How a Custom Home is Built

1. Permits
   Before any work can begin, you need the proper permits. Depending on your area, this can include a sewer connection permit, water permit, and a building permit (which may include state seal fees, inspection fees and a stormwater permit).
2. Excavation
   All sites, regardless of the type of lot you have, need some type excavation work performed, whether it be simply stripping the land of valuable topsoil for post-construction use or digging trenches for basement walls.
3. Foundation
   Once the land has been excavated, the foundation will be built. For residential construction in our area, the foundation is almost always made of poured concrete. The foundation typically starts by pouring concrete footers at the bottom of the trenches created during excavation. Then forms are placed on top of the footers to create a shape for the foudation walls.
4. Framework
   Once the foundation is poured and has had time to cure (dry), the joists and framwork for the floors, walls and roof are put in place. Once the frame of the home is set, the exterior walls are covered by a thin barrier, or "wrap" to protect against moisture and the elements. If a fireplace has been requested, the frame is set at this time as well.
5. Windows and Exterior Doors
   After the roof framework has been covered, windows and doors are placed into their openings. These items are typically the first thing ordered when building a custom home as they can take up to 6 weeks to receive.
6. Roofing
   Felt and shingles will be applied to the roof to provide protection from the elements for all upcoming interior work.
7. Plumbing
   Rough-ins and pipework is next planned throughout the home. Placement of the water heater, water softener (if requested) and all fixture placements are determined.
8. Electrical Wiring
   Wiring of outlets, wall switches, telephone and cable jacks, light fixture locations, location of heating and cooling units. If you are planning on installing an in-home sound system (in-wall or in-ceiling speakers), the location of the speakers will need to be noted at this time as well.
9. Brick
   If you have opted to have any type of masonry product installed on your home, whether it be brick, stone, or a stone veneer product, it will now be applied to your exterior walls.
10. Insulation
    Insulation is a key factor in keeping your home comfortable. Whether you select a standard fiberglass batt insulation or a more energy efficient BIBS insulations (Blown-In-Blanket System), it will be installed at this time.
11. Garage
    The framework and coverings for your garage were constructed during the foundation and framework stages, however the cement floor to your garage will not be poured until this stage.
12. Sheetrock
    Sheetrock, also known as drywall, is now ready to be installed. Once this is installed, plastering will take place to smooth out the seams in the sheetrock and cover and indentations left my drywall screws.
13. Painting
    Once plastering has been completed on the sheetrock, the entire interior will be painted. This usually involves a paint that is applied with a sprayer which covers both the walls and ceilings. Walls can be painted a separate color from the ceiling, however extra cost is usually involved.
14. Electrical finishing
    After the interior has been painted, chandeliers, sconces, pendants, ceiling fans, recessed lighting, ceiling lights, undercabinet lighting, and exterior lighting are all installed.
15. Flooring
    You have many options for what you want underfoot in your home: hardwood, tile, carpeting, vinyl, laminate, stone, and cork. This is the stage where your new floors will be installed.
16. Millwork with Custom Staining
    The trim you picked out earlier is now ready to be stained and installed.
17. Custom Cabinetry
    Custom cabinetry in the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry, and any built-ins are installed. Plumbing fixtures are also installed. It’s really starting to look like home.
18. Flatwork
    At this point, the driveway, sidewalk, patio and any other flat cement surface are poured.
19. Final inspection
    A final inspection is done as a walk-through and the keys are turned over to you. Welcome to your custom home!