Are you considering buying a new construction home? Do you wonder what’s involved in the process of building a home? In this 2-part guide we’ll lead you through the process and let you know what to expect. This article will discuss steps 1 through 5 of building a new home. Steps 6-10 will be covered in the next article.
1. Site Grading and Foundation
In order to start work on a home, the builder first has to get permits for construction, site grading, and utilities. When the permits are obtained, the site is cleared and grading is done to prepare for building the home. If there’s a basement, storm cellar or septic system, they are dug. The concrete footings and foundation or slab are poured. The concrete must cure before the foundation is waterproofed and backfilled around the outside. Plumbing and drainage are installed during this phase. The entire grading and foundation process can take about 4 weeks.
2. Rough Framing
The main structure of the house is built during the framing phase. This includes the floors, walls and roof structure. Then the exterior walls and roof are covered with plywood or OSB sheathing. Windows and exterior doors are installed and the house is covered in house wrap to keep water out. The framing step takes about 1-2 months.
3. Utilities are roughed in and roof is completed
With the house now secure, the utilities are roughed in. This includes plumbing, electrical and HVAC components such as sewer pipes, water supply, ductwork and wiring for electricity, cable and internet. One-piece shower units and bathtubs are brought in now, while the interior of the home is still open. Meanwhile, the roof shingles are applied. The home is now weatherproof. The structure of the house and all utilities must be inspected before the interior work can proceed.
4. Insulation
New construction homes are well-insulated for optimum comfort and energy efficiency. The primary need for insulation is in the exterior walls and attic. The type of insulation used may vary in different parts of the country. Some of the most common kinds are rolled batts of fiberglass, blown-in cellulose, foam board and expanding foam. It generally takes about 1-2 weeks to insulate the house.
5. Drywall and interior finishes
Once the utilities and insulation are in place, the interior walls of the home are covered in sheets of drywall. The seams are taped over and smoothed with joint compound. Nail or screw heads are also covered and smoothed over. A layer of textured finish may be applied for decorative purposes. When the joint compound cures, the walls are painted with primer. While that’s happening inside the house, the exterior finishes such as siding, brick or stucco are started.
Those are the first 5 steps of building a new construction home. Be sure to check back for the next article covering steps 6-10!
New construction homes in OKC
Are you looking to build a new home in OKC? TimberCraft Homes offers a range of floor plans and architectural styles starting in the $290s. We also have Quick Move-In Homes ready now or under construction in 3 of OKC’s best new-home communities.
Interested in buying a new construction home in OKC? Call TimberCraft Homes today at 405-784-7245 and ask about special incentives on available homes!
