What to Expect When Building a New Home: Steps 1-5
As an award-winning Chesterfield VA home builder, we want to make sure your home building process is as smooth and transparent as possible. After all, while building a new home is an exciting experience, it’s also a stressful one. Along with all of the decisions that must be made, there’s the need to keep the budget in line, as well. Also, due to supply shortages, homes are taking longer to build these days, so it’s important that you have a clear understanding of the home building process. This month we’ll discuss the first five major elements and we’ll finish off next month, leading up to that moment when you finally take ownership of your brand new home.
Step 1:Preparing the Site and Pouring the Foundation
Depending on whether you’re building on your own land or choosing a site in an existing community, the builder will need to apply for and receive building permits from the local government. This is frequently already done when building in a planned community. Once permits are in place, the building site will be leveled according to needs and the team will prepare the ground for the temporary foundation, including the footing, which are structures where the home will have contact with the ground that supports it. A city inspector will check these first steps to make sure everything is up to code, at which point your home has its foundation laid, ready for the next step.
Step 2: Rough Framing. Once the foundation is in, the team can start the rough framing, which is what it sounds like. This is when you start to see the shape of your home emerge. At this point the floor system is installed, fireplaces are built, walls and roof systems are installed, and sheathing and a protective wrap are applied to the exterior walls of the home. The systems are in place but the finishing touches are still to come.
Step 3: Finish Roofing, Siding, Plumbing, Electrical and HVAC
Now that the basic frame and supports are all in place the actual roof can be put on, and plumbers and electricians come in and put in pipes and wiring, as well as the HVAC system before the walls are up. This is when the “behind the walls” work takes precedence. This is also when homebuyers may start to make choices on exterior colors, materials, and certain finishes.
Step 4: Insulation Installation
While there are a variety of insulation types available, no matter what you choose, it plays a vital role in keeping your home comfortable and more energy efficient. Talk with your builder about the different options available and find out what is the best available for various parts of your home. This isn’t something you want to skimp on as it can have a big impact on your heating and cooling bills.
Step 5: Put in Drywall and Start Exterior Finishes
Now that the pipes, wires, insulation and more are in, the final drywalls can go in and be sealed, textured if desired, and they’ll receive a first coat of paint. During this time, the exterior of your home is being finished, whether it’s siding, stone, brick, or some combination, plus any extra exterior features.
At this point, you’re halfway there and already you can see the shape of the home to come. As a dedicated Chesterfield VA home builder, we will keep in contact with you throughout this process, answering questions and ensuring you’re happy with how your home is progressing. You’ll also be working with our design team for the next phase of installing all of the finishing touches that turn a shell into a beautiful home that represents you. Contact us today to learn more about our home designs, communities and more so that you can start the process now and not lose any more precious time in getting a beautiful new home.
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