The idea of building a brand new, custom home is thrilling. You have the ability to design each aspect of your house to fit your exact needs, including everything from the number of rooms to the type of fixtures and finishes you’d like. But your home can’t be built overnight—the process takes plenty of patience and time. Below, we’ll explain the general details of your new home construction timeline.
If you’re ready to design your dream home, the team at the Anderson Studio of Architecture and Design is here to assist you. Contact us today to get started.
Preparing for Construction
There are many action items you need to complete before you come anywhere close to starting construction. The first step in building your dream house begins with purchasing a lot. This process can take anywhere from a few months to a year, depending on the land that’s available and how motivated you are to buy.
Once you’ve purchased the lot, it’s time to design your home. Meet with a professional design team who can help bring your vision to life and provide you with the final blueprints.
Contact the team at the Anderson Studio of Architecture and Design to set up a design meeting today!
Next, you have to apply for specific permits and licenses to guarantee that your home will be built up to code, which could take a few more weeks. You’ll also need to hire a contractor to start the job.
Month One
With the above items complete, it’s time to finally break ground on your new home! On average, a single-family home takes approximately seven months to build, but it could take longer if complications arise. The following steps occur in month one of the construction process:
- Prepping the lot. This includes leveling the ground to guarantee proper drainage, removing debris, and setting the footings that will hold the foundation of your home.
- Pouring the foundation. The timeline for the foundation depends on your design plans (if you’re including a basement, crawl space, or a slab) and how long it takes to dry (usually about two weeks).
Month Two
The following steps occur around month two of the construction process:
- Setting the framework. In this stage, exterior walls, floors, and roof rafters will be framed. This will be the first time you’ll see a general outline of your house!
- Installing mechanical elements. Although not a very glamourous step, this is when wiring and plumbing are installed. Your HVAC system and water heaters will also be put in place.
Month Three
The following steps occur around month three of the construction process:
- Applying insulation and drywall. After filling the walls with insulation, your contractor will cover the framing in drywall, which will then be sanded and painted.
- Installation of internal elements. Some internal elements you’ll see come together in this stage include the flooring, doors, molding, any built-ins you have in your home plan, and the trim. Once installed, the trim and the walls will be painted.
Month Four
The following steps occur around month four of the construction process:
- Exterior work. Next, your team will work to complete your home’s façade by applying your choice of wood, brick, stucco, etc.
- Installing interior fixtures and finishes. This is when you’ll really feel your vision coming to life. Your choices of light fixtures, faucets, sinks, showers, appliances, countertops, and more will be installed in your home.
Month Five
The following steps occur around month five of the construction process:
- Completing additional exterior elements. Other touches that may need to be done to your exterior include paving the driveway, adding exterior doors, and laying walkways.
- Cleaning the interior. With construction complete on both the inside and outside of the house, the interior will be cleaned to prepare for inspection.
Month Six
The following steps occur around month six of the construction process:
- Landscaping. Although landscaping is not technically part of the house, it plays an important role in your home’s visual appeal, so it should be included in your design plans.
- Final inspection. A building-code official will need to come out to the house to assess if it is built up to regulations and standards. If it is, you will be issued a certificate of occupancy. If it is not up to code, you will have to fix any errors before moving in.
Month Seven
The following steps occur around month seven of the construction process:
- Pre-settlement demonstration. Once you receive a certificate of occupancy, your contractor will give you a tour of your new home. This is your last chance to point out anything that needs to be fixed, so be sure to examine appliances and fixtures thoroughly.
- Closing day! This is the day you’ve been waiting for all of these months. On closing day, you’ll be handed the keys to your new home. Now, it’s time to move in and enjoy!
Build Your Dream Home with the Anderson Studio
We hope you have a general idea of what your new home construction timeline will look like. If you’re ready to start designing a house that you’ll love for years to come, contact the experts at the Anderson Studio of Architecture and Design for assistance. Our team of professional architects and interior designers have the experience and expertise needed to bring your vision to life. We look forward to helping you through each step of the planning and design process!
