What’s happening on your homesite, and behind the scenes, while your new home comes to life.
Few moments in life compare to building the home you’ve dreamed about. The early days are exciting: plans are drawn, selections are made and contracts are signed. Then comes a stretch that can feel surprisingly quiet. Knowing what’s happening at each phase makes the wait easier and the progress more rewarding. Here’s what you can expect over the coming months.
Getting ready
In the first few weeks, you may not see much happening on your lot, but a lot is going on behind the scenes. We’re securing permits, finalizing plans, sharing drawings with our plumbing, electrical and framing trades, and ordering materials. This groundwork keeps the rest of the build running smoothly.
Stage 1: Foundation
The homesite is cleared and prepared, foundation forms are set and the plumbing that runs beneath the slab is installed. Before any concrete is placed, the work is inspected to make sure everything matches the engineered plans. Once it’s approved, the foundation is poured.
A bare slab can look smaller than you pictured. That’s completely normal, and it will feel very different once the walls go up.
Stage 2: Framing
Framing is the skeleton of your home, and it often goes up remarkably fast. Almost overnight, the outline of every room appears and you can start to picture life inside.
It’s an exciting time to visit, but an active job site has real hazards. Please let us know before you come out so we can walk the house with you safely, and plan to wear proper footwear and a hard hat.
Stage 3: Roof and dry-in
The roof decking, flashing and shingles go on, windows are installed and the exterior walls are covered with water-resistant sheathing and house wrap. Builders call this “drying in” the home. Once it’s protected from the weather, work inside can move forward.
Stage 4: Rough-ins and insulation
Before the walls are closed in, the systems that run through them are installed:
- Plumbing supply and drain lines
- Heating, ventilation and air conditioning ductwork
- Electrical wiring, boxes and the breaker panel
- Low-voltage wiring for internet, TV and security
After this rough-in work passes inspection, insulation is installed in the walls and ceilings.
Stage 5: Drywall
Drywall is hung, then taped and finished to create smooth walls and ceilings, with texture added where it’s called for. Outside, exterior finishes such as brick and siding continue. At this point, your home really starts to look like itself.
Stage 6: Trim, doors and cabinets
Carpenters install interior doors, baseboards, crown molding and cabinetry, and then the interior is painted. Outside, the yard is graded and walkways and the driveway are poured if they weren’t completed with the foundation. Weather can affect exactly when exterior work wraps up.
Stage 7: Countertops, tile and fixtures
Kitchen and bathroom countertops are installed, along with backsplashes and tub and shower tile. The finishing pieces of each system go in as well:
- Plumbing fixtures
- Switches, outlets and light fixtures
- Outdoor condensers, indoor air handlers, vents and grilles
Another round of inspections follows before work continues.
Stage 8: Flooring
Hardwood and carpet are among the last items installed, so they stay protected from the rest of the work. Floors are cleaned and prepared, the new flooring goes down, and the whole home receives a thorough cleaning.
Stage 9: Final quality checks
Your home may look ready, but a few important steps remain. We complete our own detailed quality review, and final municipal and third-party inspections take place. Anything that doesn’t meet our standards is corrected before you see the finished home.
Stage 10: Welcome home
Construction is officially complete. We walk through your new home together, point out its features and show you how its systems work, then hand you the keys.
We’re with you every step of the way
Building a home is a journey, and we’ll keep you informed from the first permit to move-in day. If you have questions about what comes next, we’re always glad to talk.