Many people dream of building a house from the ground up. It’s a chance to build a home designed for your unique lifestyle, tastes and future plans. But before pursuing a residential building project; it is first important to know How House Construction Works.
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In order to get from the early planning stages to the final installation of finishes and fixtures, having an idea of what to expect can shorten your build, control costs and secure you a comfortable home. In this guide, we will break down the basic steps to building a new house to help first-time builders prepare.
Planning and Pre-Construction
Settle Your Vision And Your Budget
Before you ever do any physical work, though, you’ll want to nail down define the scope of your project. Decide how many bedrooms and bathrooms you need, style or architecture you prefer and the features you want, such as an open-plan kitchen or attached garage. Armed with a complete wish list, establish an achievable budget that covers land costs, labor fees, permits, materials, design services and contingencies (such as extra money for unexpected expenses).
Choose Your Team
Out of all the practicalities involved in a building project, you must have a capable and reliable crew for it to run smoothly. Often you will work with an architect or designer to finalize blueprints. In regions with certain environmental conditions, engineers may be called to ensure structural integrity as well. Once your plans have been approved, contract with a reputable builder who has a successful track record of finishing projects on time and on budget.
Secure Permits and Approvals
Building codes and regulations differ across jurisdictions. Once everything has been finalized, submit your plans to the applicable city or county offices for review. Depending on local rules and the complexity of your design, the permitting process can take weeks or months. Taking your time at this stage helps to prevent expensive legal problems and delays later down the line.
Site Preparation and Foundation Work
Site Clearing and Grading
Once the necessary approvals are secured, the construction team is going to begin by clearing the land. Vegetation, existing structures or debris needs to be cleared off. Afterward, the earth is graded or leveled for a stable site base for the foundation. Proper grading is important because it provides for enough drainage and protects your home against damage from standing water in the future.
Soil Testing
Next, contractors commonly conduct soil tests to determine its load-bearing capacity, and check against other factors such as high moisture, clay content or sand composition that may necessitate further reinforcement. In earthquake or hurricane-prone regions, engineers may suggest stronger designs for the foundation to account for these additional hazards.
Laying the Foundation
The foundation is the backbone of your entire home. Some common foundation types are slab-on-grade, crawl space and basements. Once the crew pours the footings, which will support the foundation walls or what will become the floor, rebar (the steel you see sticking up where concrete will be poured) is often used to fill the forms and provide tensile strength. It is critical that the concrete cures under optimal conditions to avoid cracks and other structural problems.
Framing the Structure
Constructing the Skeleton
Once the foundation is secure, carpenters can start framing, your house’s skeleton. This stage determines the arrangement of rooms and corridors, when you’ll see walls, doorways and windows framed by wooden or metal studs. During framing, ceiling joists and roof rafters or trusses are also installed, forming the overall structure of your home.
Installation and Sheathing of the Roof
Now that the skeleton is complete, your team will install sheathing (typically plywood or oriented strand board) on the exterior walls and roof. This makes it more rigid and weather resistant. The roofing materials shingles, metal panels or tiles are then installed. Opting for tough roofing that fits your climate makes for a longer-lasting protection against leaks and temperature extremes.
Weatherproofing and Windows
Usually, a waterproof- or waterproofing membrane is used to cover the sheathing to prevent moisture intrusion. Openings for windows and doors are framed out per the architectural drawings, and once these parts are installed, your residence achieves a stage known as “dried-in,” meaning it’s protected from the elements.
Rough-Ins: Electrical and Plumbing and HVAC
Electrical Wiring
Electricians then route wires through the framed walls and ceilings for lights, outlets, appliances and specialized systems like security or home automation. With proper planning, you will have adequate power and connectivity available in the right places. Think extra outlets in your kitchen, home office and outdoor spaces.
Plumbing and Gas Lines
Plumbers put in pipes to supply and drain water. Gas lines will also be run if you have gas appliances or heat in your home. It’s important to make sure all plumbing and gas systems meet local codes to avoid hazards or leaks down the line.
HVAC Systems
Year-round, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems keep us comfortable indoors with a healthy indoor environment. Ductwork runs through the house and equipment such as furnaces or air conditioners is installed in specific areas, such as attics, basements or dedicated utility closets. A good design for an HVAC system can positively contribute to energy cost and overall comfort savings.
Insulation and Interior Walls
Insulating for Efficiency
Before sealing the walls, builders also fit insulation into the ceilings, walls and sometimes floors. Common options are fiberglass batts, spray foam, or blown-in cellulose. Excellent insulation keeps indoor temperatures steady and reduces heating and cooling expenses. In some instances, more air-sealing work such as caulking around seams is also done to reduce potential drafts.
Installation and Finishing Of Drywall
Once there is insulation, drywall (known as sheetrock) is hung on the interior walls and ceilings. Once the compound dries, crews tape and mud over the seams for a smooth surface and then sand and prime the walls. This phase converts your house from a skeleton into a space that actually starts to look like completed rooms.
Interior Doors and Trims
Once the drywall has been finished and painted, interior doors, baseboards and other trim pieces are added. This touch-up work improves the visual effect and brings the transition between naked construction and livable space.
Floors, Cabinets, and Finishing Touches
Flooring Materials
You can select hardwood, laminate, tile, vinyl, or carpet according to your tastes and budget. Durability, foot traffic, and maintenance are just some of the factors that influence the most suitable material in every section of the house. Generally, flooring is one of the last big installs to avoid damage from construction traffic.
Cabinetry and Countertops
Cabinets and countertops are installed in kitchens and bathrooms near the end of the build. This enables contractors to measure to install them accurately. A good kitchen should have high-traffic surfaces made from durable materials like granite, quartz, or solid wood that can stand up to everyday use.
Light and Finishing Accessories
They mount lighting fixtures and complete any final wiring tasks. Plumbers put in sinks, faucets and toilets, and carpenters install any final hardware doorknobs and shelving, for example. A fresh coat of paint and a final clean-up will prepare your brand-new home for you to move in.
Conclusion
From conceptualizing floor plans to choosing finishes, every step in the process of building a home requires thoughtful planning, skilled tradesmen and attention to detail. Understanding How House Construction Works is a good way to go into your build well informed, so that you can work together with your contractors to reach what you ultimately want in your final home. When you’re ready to get started on your own, reach out to Grit Build Company. Add an experienced team to guide you through every decision, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving a successful, long-lasting build that makes you feel at home.