Home Building Timeline

As a homeowner, having knowledge of the construction process and home building timeline is power. This knowledge enables you to forecast the resources you require and the time you will need to complete the construction.

Some of the things you will need to do before starting to build your home are:

#1: Check your financing options

Plan for how you will finance your custom-made home. A construction mortgage will be a viable option to add to your savings.

#2: Purchase the right lot to build a house on

Find a piece of land that will fit your house floor plan, and design and adhere to any setbacks and development rules from the survey report of that lot.

Identify the lot you want to acquire and loop in your contractor to ensure it suits your desired home plan.

#3: Hire professionals

You need to hire an architect and a licensed contractor. You will also need electricians, plumbers, land clearing personnel, a surveyor, and structural engineer.

#4: Plan and design the house

Don’t forget to take some time to sit down and plan out your desired new construction home in detail. Some of the design decisions to be made early entail:

1. Homestyle
2. Interior design
3. Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
4. One-story, two-story or more
5. Individual rooms or open plan
6. Outdoor features
7. Resale value

#5: Submit the engineered plan to the local authorities to obtain permits.

After getting the approval by local authorities and a permit is issued to build the home, then finally the house construction can begin.

Let Me Help You Through the Build Process – Realtor Nick Foy

Thinking of building a home in Northern Indiana or Southern Michigan? Allow me to reach out with some builders in my network as well as help you find the perfect piece of land! I help clients navigate the building process so you can enjoy it stress free.

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How Long to Build a Home? The Steps of New Construction

In this next section I will share with you a broad overview of the steps to follow in the home building process so you can better understand the home building timeline and how long it will take to build your new home!

Step 1: Clearing a lot of trees and digging the basement hole

Phase one is the groundbreaking stage of construction that entails excavation. Here there is the removal of debris, trees, rocks, and drainage installed. The contactor then maps the layout of your property.

Leveling and grading of the soil happen, and if your land is slopy soil-erosion control is placed.
Groundbreaking takes less than a week to complete.

Step 2: Foundation and Footings

After the groundbreaking, deep concrete bases known as footers are put in place. Footers give a solid base for the foundation and bear the entire weight of your house. They are underground below the frost line to avert soil moisture from getting to the structure.

With the footers in place, you pour concrete on the foundation. Foundation includes block, slab, or poured wall foundation subject to the region you are building your house.

Block wall construction

Establishing a concrete block is done to form the foundation of your house. Fitting of waterproofing, and pouring of garage slab is performed and developed.

• Slab Construction – Forms are fitted, and home plan begins to take shape. Plumbing is done beneath the ground and tied to the sewer system. A slab is poured forming the foundation of your house.
• Poured wall construction – Concrete is discharged into foundation cast panels. After the concrete is done waterproofing is enforced and drain tile piping fitted. Underground plumbing is done, and installed into the sewer system.

Waterproofing material prevents water from leaking through the walls into the basement interior. The membrane is left to stay dry, and free of cracks.

Anchor bolts that tie the framing structure are put in place. After completing the curing process, the first inspection by someone from the local authority is done. This visit ensures the foundation is well installed and up to code.

The time frame for this is approximately one to two weeks.

Step 3: Framing the Home

Framing is an active construction site phase where there is an installation framework for the house. Subfloors, floor joints, and walls are put in place. You will visualize the layout as the house frame is installed.

Exterior sheathing is applied to the outside of the house to keep the house dry as construction continues. House wrap is fitted to cover the sheathing to stop liquid water from infiltrating the structure.

Framing takes anywhere from one to two months.

Step 4: Doors, Windows, and Roof

The exterior roof, windows, and doors are installed at this stage, and back filing around the foundation is done. A framer is used to do this installation. Roofing options available are clerestory roofs, bonnet roofs, and box gable roofs.

It is good to fit exterior locks in this stage to safeguard the house. After doing this, a building inspector will visit to supervise the construction to verify that the framing and installations are safe and bolted firmly to the foundation.

This phase takes about two weeks.

Step 5: Wiring Setup –Electrical, Plumbing, Heating, A/C

Specialists do the work in this phase. Plumbers and electricians will rough in where the mechanicals will be done. There are many activities in this stage as sewer lines, pipes, vents, and wires run through the floor, ceiling, and walls.

Since there’s still space to maneuver, large items shower/ tub units are installed. Ductwork is also set up for ventilation, heating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Fixing receptacles for outlets, switches, and lights, and wires are done by an electrician.

The electrician also does wiring for cable TV, music system, and telephone. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical structure are inspected for compliance with building standards.

Doing the mechanicals for your home will take two to four weeks.

Step 6: Insulation

Insulation only commences after mechanical systems have been authorized. Insulation facilitates a more comfortable indoor climate and boosts the home’s energy efficiency. Your house’s insulation will vary depending on the climate. Insulation will be applied to exterior walls, attics, and crawl spaces.

Some insulation options are foam, fiberglass, rock wool, insulating concrete forms (ICFs), structural insulated panels (SIPs), concrete blocks, and cellulose.

Step 7: Drywall

Drywall is also known as wallboards, sheetrock, plasterboards, or gypsum boards. In this phase, drywall is fitted on the ceiling and interior of your house. Sanding and priming are thereafter done to ensure the walls are smooth.

Walls are primed with the first coat of paint, and trim moldings fitted. Moldings encompass window, and door casings, and crown moldings.

Exterior finishes such as stone, siding, stucco, and brick are also fitted in this phase.

The house now begins to look more like what you anticipated. Insulation and drywall installation takes one to two months to complete.

Step 8: Fixtures/Interior Finishes

Flooring happens at this stage. Available options are vinyl, laminate flooring, carpeting, hardwood, and ceramic. Countertops, cabinets, built-in shelves, bathtubs, stair balusters, and vanities are put in place. Walls will be primed with a final coat of paint or wallpapered where need be.

An electrician will do a hook-up of finished electrical fixtures. A plumber will do plumbing fixtures like sinks, toilets, and faucets. Light fixtures, glass fixtures, plug covers, heat/outdoor air pump, HVAC equipment, and thermostat are also installed in this phase.

Builders will be through with this facet in two to four weeks.

Step 9: Landscaping and Exterior Finishes

This phase is where the outside of your house takes full shape. The lot is leveled again. Gravel, mulch, and lawn are put in place to give a pleasant facade. There is a well-definition of walkways by flowers, shrubs, or trees based on preference.

Fitting of the last grading to direct any water away from the house takes place. Final touches like cleaning the baths, floors, and windows are added. Moving in of the final equipment needed in the house is also performed.

Landscaping and finalizing external finishes take approximately two to four weeks to finish.

Step 10: Inspection and Review

Building inspectors will do one last visit to your house. The inspection ensures the house meets the standards and facilitates rectification of any issues before issuing an approval. The building code official will give a certificate of occupancy if everything meets the standard.

Your builders will give you a pre-settlement demonstration of your home. Doing this will familiarize you with all systems and installations done. It is good to do a review and raise any concerns you may have with the builders.

Any damage will be repaired and faulty items adjusted or corrected.

Step 11: Closing

After obtaining the certificate of occupancy and all correction is done, your home will be ready for occupation. You are now free to move in. Inspection, review and closing take less than two weeks.

Frequent Questions – Home Building Timeline

Some of the frequently asked questions about home building timeline are:

#1: How long does it take to build a house?

It takes about six to eleven months to build a house from groundbreaking up to the closing. The builder and your location will determine whether the construction process will fall on the shorter or longer end of the spectrum.

#2: Does weather influence the time it takes to construct a house?

Adverse weather can slow down the construction process. Extreme cold makes it difficult for builders to work. A lot of water and mud can destroy supplies and delay drying.

It is advisable to start building in spring so that the wet and winter weather finds your house waterproofed. Natural disasters can hinder transportation or bring about labor shortage.

#3: How can I speed up the building process?

Some of the things to do to speed up the building process are:

1. Decide on the architectural features that you want.
2. Regularly communicate with your builder. Give updates on any new development such as a change in design.
3. Consider using a pre-priced plan or adjusting your existing design because existing home designs have been constructed. Doing this will fasten approvals since the building department may be conversant with these plans.

#4: How much does it cost to build a house?

The average cost of building a house is about $280,500 according to the cost finder. The location and model of the house will influence the cost. The average cost for each phase is as follows:

1. Permits and site work (clearing the lot, architecture, water, and sewer fees) – $15,000
2. Foundation and footing – $32,000
3. Framing – $55,000
4. Doors, windows, roof, wall finish – $44,000
5. Insulation, and drywall – $20,500
6. Interior Finishes -$80,500
7. Exterior finishes, and landscaping – $30,000
8. Miscellaneous – $3,500

The average cost of building a house will increase depending on other features like the number of bathrooms, and bedrooms.

#5: How do you find a builder to work with?

After identifying the type of house you want and budgeting, get a list of builders who are experienced in building that house design within your budget. This list can be acquired from your home builders’ association. You could also work with referrals.

Ensure the builder you settle for is licensed. A licensed builder will go a long way in enabling you to get the necessary permits. Visit the homes the builder you choose has built and see if they appeal to you. It is also important to have a written contract with the builder.

#6: How much do builders charge?

Builders will charge you based on your contract. You may have:

• Fixed price Contact – A fixed-price contract is where the builder gets the total cost for constructing your house and included their fee therein. You will have a defined payment plan with your contactor where you make payment as work continues.
• Cost-plus Contract – This payment plan stipulates that you pay the builder’s actual construction fee plus an additional fee. This fee is given a percentage of the home’s total amount say 10%-20% of the home cost.

#7: What is a newly built home warranty coverage?

A newly built home warranty offers limited coverage to protect against the risk of incurring any loss. There are two types of the newly built home warranty.

• Builder warranty – This type of warranty covers things that are a permanent part of the house. These items include electrical work, plumbing, and floors. It also entails a remodel and new home construction.
• Home warranty – This type of warranty covers existing homes and facilitates repairs and replacements for items like appliances and fixtures. This warranty is a service contract, and it’s optional.

Overall, the step by step process of home building is as outlined above. Knowing the blueprint for the home construction timeline will enable you to enjoy and actively participate in every stage of the construction.

Thanks for reading

Nick Foy, Broker

RE/MAX Oak Crest Realty

574-387-2501

Serving Northern Indiana Buyers/Sellers/Investors