Building a new home is an exciting time for families and represents the realization of a personal dream. It is also a complex project with a precise sequence of critical steps.
Several supply-side headwinds have held back home production in recent years. This has contributed to lower vacancy rates and elevated housing affordability burdens.
Planning
It is important to do as much planning as possible to ensure the process goes smoothly. Several tasks need to be completed before construction begins, including obtaining the necessary permits and hiring professional contractors. This is a crucial step to ensure the home-building project runs smoothly and efficiently.
One of the most important parts of this process is choosing the right design for your dream home. There are so many major options to consider—two-story versus single-story, modern rather than traditional, and more—that it can be overwhelming. Your Designer can help speed up the decision process by helping you narrow down your selections and focus on what’s most important to you.
For Semi-Custom and Custom builds it is also a good idea to do Renderings with your Designer and work through selections before asking your Builder for a quote so that you get the most accurate price for your home build. This will help avoid any costly surprises down the road. The next step is clearing your chosen site, which includes removing any trees or debris and shaping the land to facilitate the structure of your home. This may involve leveling or grading the site, and it is done with both aesthetic and environmental concerns in mind.
Designing
Choosing and designing your home is a major step in the process of building. It is a complex task that involves many factors, from the practical and functional to the esthetic. In this stage, the designer takes into account your needs and preferences to create a plan that will fit your site and environment.
Depending on your lot and region, you may need to consider things such as the orientation of your home, the views, and natural light. You may also have to comply with restrictions and requirements set out by your municipality or neighborhood.
The best way to start the design process is by gathering inspiration. This can be done by browsing interior design magazines or online resources and visiting model homes in your area. You can even create a Pinterest or physical inspiration board to collect all your ideas. It is important to start broad, focusing on the big decisions first before moving into more detailed planning. This approach will help avoid miscommunication when bringing your plans to an engineer or contractor.
Permits
Getting your permits from the city is a very important step in building your home. This is because if you build without a permit, the city may fine you or even ask you to tear down what you have done. Therefore, it is essential to consult with a construction professional and make sure that you have all the right permits in place before beginning any work.
It is also a good idea to check with your local zoning laws and see how the building codes for your area work. These codes determine a lot of things, including what types of structures you can build, the minimum amount of land that needs to be acquired for a single-family house, and how high you can build.
Some minor work does not require a permit, such as installing new kitchen cabinets. A PE, RA, or Department borough office manager can explain the exceptions to this rule. The time it takes to get a permit varies by city and project type. If you need a permit quickly, it is wise to look into expedited permit services.
Site Preparation
Site preparation is a multi-step process that involves clearing the land and testing the soil. It is a vital step that ensures that the building will be able to support itself. It also helps prevent issues like base shifts and cracking.
It is important to work with qualified and experienced contractors who are familiar with the local regulations. They can help to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget. They can also ensure that the site is prepared according to regulatory requirements.
The site preparation process can vary depending on the type of construction project and the location of the site. Some sites may require more intensive work than others. Regardless of the size of the project, it is important to hire a contractor that can handle the entire process from beginning to end. This will minimize the risk of any errors that can delay the completion of the project. It will also help to ensure that the construction site meets local environmental regulations. Moreover, it will reduce the costs of construction by eliminating unnecessary delays.
Construction
Once the design process is complete and permits are secured, construction can begin. This typically involves clearing the lot where your new home will sit, leveling it, and preparing for utility access. This includes putting in water, sewer, and electrical lines. Once the foundation is poured, crews can frame the walls and erect your home’s structure.
During the construction phase, it’s important to stay in regular contact with your builder to monitor progress and address any potential delays as they arise. The average construction timeline can range from 6 to 12 months, so staying on top of the project will help ensure it stays on schedule.
Once the house is complete, inspections will be conducted to ensure that all building and safety standards are met. Once everything is approved, you’ll receive a certificate of occupancy. At this point, you can move in and start living your dream!