Building a home is an exciting process. You enjoy watching the House Construction progress. That is from laying the foundation to framing.
As the home takes shape, homeowners start envisioning themselves living there. They imagine furniture arrangements. They plan gatherings with friends and family. They customize the design to fit their needs and tastes. All this makes the process even more rewarding.
Take a look at the steps involved in building a home. Keep in mind that the process can vary based on location and builder. Ask your builder about their specific procedures.
Step 1: Getting Ready and Building the Foundation
First, the local government needs to approve the design. They have to grant permits for various aspects like zoning, grading, septic systems, electrical work, and plumbing. Once the permits are sorted, physical construction begins.
The Construction Crew Levels the Site: The same crew handles both site preparation and foundation work. The Construction Company cleared rocks, debris, and trees from the home site. If needed, they dig for the septic system.
Putting up Wooden Forms: The crew levels the site and sets up wooden forms as a guide for the foundation. They dig holes and trenches.
Installing Footings: Footings are essential for supporting the home and preventing sinking. They are usually made of poured concrete and reinforced with rebar. If there is a well, it is dug at this stage. For homes with basements, the hole is dug. The footings are formed and poured. The foundation walls are constructed. If it is a slab-on-grade foundation, footings are dug, formed, and poured. The area between them is prepared for utility runs before pouring the slab.
Curing Time :After pouring concrete, it needs time to set. During this period, there's no construction activity on-site.
Waterproofing and Plumbing: Next, the crew applies a waterproofing membrane to the foundation walls. They install drains and sewer systems. They also put the water taps. They do the plumbing. All this is done for the first-floor slab or basement floor. Then, they backfill the excavated dirt around the foundation walls.
Cost and Timeframe: The foundation work is a significant cost factor in building a home. Many factors like climate, soil type, square footage, and labor costs influence the cost,
First Inspection: After curing, a city inspector checks the foundation. They check if it meets code requirements. This may need to be repeated based on the type of foundation. Once approved, the forms are removed, and the next step, framing, begins.
Step 2: Finishing the Basic Structure
The floor system, walls, and roof system are all completed during this House Construction phase.
Plywood or oriented strand board sheathing is fixed to the exterior walls and roof. Windows and exterior doors are also installed. A protective barrier called house wrap is added over the sheathing. This is to shield against water infiltration and allow for vapor escape. Also, this helps prevent mold and wood rot. Costs and time depend on factors like home size, complexity, and material availability. The framing process usually takes one to two months.
Step 3: Setting Up Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC
This phase involves setting up essential systems in your new home. Pipes and wires for plumbing and electricity. Installation of sewer lines, vents, and water supply lines. Placement of bathtubs and shower units. Ductwork for the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system
HVAC vent pipes
Plumbing and electrical contractors start fitting pipes and wires inside walls, ceilings, and floors. They install sewer lines, vents, and water supply lines for each fixture. Bathtubs and shower units are placed early. Ductwork is set up for the HVAC system, and Insulation in floors, walls, and ceilings is done. Once the roof is on, the house is considered sealed. Electricians then install outlets, lights, switches, and wiring for phones, cable TV, and music systems. HVAC ducts and plumbing usually go in before wiring. This is because it’s easier to work wires around them than the other way around.
Cost can vary based on the material used and the type of construction. HVAC installation takes around three to seven days. Other mechanical work like plumbing and electrical can take two to four weeks. Building codes are checked during inspections for rough framing, plumbing, and electrical and mechanical systems. Drywall is delivered at this stage.
Step 4: Putting in Insulation
Insulation is required for comfort and energy efficiency. It helps maintain a consistent indoor climate by resisting heat transfer. Common insulation types include fiberglass, cellulose, and foam. Insulation is installed in walls, attics, floors, crawl spaces, and basements. Costs vary based on insulation type, home size, and climate. Insulating a whole house usually takes one to two weeks. It depends on the insulation type and home size.
Step 5: Finishing Drywall, Interior, and Exterior
The drywall is hung and taped to hide seams. Primer paint is applied. Exterior finishes like brick, stucco, stone, or siding are installed by the construction company. Drywall costs are calculated per square foot. Texturing will add to the cost. This step can take from a few days to several weeks.
Step 6: Adding Final Touches Inside and Out
Inside, doors, windowsills, and decorative trim are installed. The cabinets, vanities, and fireplace mantels are fixed. Exterior walkways, driveways, and patios are formed. The cost will depend on the type of things you choose. This stage usually takes one to two months to complete.
Step 7: Adding Floors, Countertops, and Outdoor Grading
Hard surface flooring and countertops are installed. The exterior grading is needed for proper drainage away from the home. The cost will vary depending on the things you select. Its installation usually takes several days.
Step 8: Finalizing Mechanical Details and Bathroom Fixtures
Light fixtures, outlets, and switches are installed, along with HVAC equipment. Bathroom fixtures like sinks, toilets, and faucets are put in place. This step takes a few weeks. Cost at this step may vary as per the materials used.
Final Touches Adding Mirrors, Shower Doors, and Landscaping
Mirrors, shower doors, and carpeting are installed. Exterior landscaping is completed. Check the cost with the contractor. The Final cleanup and landscaping take about a week. Your builder guides you through your new home and explain its features and your maintenance responsibilities. This can take around a week.
A final inspection is conducted by a building code official. This is to issue a certificate of occupancy. This may take up to a week if defects are found.
Conclusion:
These are the important steps in House Construction. Hire Ebullient Investments to build a home that you desire. We have worked on several construction projects in Kenya. Provide the details of your requirement to us now.