New Construction

General outline of the building process

START SHEET:
After the plan review has been completed, the home is placed on the Start Sheet. This does not mean that construction will immediately commence, but only that the "construction process" is beginning. At this point, truss engineering, shearwall engineering, energy calculations, windows and cabinets will be ordered for the home. Additionally, copies of the plans and selections sheets will be distributed to the various subcontractors and vendors. The plans and selection sheets will also be sent to the appraiser so the appraisal can be completed, as required for the construction loan.

SITE PREPARATION:
If the lot is not already pre-cleared and pre-filled, the lot will be cleared and fill dirt will be brought on-site. No other work is usually completed until the building permit is received.

PERMITTING:
Once the truss engineering, shear wall engineering and energy calculations are received for the home, the permitting package is completed and submitted to the county building official for review and approval. Permitting times vary from county to county and fluctuate substantially due to the number of permitting applications received by the county. You will be notified by mail once the permit is received.

SLAB PREPARATION & UNDERGROUND PLUMBING:
After the permit is received, the form boards for the foundation and concrete slab are set. Underground plumbing is installed and inspected. Please note that there are approximately 12 individual inspections that must be passed throughout the entire building process. Sometimes what appears to be delays in construction are actually scheduled inspection days.

SLAB:
After the plumbing has been inspected, the fill dirt is leveled and footings are dug. The vapor barrier and reinforcing steel are installed prior to inspection. The work is inspected and the slab is poured.

FRAME:
After the slab is poured, the framing on the home is started. The trusses are set, exterior sheathing is installed, additional termite treatment is done, and the house is dried-in. A number of additional inspections are done during this time.

TRADE ROUGH-IN:
The electrical, air-conditioning, plumbing, fireplace, telephone, TV, security and any other systems that the home requires are installed in preparation for insulation and drywall. Inspections are done on each of the trade rough-ins during this time.

INSULATION:
After trade rough-in inspections have been completed, batt insulation is installed (blown insulation will be installed after drywall) and inspected.

DRYWALL:
The drywall is hung, taped and finished. Ceiling textures are applied at this time.

TRIM OUT:
Cabinets, electrical fixtures, plumbing fixtures, A/C equipment, tile, garage door, interior doors, and painting are completed. Final inspections of electrical, A/C and plumbing systems will also be completed. Once the interior trim out commences, a letter will be sent to you indicating the scheduled closing date for the new home. The scheduled closing date is tentative and subject to change. The letter will also have instructions on setting up utility accounts for the home.

EXTERIOR CONCRETE:
Driveway, sidewalks and walkways are installed.

LANDSCAPE:
An exterior clean up is accomplished and yard is graded in accordance with drainage plans. If applicable, the irrigation system is installed. Sod and plants are installed in accordance with the site plan.

CARPET & VINYL:
Carpet, vinyl, and specialties are installed and the home is thoroughly cleaned.

NEW HOME ORIENTATION:
We will contact you to schedule your New Home Orientation meeting. This is your opportunity to review the home and receive instructions on all systems in the home.

FINAL WALK-THRU:
Your final walk-thru meeting is typically scheduled at the end of the New Home Orientation meeting. This walk-thru is to ensure that the home has been completed.

CLOSING:
The closing normally occurs a day or two after the satisfactory completion of the Final Walk-Thru meeting. We will notify you of the exact time and date of the closing.

The above is a general outline only. Exact sequencing may vary.