Step by step buiding

• teps to Building a New Home• The House Designers understands how exciting it is to build a new home! In an effort to make the process easier, we have put together this step-by-step home building guide to help you understand the different building

phases and how it all comes together.• 1 FOUNDATION: The foundation of your home is a critical element in the building process because it is what holds up the entire structure. Constructed correctly it prevents future problems that can affect your home’s safety

and efficiency. After the ground is excavated, forms will be built with framing lumber (you can clean and reuse for framing) and then concrete is poured into each section. You’ll need to decide what type of foundation you want — basement, slab or crawlspace. After the foundation has set (approximately one week) and the form boards are removed, the framing of the home begins and it’s at this point you can start to see the layout of your new home take shape!

• 2 FRAMING: After the foundation is poured and set, the form boards are removed and framing of the house begins. Just as much as our skeleton serves as the structure for our bodies, the frame of a house is the underlying structure of the home. As the framing progresses, you will see the layout of your home unfold, and you’ll be able to identify different rooms, doorways, and windows. If your home seems smaller than you imagined at this point, don’t panic. It is simply an illusion!

• 3 INSPECTIONS & FRAME WALK: Inspections are a very important part of the home construction process and ensures that every element of construction is done correctly. After the initial inspections, your builder will ask you to walk through your home. At this point you can visualize what your dream home will look like since the walls and trusses will be framed and the roof sheathing will be installed. A framing inspection is next!

• 4 HOUSE WRAP: Certain climates offer a higher risk of moisture, which can cause mold and wood rot occurring in the home. Therefore, a protective barrier known as a house wrap is installed to prevent the structure of your home and its interior from getting wet, moldy or rotting. The house wrap ensures that all moisture will remain outside the home.

• 5 ENCLOSING YOUR HOME: Once framing has passed inspection, your builder will begin enclosing your home and install exterior sheathing, shingles, the roofing system and the windows and doors. Since windows and doors are one of the most visible features of your home inside and out, you’ll want to carefully select the perfect doors and windows. Make sure your windows have the performance, durability and energy efficiency that your geographical location warrants. Our architects prefer Therma-Tru Doors for entryway doors and patio doors and Integrity Windows from Marvin for quality windows that are dependable and engineered for superior performance, thermal efficiency and long-lasting beauty.

• 6 MECHANICAL INSTALLATION: This stage is very critical and occurs before the installation of the sheet rock. It is at this point that all mechanical components and wiring are installed. Venting, ductwork, water heaters and the HVAC system will be installed. Any exterior finishes, such as masonry and wood is now installed. 7 INSULATION: Insulation is a critical factor in determining your home’s energy and cost efficiency. When installed adequately and properly in your home’s floors, walls, and ceilings, this relatively inexpensive product can save you a preventing heating/cooling from escaping your home. Best of all, this product is maintenance free!

• 8 SHEETROCK: Once your home is framed and wrapped, and all the mechanicals have been installed, the sheetrock is put in place to form the walls. Now you can really see what your house is going to look like!

• 9 ROOM BY ROOM — INTERIOR DESIGN: One of the most exciting stages of your new home construction is when you get to design and select all the products that go into each room. This includes flooring, cabinets, countertops, appliances, lighting fixtures, millwork and trim, interior doors, plumbing products and much more. Enclosed are budget worksheets for customer opinions and consumer reports and doing your research! Our architects prefer flooring from Lumber Liquidators and Fypon millwork, trim and molding. Don’t forget to visit TheHouseDesigners.com Building Ideas section for useful product information and great building tips!

• 10 FINISHING STAGES — MOVING IN: The final walk-through is the last critical step before you can move into your new home. This is when you make your builder rush you! Turn on all your appliances, lights, HVAC system, faucets and showers. Flush toilets. Check to see that all your cabinets, doors and windows open and close properly. Also make sure there aren’t any major defects like cracks, scratches and gaps in the floors. If there are any issues, this is the time to notify your builder and have everything resolved before your closing.

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