These fees usually comprise 5 to 15 percent of the total project cost.
Maintenance and Landscaping
At first, newly built homes will need fewer fixes and use less energy, which will keep costs even lower. But if you buy an older home, the gardens and trees will already be established, saving you time and money.
Time and Effort
A construction project is complicated and can span a few months or even years. You have to be willing to learn and put in time and effort. Will you be unable to do your Work or care for your family? Will it disrupt your daily life? This does not have a monetary value, but it is still something to consider.
What Kind of House You Want
There are three types of homes you can build on your own: tract, speculative, and fully custom. The most significant difference between these options is how much they can be changed.
Tract Homes
Builders pick clear floor plans for tract homes so all of them will look the same and share the same features. You can change things here.
Spec Homes
As the name suggests, speculative (or “spec”) homes are like tract homes, but you can make some changes if you buy early enough in the building process. The builder picks the floor plan, but early buyers can choose paint color and other personal touches.
Custom Homes
Custom houses offer the most choices. Buyers can pick their land, floor plan, and features. You are in charge of every part of building your dream home.
The Steps in Building A New Home
Now that you have finally decided that building a new home is the right choice for you, let’s examine the steps in construction.
Pre-Construction Phase
Finalizing Your Project’s Scope and Deliverables
Before you start with the actual construction phase, you need to have a clear idea of what you want it to look like before you start making a house. This includes figuring out what you want and need in a new house, such as:
- Size and Layout – What is the number of beds and baths, and is it an open or classic floor plan?
- Style – modern, classic, colonial, ranch?
- Unique Features – home office, gym, and private kitchen?
Creating Your Budget
It is essential to set a budget that you can stick to. The budget should include the building costs, soft costs, and contingency funds.
Hire an Architect and A Builder
Hire an architect to make thorough plans and bring your ideas to life. At the same time, hire a trustworthy builder or general worker to oversee the building process. Both professionals will work together to make sure the job goes well.
Picking Out the Land
Pick out a good piece of land. Consider its size, location, and the zoning rules in your area. Get a complete analysis of the site to ensure it meets your needs. This way, you can also plan and build a structure that can stand the test of time.
Licenses and Permits
Get the permissions and approvals you need from the local government. This usually includes a building permit, zoning permit, and various environmental permits.
Construction Phase
Site Clearing
Clear the land of trees, rocks, and other trash to prepare it. Prepare the spot by digging down to make a level base. Ensure the ground slopes away from the base so water can drain properly. Check also if the utilities, such as water, sewer, electricity, and gas lines, have already been installed.
Foundation Pouring
The base is what holds the house together. Some common types are:
- Slab-on-Grade – One slab of concrete is poured at the ground level.
- Basement – A whole level below the ground that can be used for extra living or storage space.
Framing
Set up the basis for the building, which includes the floor, wall, and roof framing.
Adding the Sheathing
Sheathing, like plywood or oriented strand board, should be put on the outside walls and roof. A weather-resistant shield should also be put up to protect against wind and water.
Installing the Plumbing Pipes
Put in the rough plumbing, which includes lines for water, waste, and airflow. Water lines need to be set up for toilets, sinks, showers, and appliances, as well as draining systems to get rid of wastewater and dirty water.
Electrical Work
Next, you will have to run electricity wires all over the house. This includes adding the electrical panels, which are the central hub for controlling electrical lines, as well as wiring for the light fixtures, plugs, switches, and service connections to hook up to the primary power source.
HVAC Systems
Set up the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. This includes putting in ductwork to move cooled air around the house.
Adding in Insulations
Insulate the walls, ceilings, and floors to save money on energy costs and make your home more comfortable. Some common types are fiberglass batts, spray foam, and rigid foam.
Interior Finishes
Put down your chosen flooring, such as laminate, hardwood, tile, or carpet. This step can have a significant effect on how the house looks and works.
The inner trim should include baseboards, crown molding, and door and window casings. For a polished look, add handmade millwork.
Paint or put up wallpaper on the walls and ceilings. Choose finishes and colors that complement your style.
Put in countertops and shelves in the kitchen and bathroom. These parts are practical and pretty, and they are essential to the overall appearance of the house.
Exterior Finishes
Put siding or cladding on the outside of your home, like vinyl, wood, brick, or stone. This keeps the house safe from the weather and makes it look better from the street.
Put on the roof covering, like asphalt shingles, metal, or tile. Make sure the flashing and venting are correct to stop leaks and make the roof last longer.
Put in doors and windows on the outside. Ensure they are adequately sealed and protected to save energy and keep your home safe.
Lastly, finish the gardening and add trees, shrubs, and grass to the outside. Walkways, patios, and roads are examples of hardscaping features to consider.
Post Construction
Inspections
Do a final check of the building to ensure it meets all the rules and codes. What the inspector will do is:
- Making sure the base, framing, and roof are sound is called “structural integrity.”
- Ensure the plumbing, electricity, and HVAC systems are set up correctly and work.
- Make sure there are smoke alarms, stairs, and other safety features.
- Make sure the house meets standards for energy saving.
- Making sure that environmental rules are being followed.
Punch lists
Make a list of all the things that still need to be done or fixed before you move in. In most cases, this includes touch-ups and final cleaning.
Final Walkthrough
Do one last tour with the builder to look over the finished house. Take care of any worries or questions you have before you take possession.
Project Turnover
Get the keys, the guarantees, and information on maintaining the property. The builder will give you a handover box with all the necessary paperwork.
Move-In
Finally, the last step. Bring your things to your new house. Enjoy the pleasure of seeing your dream home come to life and getting settled in.