The Construction Process

Raising your home IQ begins where your home does, in the construction process. Understanding the process and your role in it will answer the questions most home buyers have and give you a timeline of the stages so you know what to expect. The 12 stages of the home building process are generally the same for all houses and are listed to inform you of what will happen.

Stage 1: Sales agreement.

In this first stage you and the builder sign the sales agreement.

Stage 2: Pre-construction.

Still in the beginning stages, you will finalize design selections and pre-order all major materials, such as lumber. You will receive a tentative construction schedule to keep you involved in the process.

Stage 3: Foundation.

Make sure you’re happy with the layout of your house, because after this stage it’s literally set in stone. The foundation stage is devoted to the construction of the foundation of your home.

Stage 4: Framing.

This is the skeleton of your home. Floors, walls, stairs and the roof are constructed but your home isn’t closed in just yet.

Stage 5: Exterior finishes.

This stage is just what it sounds like, finishing the exterior of your house. From the outside, your house is beginning to look like a home – but inside there’s more work to be done!

Stage 6: Mechanical.

At this stage mechanical aspects such as wiring and plumbing are completed. The pipes and wires are still exposed at this stage; there are a few more stages before the interior is complete.

Stage 7: Insulation and air sealing.

This stage is designed to keep you and your family comfortable in the house. Gaps are sealed and insulation is added to keep outside air outside and the inside temperature to your liking.

Stage 8: Interior finishes.

This is likely to be an exciting stage for you, as it’s when the house really starts to look finished. Your walls and ceilings are filled in; interior doors are installed along with shelving, cabinets, countertops, mirrors, and flooring. The plumbers and electricians return to finish their jobs, installing registers, faucets, and light fixtures and appliances.

Stage 9: Landscaping.

This stage marks the beginning of the end. Your yard is formed including any driveways or walkway. To finish it all off, plantings such as trees, shrubs, and grass are added.

Stage 10: Pre-closing.

While the landscaping is being finished, final inspections are being conducted. If any problems are found, they are repaired before entering the next stage. Once any repairs are made all remaining construction materials are removed, and the home is cleaned and ready for the closing.

Stage 11: Closing.

Before you can own the home, you’ll be walked through the house and have mechanical systems and appliances explained to you. Use this time to ask questions about how the home operates. Minor repairs, such as paint touch-ups can also be requested in this stage. A few days after the walk-through you’ll sign papers and the house will be yours!

Stage 12: Warranty period.

This stage extends a year or more after closing. During this time, the home is covered under a warranty that specifically spells out what kind of problems the builder is responsible for. Before entering this stage, your builder should tell you what to look for during the warranty period.

Now that you’re properly informed of what to expect from the construction process, here are a few tips to keep in mind. One of the most important things to remember is that you will be asked to make decisions early in the construction process. This is because time is needed to order and receive materials and also because some units are too large to install in the later stages of construction.