This article describes the typical stages your contractor takes during the building of a brand-new house. Moreover, it includes information about what happens at these critical parts to help you prepare and understand your new home.
Keep in mind that the residential construction process may differ from area to area and builder to builder. For instance, residential and Commercial Construction in Calgary would be different from construction done in other cities of Canada. Be careful to inquire about the specific procedures and policies of your builder.
Step 1: Setting up the Construction Site and Pouring the Foundation
Permits are Requested and Obtained by the Builder
A constructor must approve the design and obtain permissions for everything from licensing to grading before they can begin building. Construction can start physically as soon as permits are obtained. Some of these steps, such as this one, are similar for commercial construction.
Building Crews Level the Site
Usually, the same crew handles both site prepping and foundational work, but with a wooded lot, this may not always be the case.
Wooden forms are Erected by the Builder for the Momentary Foundation
The team prepares the site by levelling it, erecting wooden forms as a guide, and excavating trenches and holes.
Footings are Installed
The ground support network that prevents the house from sinking is made up of footings. After the concrete has been poured into the trenches and holes, it must cure for a while. There will not be any operation on the construction area during this time.
Plumbing and Watertight are Installed
A waterproofing membrane is then applied to the foundation walls once the concrete has had time to set. They also put in drains, the sewer line, sink faucets, and any other plumbing that requires going into the basement.
Timeline
The most crucial phase is laying the groundwork and making room for the house, and it can take a while to finish. It is typical to anticipate that this section will take more than a month.
Inspection
After the curing procedure is completed, a city inspector checks the foundation for proper placement and conformity with code.
Step 2: Complete Preliminary Framing Walls
The Roof System, and The Floor System are all Finished
The structure of the house, including the floor, walls, and roof, is finished. This is referred to by the shell or backbone of the building.
Exterior Walls Receive Sheathing, Which is Then Wrapped in Safety
With a sheathed roof and walls, as well as windows and doors, the external walls and roof are sheathened.
Timeline
Depending on the complexity of the home, the weather, and the framing process, it may take around two months.
Step 3: Complete the HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing Rough-ins
The Following Components are Installed at this time
- Cables and pipes
- Sewer vents and pipes
- Supply lines for water
- Showerheads and bathtubs
- HVAC system vent pipes and ductwork
Timeline
The installation of the HVAC system may only require three to seven days. But the remainder of the mechanical components, including the electrical and plumbing, may take up to four weeks.
Inspections
These three inspections will most likely be separate ones. The framing inspection will, at the absolute least, be carried out independently of the electrical and mechanical examinations.
Step 4: Installing Insulation
Insulation is essential for boosting indoor comfort and consistency while also dramatically raising a home’s energy efficiency.
Timeline
The entire house may be insulated in one to two weeks on average. When considering your schedule, it’s crucial to consider the size of the home and the type of insulation.
Step 5: Finish Interior Fixtures and Drywall; Begin Exterior Finishes
On the inner walls, drywall is hung, taped to hide the joints between the boards, and finished with drywall texturing.
Timeline
The house swiftly takes shape once the foundation is put in place and the walls start to take shape. Depending on the dimensions and intricacy of the home, this process can take several days to several weeks.
Step 6: Finish the Interior Trim; Put in the Driveway and Exterior Walkways
Because heavy machinery might harm concrete, builders prefer that they wait till the project is finished before pouring the driveway. However, some contractors will create the groundwork earlier so that residents who visit the worksite won’t track mud on shoes.
Timeline
Several steps can start to come together all at once at this time. Flooring, trim, driveways, and walkways can all be installed within one or two months.
Step 7: Install hard surfaces in the flooring and countertops, and finish grading the exterior
Flooring options include ceramic tile, vinyl, and wood, along with counters. To ensure adequate draining away from the house and to ready the yard for landscaping, the outside grading is finished.
Timeline
As the cabinetry and trim come together, the flooring and counters can be added. Depending on the nature of the workforce and the weather, grading the outside may need several days.
Step 8: Complete the Mechanical Trims
Bathroom Fixtures are put in.
The power panel is finished, and outlets, switches, and lighting fixtures are all installed. In addition to this, the registers are finished, and the HVAC equipment is installed. Furthermore, the installation of sinks, toilets, and faucets is also completed.
Timeline
Installing the final touches must only require a few weeks once everything has begun to resemble a house.
Step 9: Finish Flooring and External Landscaping; Attach Mirrors and Shower Doors
Final cleaning is done before installing mirrors, shower doors, and carpets. Along with the planting of trees, bushes, and grass, other external landscaping is finished.
Timeline
After the interior work is finished, the final clearance takes about a week. During this time, any external landscaping is completed to make the residence beautiful on the exterior as it is inside.
Inspection
An occupancy certificate is issued after a final examination by a building code inspector. If any flaws are discovered, a subsequent examination may be planned to verify that they have been fixed. This can occasionally take a week.
Step 10: Finish the Walk-Through
You will be shown your brand-new home by your builder, showcasing its features, utilising various systems, and overseeing overall maintenance. They will also go over the details of your warranty and how to take advantage of it. This is commonly referred to as the walk-through prior to settlement.
Be alert and perceptive so that you can identify anything that needs to be fixed or corrected. Check the surfaces of the walls, floors, fixtures, and worktops for any potential damage. There are times when disagreements arise for multiple reasons. Such as, how to determine who’s responsible for a hole on a countertop that the homeowner discovered after moving in.
Conclusion
In summary, constructing a home is a drawn-out procedure. It demands that each step be carefully completed without rushing. This article can be useful if you are unfamiliar with the house-building process.