Building a new home is exciting. Being able to be a part of the process from the design phase through construction up to the moment you first walk through the front door of your new home is exciting. But there’s a lot going on behind the scenes before, during, and after the process and a lot that needs to be considered. An architect can take anywhere from one to four months to draw up the plans. Add roughly another month for the project to get started. Then, building the home can take anywhere from seven months onwards, depending on the size of the home, the features, and the design team.

An owner-built home can take up to twelve months to complete. Contractor-built homes can take up to nine months to complete. And, built-for-sale homes will be completed in six months. It is very important to select the right contractor for the job.

Steps in the home building process

Each new home follows the same steps to completion.

Site work – sewerage and water inspection

This is not a part of a building or the physical structure of the house. It involves excavation, grading, installation of septic tanks, filtration systems, driveways, utilities, and construction. Companies such as Grayson Carter & Son are separate entities from the builders and lay the groundwork for building.

Foundation

The foundation is a costly and critical part of the process. There are many variables to consider during this phase of the building process. The depth of the foundation is a key factor that needs to be considered in terms of the architectural design of the home.

Building the superstructure

This step requires the green light from a building inspector. Some of the steps in this phase include ground workers digging service trenches and laying pipes. Concrete floor beams are positioned. A building control/warranty inspection is scheduled. Drainage and vent pipes are installed.

Roof

The next step is building the roof. Many factors need to be considered, including the climate of the area, cost, durability etc. The roof structure is set up before the covering is placed over. Various materials are available for the roof covering, including sheet metal, shingles, and roof tiles.

Exterior and interior fittings

During this step of the process, plumbers, carpenters, and other contractors complete the first part of this phase of the process.

Drainage

Drainage runs are installed. Pathways and driveways are constructed and bricklayers build fireplaces. Gas meters are installed and connected. Plumbers and electricians liaise on earthing and bonding. These are just some of the steps during this phase.

Preparing ceilings

The internal ceiling boards need to be installed. In addition, all roofing insulation is installed during this step of the process.

Second phase of carpentry

This step includes hanging internal doors, laying the flooring, including tiles. Also, all built-in cupboards are installed during the steps.

The final touches

The final touches of building a home include the landscaping and decorating, such as painting the house and adding all the fixtures.