Subscribe To This Site

Understanding the Building Process

We want to demystify the building process for the owner builder and believe the first step towards that goal is to break it down into outline form. We have done so below. There are subsets to each section of the outline and the details differ from project to project. For example, some homes are built on a slab foundation while others have a stemwall foundation with a crawlspace. Despite differences, the basics remain the same. The foundation, no matter what type, must go in before we build the structure. Take a look at this very basic outline to get a clearer understanding of how you, as an owner builder, will go about your project.

Construction Outline

Preconstruction Planning and Building Process Preparation Lot Selection
Home Designs/ Floorplans
Bid Process
Building Permits
Jobsite Preparation

BUILDING PROCESS VIDEOS

LOT PREPARATION 1
LOT PREPARATION 2: GRADING
CORNERSTAKING/FOOTING LAYOUT
FOOTING EXCAVATION
SETTING FORMS
UNDERSLAB PLUMBING I
UNDERSLAB PLUMBING II
BACKFILL AND COMPACTION

MORE TO COME, STAY TUNED!!

Site Preparation and Foundations

Layout and Grading if necessary

Excavation Underslab plumbing - Done with slab on grade foundations

Foundations- Can be

slab, basement, or crawlspace Floor framing, Under floor plumbing, Under floor HVAC, Under floor Electrical, Floor insulation Here are more details on your concrete foundation.

Framing Stage

Wall Framing

Second Floor Framed

Second Floor Wall Framing

Roof Framing and Sheeting

Windows and Exterior doors

Dry-in and Load Roof

Siding and Trim

Framing is a major component of the building process.

Interior Roughs

Top out Plumbing

HVAC Topout

Electrical Rough in

Rough Frame inspection

More detailed information on the rough phase of construction.

Insulation

Drywall

Exterior Lath and Stucco

Garage doors installed

Interior Trim or "Back End"

Finish Carpentry

Interior Painting

Cabinets Delivery and Install Countertop Measure, Delivery and Install

Mirror and Glass Measure

Exterior Paint

Set Roof Tile

Floor Tile installation

Mirror and Glass Installation

Finish Plumbing Finish HVAC

Finish Electric

Exterior Flatwork - driveways and sidewalks

Placement of Condensors and A/C Start

Finish flooring • Hardwood floors are installed. • Carpet installed.

Finish Hardware Appliances Delivered

Final Touch-ups and Cleans

Final grades for drainage and Landscaping

Final inspection.

Certificate of Occupancy

Punch List

What is a "punch list"? A punch list is a list of items that the project manager (owner builder) puts together at the end of construction. It will consist of any corrections or improvements that need to be made to finish the home. These items often are small and easily overlooked errors or incomplete work.

There are a couple of ways to do a punch list. Sometimes, if the owner builder has a bit of construction experience and the items are small, they can get a hammer, a screw gun and some caulking and take care of the items. We discourage this unless the list is VERY short.

Typical items on a punch list are: Smoke detector batteries dead, incorrect door hardware, nicks or scratches on countertops, dirty grout, incomplete or damaged trim work, paint on hinges, no paint on the top of doors, high shelves or accents, unlabeled electrical panel, cracked or missing caulking at base or countertops, touch-up paint, etc.

This is a challenging portion of the building process. Trades are not excited about returning to a job for 30 minutes of work. Be assertive and be persistant. Hold final payment if necessary. Subcontractors are obligated to finish their work. Make them honor their obligation.

Inspections

Throughout the building process there are many inspections. The exact number and type of inspections required will be based on the municipality the owner builder is in. Aspects of the home they are constructing will also influence inspections. We will address this later on our Inspections page.

Aspects of the home will also influence building inspections.