Navigating New Construction

You’ve looked and looked for your perfect home but your search has come up short; or maybe you’ve always dreamed of building your own home. Whatever the reason, building a new home can be a roller coaster of elation and frustration but with the right builder and the right agent-the process of building your true dream home can be the best decision you’ve made! Halcyon’s agent, Jan Dunlap is currently working with clients in
partnership with a local builder. Take a a look at what we’ve learned through this process!

Understanding the Process:

Being able to build your home from the ground up will be a different experience from the start. The most common new construction purchase starts with a builder in a planned development. From there, you can
pick available lot and start the process of customizing your home.

Permits:

Before any construction can begin, permits must be pulled. Permits must be issued for everything from grading, construction, electrical and plumbing work (just to name a few). When building in a planned development, these permits are typically already taken care of before you select the lot and sign the contract. If building on a private site, that process could be different. Regardless of how you are building, permits are a required.

Grading & Leveling:

Grading involves changes the surface of the property to be sure it slopes away from a home or structure. Leveling is the process of smoothing the surface getting it ready for the foundation to be started. Both of these steps are equally important.

Footings & Foundation

Plumbing

After the concrete has cured, it’s time for the initial plumbing to go in. At this point, drains, the sewer system, water taps, and any first floor plumbing gets started.

Inspection #1

After the foundation is set and the plumbing has been run, it will be time for the first inspection. Typically, a city inspection comes to the site to be sure everything that’s been installed correctly and is up to code. Once the inspection clears, it’s time to see the house start to take shape!

Rough Framing

It’s starting to get fun now! The shell of the house is starting to take shape. Floors and walls are installed. This is where you can see the bedrooms, bathrooms and living spaces come together. Sometimes it can take a little imagination to see how the floorplan will look upon completion, but this is an exciting step! This maze of wood beams will soon transform into your dream!

Interior Plumbing

During this step, the interior plumbing will start coming in. Drain lines, sewer lines and vents, water supply lines, bathtubs and showers; just to name a few of the plumbing installations!

HVAC

Ductwork for heating, venting, air conditioning and furnace are installed throughout the roof and possibly flooring on second story homes.

Electrical

Siding and roofing has been completed at this stage, so now the electrical can begin. They will run the wiring from the breaker box to the receptacles , switches, and lights along with phone lines, cable and internet lines.

Inspection #2, 3, & 4

Framing, plumbing, electrical and HVAC are the next inspections to be completed. Each must be in compliance with building codes before the next stages can be completed. Typically these inspections will all be done separately.

Design Studios

Insulation

Insulation plays a key role in creating a more comfortable climate and improves the homes efficiency. There are many different types on insulation depending on the region you live in, however the R-Value is universal, it determines how well the insulation resists heat transfer. Insulation is installed in exterior walls and some interior walls, and can also be blown into attics.

Drywall

Drywall is hung on the interior walls and ceilings. Drywall seams are all taped and mudded to ensure seams aren’t visible. The initial coat of primer is also applied to seal the drywall and get ready for paint.

Exterior Finishes

Exterior Walkways & Driveways

Along the way, Jan and her clients have been watching the home take shape. We wanted to share what stage of the timeline they are in! Last week, the walkways and driveway were being installed. Seeing how far this home since the groundbreaking has been a journey for sure. How exciting is this! They’re getting closer every day!

Installing Hard Surface Flooring

Remember when we discussed the time spent at the design studio? This is where all those interior choices come into play. Now we start installing the hard surfaces. Tile, Hardwood, Laminate-whatever flooring choices you made are now being installed.

Cabinets & Countertops

Cabinets and countertops are brought in and installed. All that hard work and decision are taking shape! Can you see your dream starting to turn into reality?

Bathrooms

Bathtubs and shower enclosures were installed during the framing phase, and now it’ s time to add the finishing touches. Shower doors, mirrors, and bathroom fixtures are being put in place, along with tile showers, shower heads, and bathroom faucets. At this stage, the bathrooms are nearing completion!

Final Inspection Time!

The building inspector is making their way around the interior and exterior of the home for their final inspection. They will make notes of any items that may need to be completed before they issue the certificate of occupancy. If any issues are found, they may require a follow-up inspection to ensure any health and safety concerns have been addressed.

Final Walkthrough

Your builder will schedule a final walkthrough to ensure that everything has been completed to your satisfaction. This is also the time where they will explain warranties as well as allowing you to ask any questions you may have prior to moving in.

Welcome Home!

Now the fun really begins! Picking furniture, unpacking boxes, and putting your personal touches into every room in
your new home. The process of building a new home is a long and sometimes frustrating one, but once you step foot into your new home and make new memories, those months of hard work all fade away.