Steps To Building A House
Today, more and more people are looking into building a home instead of buying a home that’s on the market. Real estate investors are purchasing lots to build homes instead of buying a home as well. The process for building a home is the same regardless of the reason why you’re building a home.
Financing
Most real estate investors that are interested in building lots of homes for sale will wind up paying in cash.
However, those that are interested in building a home that don’t have cash available will need to look into financing. Most banks that have mortgages available to purchase homes also provide financing for individuals or agencies to purchase lots and build homes. These are called a construction loan.
Purchasing A Lot
After finding financing, it’s time to purchase a lot! Hiring a real estate agent to help find a lot for sale usually involves the same process as purchasing a house. Contact local real estate agents to determine if there are lots in your area for sale.
Browsing local listings online is another great idea. Popular websites that sell homes, such as Zillow, can provide plenty of leads to people searching for lots for sale.
Design Your Home
Once you have a lot, it’s time to design your home. Work with a local design team to make sure that you have the perfect home for your family in mind. Browsing through homes for sale or attending open houses can help you find ideas for your future home. Researching the different types of homes is another great way to find inspiration for your new floor plan.
Things To Consider When Designing Your Home
The list provided is a basic list of the steps to building a house, but there are several other things that homeowners can include in their homes to make them unique and to up the property value.
Energy Efficiency
Homeowners that plan on living in their homes will appreciate lower utility bills thanks to energy-efficient upgrades. Those that plan on selling their homes will be able to up the price of the house for sale, and possibly make money thanks to a high return on investment.
There are several energy-efficient upgrades that homeowners should look into. Solar panels are always a great option. Energy-efficient appliances are becoming increasingly popular. Double or triple-pane windows are known for reducing energy costs, too.
A Garage
Having a garage can increase the value of a property, and be convenient for homeowners. A garage is inexpensive to build and offers a nice return on investment. This can easily be built utilizing the same materials and teams that are used to build the house.
Exterior Landscaping
It’s common to plant trees, flowers, and plant grass seeds. Those are not the only options available though!
Create your own personal piece of heaven by making a zen meditation garden in the backyard. Install an outdoor kitchen or gorgeous fish pond.
Consider upgrades that offer a large return on investment, too. A pond is a common landscaping idea that will instantly increase the value of a property. A privacy fence is another great idea if you’re searching for home improvements that offer a great return on investment.
Acquire Permits
Once you’re done designing your home, it’s almost time to start the building process. First, you’ll need to acquire permits to build a house from local offices. This can also include changing the zoning for the land from commercial to residential if necessary.
Make sure to ask whether you will need any other permits. For example, some cities require a permit to build a fence.
Clear The Area
If there are trees or other landscaping on the land, they will need to be cleared away before the building can begin. Small trees and rocks can be removed easily. Larger projects will require a professional landscaping company.
Level The Land
After the area is clear, the land needs to be level so that you can build your house on it. This can usually be achieved with a steam roller and a professional crew.
Run Utilities If Necessary
Plots of land that are not developed for residential or commercial use will not have water, gas, or sewer pipes running to them. You will need to run utilities, such as electricity, before beginning construction on the house.
Create A Makeshift Driveway If Necessary
Plots of land that are not developed also need a driveway! Create a makeshift driveway for crews and deliveries with gravel or by leveling the land to make sure that they can reach the building site without problems.
Some people choose to make the final driveway instead of adding it later. However, the final product typically gets damaged during construction. Concrete and asphalt driveways wind up chipped and need to be repaired due to the construction around the area. Instead, stick with gravel or dirt. Add asphalt or gravel after the house is completed.
The Foundation Is Built First
After the driveway, it’s finally time to start building the house! The foundation is always the first thing to be built. Homes that will have a basement will use the basement as a foundation. This includes digging the foundation, laying concrete blocks, and making sure that there is adequate space for large appliances, such as a hot water heater and furnace. After the foundation is dug, you’ll need to pour concrete to create the floor.
Install Drains And Sewers
As soon as the foundation is installed, homeowners will need to install plumbing that goes into and out of the house. For example, sewer lines that carry waste out of the house and water lines that bring water into the house will need to be inspected.
Have The Foundation Inspected
After installing the necessary plumbing, it’s important to have the foundation inspected by a professional. If there are problems with the foundation, it’s important to find out before the home is finished.
Construct The Frame Of The House
After the foundation is inspected and determined to be okay, you’ll be able to watch your house come together. The frame of the house will include erecting lumber that will be the walls, ceilings, floors, and roof. This is one of the longest steps in building a house, but it’s well worth the time spent.
Sheathing
The sheathing is then nailed to the frame. This will help give the frame a sturdy structure and provide additional insulation. After it’s up, the sheathing is covered by a house wrap to protect it while the rest of the project is completed.
Exterior Windows And Doors
It’s important to install windows and exterior doors next. This has to be done before the rest of the house is finished. However, it can also be completed after completing electrical work and plumbing if you have to wait on materials.
Heating And Cooling
Next, a technician will install all of the ductwork that will be used for both heating and cooling. They’ll install everything that is needed for the heating system. The furnace is usually not installed yet, though. Most people wait until after the walls, floors, etc. are in place before installing major appliances.
Electrical Work And Plumbing
Electrical work and plumbing come next. An electrician will run wiring through the walls to connect to outlets and light switches. Plumbing will be run from the bathrooms, kitchen, and other places that need it. This step can usually be completed in a day.
Inspection
After completing the electrical work and plumbing, it’s important to have another inspection completed. It’s necessary to make sure that the electrical work and plumbing are not going to be a safety hazard later. Once the inspector has cleared the work that has been done, it’s time to move on to the next step!
Roofing
Roofing can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. During this step, roofers will lay the type of roof that you’ve chosen. Because this can take a while, it’s common for homeowners to work on more than just the roof. The next steps can be completed at the same time as the roof.
Drywall
Drywall will go up on the walls to finally create the look of rooms next! This step takes time and involves several steps. The drywall will be screwed into place, mudded, sanded, and possibly taped off.
Walls And Ceiling
After the drywall is put up, the walls and ceilings can be textured and finished so that they are ready to be painted.
Floor
The floor will also start to take shape. It’s common for people to do the floor after the walls and ceiling, but some people choose to do an unfinished version of the floor first. Don’t forget that it’s okay to do some of these steps in your own order.
Window Sills And Trim
After the floors and walls have been completed, the trim will be put in place. This step typically includes windowsills and door frames.
Other Fixtures Are Installed And The Final Touches
After the house is finally together, it’s not quite done being built just yet. Although the main components are in place, homeowners will need to complete a few more final touches so that the house is ready.
Cabinets
Hanging cabinets is critical to the house being done. Hang cabinets in the kitchen, bathroom, and anywhere else that they are supposed to go.
Bathroom Fixtures
Bathroom fixtures will need to be put in place. Make sure that the bathtub, toilet, and vanity are installed before laying tile or linoleum on the floor. You’ll also need to install a medicine cabinet, mirror, or anything else that would be considered a bathroom fixture.
Countertops
Installing countertops in the kitchen and any other areas, such as on a custom vanity, needs to take place. These should already be picked out and ready to install. If custom tile countertops are being created, hire a contractor to lay the tile while you or other crews work on the rest of the house.
Appliances
After the floors, electricity, walls, and ceilings are complete, it’s time for appliances to be delivered. This step is easy because most appliances just need to be plugged in.
Sinks And Vanities
Sinks and vanities need to be installed. Often, the sink is installed in the bathroom when other bathroom fixtures are. In the kitchen, the sink is installed when the countertops are or before the countertops. This is because the countertop has to be cut in order to accommodate the sink.
Painting
Painting can happen before or after fixtures. Some people choose to do this step after the walls are done. Other people complete this step after cabinets, etc. are in place because it requires less paint. It’s often easier to do this step before completing other final touches, but it can also be completed later.
Don’t Forget The Little Things
It’s important to remember the small things. For example, light switches and outlet covers. Don’t forget to include light fixtures, and consider custom cords for ceiling fans. Small touches can help make a house into a home.
Landscaping
The final thing that you will need to do to finish your home is landscaping. Grass should be planted on any areas that are merely dirt. Now is also when you should plant flowers, bushes, etc. to make your yard unique. Sidewalks should be included in this step, too.
Final Inspection
After the home is finished, it’s time for a final inspection. It’s important for homeowners that are selling the house to keep paperwork from this final inspection so that they can show it to people that are interested in buying the home.
Building a home is hard work, but all you have to do is take it one step at a time. If you’re planning on selling your home after it’s built, check out this blog to learn more about selling a home today!
