|
|
|
|
|
The Homebuilding Begins
The Homebuilding Process
You have finally gotten your plans and specifications together, financing arranged and homebuilding permits have been issued. You have also decided on which parts of the actual homebuilding you will do yourself, and have contracts for the remainder of the homebuilding project.
Now you will need to coordinate all of the contractors and suppliers in an efficient sequence.
Be sure you have an inspection schedule from the homebuilding and health departments. Do not proceed with the next scheduled homebuilding phase until the required inspections have been completed and approved.
The Homebuilding Sequence
(Assumes a full basement)
-
Arrange for temporary electric service to the site and a portable toilet if needed.
-
Stake out the house in preparation for the excavating as well as utilities and a temporary driveway if needed.
-
Remove any trees, bushes or debris as necessary from the homebuilding site. Have the excavator cut down the grade if required.
-
Verify when your excavator will complete digging the basement and arrange for the footings and foundation walls to be poured immediately after. Forms for footings must be inspected before pouring. If you leave the empty hole standing, it will invariably cave in and you will have to start over.
-
If you are going with a septic system, install a sleeve for the sewer into the foundation wall. Likewise for any other openings you may require. Make sure gas, electric and telephone arrangements have been made and the trench for same dug.
-
You can install the septic system before the foundation, simply do not excavate the basement until it is almost complete.
-
Once the footings and foundation walls have been poured, install any steel beams required in the basement, install drain tile and apply waterproofing to the exterior of the walls.
-
Begin drilling the well maintaining the distance from the septic system that code dictates.
-
Allow 28 days for the concrete to cure and then backfill. If you do not want to wait for the concrete to fully cure you should install the first floor framing, including sub-floor, before backfilling to brace the walls and keep them from cracking under the pressure.
-
Frame the floors, walls, ceilings and roof, including the 3/4" sub-flooring and the wall and roof sheathing at this time.
-
Install the roofing and then house wrap, followed by the soffit and fascia.
-
At this point you can begin the rough plumbing while installing windows, exterior doors and siding and/or brick.
-
Build any masonry chimneys and fireplaces at the same time.
-
Heat ducts should be installed immediately after the rough plumbing. The same contractor may also install the gutters at this point.
-
Rough in the electric.
-
Once the roof is on, windows in, rough plumbing done, and inspected, with sewer and water lines run into the basement you can pour the concrete basement and garage floors. Also any concrete stoops or A/C pads required.
-
Do not forget all rough inspections must be complete before you cover any interior walls.
-
Insulation, may have to be inspected in some localities.
-
Drywall installation, taping and sanding, and spray with primer.
-
Install underlayment, ceramic tile and hardwood flooring.
-
Install cabinets, trim, accessories and built in appliances.
-
Finish plumbing, electrical, (install fixtures), and install furnace and A/C. Hook up telephone service.
-
Rough landscaping, if not already done with backfill, culverts, sidewalks and the driveway can be completed now as most delivery trucks have come and gone.
-
Painting, staining and final inspections.
-
Finish landscaping (top soil, sod, seed etc.).
-
Carpet, linoleum and vinyl tile.
-
Final cleaning and move in!
DIY Home
Improvement and Remodeling
Providing DIY home improvement how-to advice, house repair tips, contractor
bid sheets, and other home building and planning products for homeowners.
