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To gain a better idea of just
how a new home is built, it's often helpful to know the many different
stages through which a new home must pass. You'll often hear about the
"5 Stages of Construction" or the "10 Stages of Construction." In fact,
there could be a thousand stages of construction, depending on the level
of detail someone is using to describe the stages. There are really 5
basic stages of construction, but for our purposes here, we're going to
describe about 10 so that you'll have a better understanding of what
happens in each phase. Please keep in mind that many of these stages
will run concurrently, meaning that they'll be happening at the same
time. This brief outline is not to be confused with an actual
Construction
Schedule. This page is
designed to help you learn more about the phases involved in building a
new home, so please check with your builder, municipal governing
authorities, and all applicable laws, regulations, statutes, and codes
pertaining to your area.
Demolition
Tearing down most or all of the exiting home to prepare for the new
custom home to be built. In Orange County Ca., most home construction
and remodeling consists of leaving a couple of walls, this is considered
'remodeling' instead of a 'new home' and it falls into a less stringent
jurisdiction as far as permits & taxes go.
Foundation & Slab
The foundation could take up to several weeks. Before you can pour the
concrete, the following must happen: grade the lot, dig footings, set
sub grade, transfer remaining dirt to dump, install all underground
soils plumbing, install all underground water & gas lines, install all
underground electrical raceways, dirt re-compaction, install the forms,
install a sub-base of sand, vapor barrier, install rebar in footings and
slab area, get foundation inspection, then order concrete.
Deputy Inspections
Many cities & counties will require a deputy inspection to observe the
actual installation of the concrete to verify the slump, psi and
installation. They will take several samples and bring them to a lab for
testing and proof. Deputy inspectors will also be required for the epoxy
insertions of your retrofit foundation bolts (RFB'S)
Framing of walls - Cut &
stack the roof
Choosing the right framing contractor is a must! The foundation and
framing must be done correctly in order to keep the project running
smoothly. This photo shows a truss roof framing application. Most roofs
framed in our area are done conventionally, or better know as a
'California tie in or framing'.
Rough Plumbing & Top Out
Make sure that your subs (plumber, electrician, HVAC) all use 'no nail'
plates on all of their work. Finding a punctured wire or pipe after
Custom Home is on is a very expensive mistake. Be sure to use 'silver
solder' on all underground connections. Upgrading your copper piping
from type-L to type-M is a great investment. It is thicker and can last
longer.
Heat Ducting, Rough
Electrical & Insulation
Be sure that your contractor installs his rough plumbing first, then the
heating & air conditioning (HVAC) and then your electrical last. The
reason for this is that he pipes are the only thing out of those three
that doesn't bend. The ducting and the electrical can both be ran in
many more areas than the plumbing pipes.
Custom Home Installations,
Tape - Float - Texture
After you pass your rough inspections (mechanical, plumbing, electrical,
roof sheathing, framing, shear paneling and insulation, then you can
install your Custom Home. Most of the time, 1/2" is used in residential
work.... but pay the extra and use 5/8", it does a lot better job!
Doors & Windows
Your windows will get installed before the Custom Home along with all
exterior doors. The interior doors will get installed after the Custom Home
finish and usually before painting.
Fireplace - Hearth &
Mantle
Putting a few more dollars into your fireplace will greatly increase the
value of your living room or master bedroom. Think good about this
upgrade, it is well worth it.
Exterior Lath & Plaster
Be sure to do a final check of all of the exterior lathing for any last
minute penetrations, holes or tears (which are common) and patch them
with some caulking or silicon before starting the plaster work. Be sure
to let the plaster dry for at least a week or so before installing your
stucco color coat. The rough plaster 'WILL CRACK' and you want it too
before the stucco goes on.
Roofing
Choosing the proper roof for your house can be a chore. You can't go
wrong with a good 50 year warrantee asphalt dimensional shingle. Be sure
that you know up front before you start framing what type of roofing you
are going to use. If you should choose a heavy roof and our rafters
weren't designed for that load, you will have problems with your
structure and the building department.
Interior Moldings &
Millwork
Yes.... a touch of class. You can do a lot with a little bit of molding.
Be sure to hire the right finish contractor for your molding
installations. Moldings can make a normal room a work of art.
Cabinets & Installations
Cabinets can be stained and lacquered before or after the installation.
Double check that all cabinet are level before installing the counter
tops. The cabinets must have the proper backing in the walls for the
mounting process. Check to see that all nail holes are filled before
finishing.
Kitchen & Bathroom
Finishes & Tops
As you an see, these are less expensive cabinets that are made to look
rich the the nice Corian counter tops and the tile diamond pattern on
the backsplashes. Installing the flooring tile on a square pattern will
save you money along with making the floor look larger. There are some
strict rules regarding your lighting, so be sure to check all title-24
codes in your area.
Driveway & Walkways
We make it a habit of installing all exterior flat work concrete after
the job is just about done in order to keep marks, chips and damage from
occurring.
WARNING: CONCRETE CRACKS ... Yes, that's right. Concrete cracking is a
natural occurrence and any contractor can not prevent this. We can do a
lot of things to help prevent it or to control the cracking, but this
cost extra. Be sure that you are offered all upgrades before pouring
your concrete.
Landscape - Patios- Lawn
Many homeowners like to install their own grass or sod. Do a little
homework first and understand yard drainage, irrigation, water pressure
required, planters that can trap water against the house and try to keep
the sprinklers from spraying the new stucco and paint.
Custom
Home - Finished Project
Building a home or doing a major remodel can be a great experience if
you choose the right contractor. Project planning is important. Most
construction jobs that go bad is mostly due to a homeowner not signing a
complete contract. When items are left out of the contract, then 'extra
charges' get passed onto the homeowner and that creates a ton of
mistrust between the owner and the contractor.
Be sure to check
out;
How To Hire A Contractor!
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