New Home Construction Process

Congratulations on deciding to build your own home! It’s a smart move and an excellent investment! Let’s walk through the home-building steps so that you know what to expect during each step.

Here’s a step-by-step newcomer’s guide to the new home construction process. After finishes, colors, and all other selections have been made, the construction team begins to do their work.

1. Step 1: Site prep. The crew clears the site of trees, large rocks, and debris to prepare the property for building. The footings are put in place. Concrete is poured for the foundation, and once it’s cured, waterproofing is applied. The crew then installs the first-floor plumbing connections, including drains, sewer, and water taps. The surrounding soil is backfilled to the outside of the foundation, filling in the moat-like gap around it. 
2. Step 2: 1st Inspection. The building inspector checks the foundation to ensure it’s up to code.
3. Step 3: Framing. The house’s frame (wall, floor, and roof systems) is constructed and then wrapped in protective sheathing. This cover protects the structure from water seepage into the wood, which could lead to wood rot or mold while providing a means for vapor to escape. The roof is added, sealing the home before the interior work is begun. 
4. Step 4: Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. When the framing is done, the rough plumbing, electrical, and HVAC contractors get to work setting up the infrastructure for these systems. Vents, water supply, and sewer lines are installed. HVAC installs the ductwork, heating, ventilation, air conditioning vents, and pipework. The plumbers and electricians run pipes and wire through the home’s interior walls, floors, and ceilings. 
5. Step 5: 2nd Inspection. The building inspector examines the framing, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical installation. You might have different inspectors—one for the frame, another for the other systems.
6. Step 6: Insulation. Exterior walls, floors, and ceilings are insulated. Ideal Homes & Neighborhoods uses blown-in insulation that reaches every nook and cranny to ensure the most energy-efficient home possible.
7. Step 7: Drywall. Drywall (also known as “sheetrock”) is hung, and seams are taped. A primer coat is applied in preparation for finishing. 
8. Step 8: Exterior finish. The home’s exterior is applied—e.g., siding, stucco, stone, or brick. 
9. Step 9: Interior trim. The window and door trim, casings, moldings, mantels, railings, and other interior trim are installed and painted. 
10. Step 10: Exterior walkways. The walkways, driveway, and patio are constructed after the heavy equipment use is finished. The grading is added to drain water away from the home. 
11. Step 11: Flooring and countertops. The hard surface flooring (tile, wood, laminate) and all countertops (including vanities) are installed. 
12. Step 12: Lighting fixtures and mechanical trims. The electrical panel, light fixtures, outlets, and switches are installed. Plumbing fixtures (toilets, sinks, and faucets) are added. The HVAC is finished. 
13. Step 13: Finishing. The interior finishes include installing carpet, hanging mirrors, and shower doors. Outside, the lawn and landscaping are completed. 
14. Step 14: 3rd Inspection. The building inspector completes one more assessment to ensure your new home meets all building codes. When approved, a certificate of occupancy (CO) is issued. If any concerns are identified, the inspector provides a written list, and the home will require another inspection before the CO is awarded. 
15. Step 15: The walkthrough. Before closing, you will do a final walkthrough with your builder. This is your opportunity to learn how everything works—e.g., which light switch to flick, how your HVAC works, and how to open and close the windows. You also need to observe details. If there is a nick in a door or wall, a scratch on a floor, a cracked tile, or a dent in an appliance, point it out during this walkthrough to show the damage existed before you occupied the home. Your builder will list all repairs and determine the time to complete the corrections. With good communication between you and your builder, the new home construction process can be exciting. You get to watch your home emerging from a vision to a reality!

Please get in touch with us if you are considering building your custom home. We are a local family-owned home building and remodeling company serving Phoenix metro and surrounding areas.