Whether you have hired a manager or handling it all yourself, building a house is no easy task. With the numerous steps involved, and the multitude of tasks to be completed, even the best can get baffled. Hence, we give you basic information on the step-by-step process of building a house, in this DecorDezine post.
Remember…
The process of construction of a house is indeed a long and a complicated one, moreover, every construction company will have different steps. So, take some time to understand each step, and talk to your manager, and discuss all your doubts beforehand.
A house isn’t just a structure of concrete and mortar. It is a place where we find peace and rest after a long day’s work. We all dream of owning a house some day, and a lot of planning and saving goes in, when building it. However, building a house is a complex and time-consuming task. Following a step-by-step process of building one’s house is the best way to minimize the hassles, that may arise in the process, and be well-prepared for any unwarranted crisis that may crop up.
Steps for Building a House
Plan your Finances
Money is an important factor in deciding the design, size and layout of your house. Judge if your budget is suitable for the design and size of your house. If not, see if you could apply for a home loan or a mortgage. You could also consider modifying your building plan to suit your budget. Hiring an experienced builder is very important. He will give you the breakdown of cost, but it is important to have some extra cash.
Choose a Lot
Choosing a lot is the next important step. However, some go for drawing up a house plan as the second stage. Both the approaches have their own merits, but a house plan can be altered according to the landscape, whereas changing the landscape to suit the plan is not possible. Thus the merits lie in choosing the lot before deciding on the plan. In addition to this, the builder or the architect that you hire needs to evaluate factors like soil condition, drainage and the building code of the area before any construction work can be started.
Choose the Right Professionals
After you have decided on your budget and lot, it’s time to choose the right professionals to build your house. That would include the builder, the surveyor, and the architect. Once you choose the builder, usually he’ll select the rest of the team. However, you can also hire the architect of your choice as well.
The House Plan
While deciding on a plan for your house, you need to consider your needs and lifestyle. If you plan to work from home, having a workplace is important. Are you someone who loves the sun and fresh breeze? Then, a house with wide windows and patios would be prefect for you. You could opt for a stock plan from a catalog, that has plans for houses or you can get a customized plan for your house. For the latter, you will however require a licensed architect.
Decide on the Building Material
Building materials commonly used for constructing a house, vary from lumber to concrete, plaster of Paris, aluminum and glass. If you are lucky you may get a list of building materials along with your house plan. If not, then try to select materials that are locally available, as they would be more congenial to the local climate.
Draw a Contract
After you have finalized the lot, plan and the team that would build your house, draw up a contract with the builders and the architects. The contract includes all the agreements (like the start and the completion date, labor cost, and any other charges and warranties involved in the process), drawn between you and the professionals that you have hired.
Apply for the Permit
Finally you should apply for a permit to build your house. It will take some time. You could also apply to the electric company to provide you temporary electricity to run the appliances required to build your house.
Foundation
Now, the actual construction of your house will begin. First the excavation work will start. Any trees or other obstacles will be removed, and the site will be cleared. Then the foundation will be poured; walls, basements, garage floors built, and insulated. Different cables are installed, and the plumbing work is done during this step.
Framing
Once the framing starts, you start to get the exact picture of your house. All the exterior and interior walls along with the roof are erected. Roof trusses are installed. Ducting work for the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems is done. This process may take a couple of weeks.
Interior and Exterior Work
This stage will be one of the busiest ones in your house building process. Lot of external and internal work will be done simultaneously. The brick work will be completed, dry wall will be finished. The flooring work will be done. Stairs, bath and kitchen cabinets, wires will be installed. The plaster work will be completed by this stage.
Tile and other work
First all the areas that have a possibility of coming in contact with moisture, will be water-proofed. Then, the tiling work will start. Whatever flooring you choose, hardwood, vinyl, ceramic will be installed. Porches and decks will be installed, and trimming is done.
Cabinets and other furniture
Electrical outlets, switches, fireplace mantels, cabinets, etc. are installed. All the carpentry work is finished. The faucets and toilets are attached in the bathroom, and drainage system is checked. Basically almost every pending task will be completed by this stage.
Painting and final repairs
Yes, your house is almost complete! All that needs to be done is painting, and some final touch-ups. after an inspection, little things will be taken care of. The minute details, decorations, and a final checking will follow.
Your house is ready!
Yes, finally your dream home is complete. But, landscaping and gardening work is still remaining folks! Sideways, driveways, and other things are to be taken care of. After a final inspection, and some touch-ups, if required, your home is ready for handover.
Note: Images are used for representational purpose only.
Despite all the steps you follow, there is always the unpredictable weather. Sometimes your electrician might not turn up or may be the developer would want to make some changes to your plan that you wouldn’t like. Such hurdles might always come, but it always helps to plan beforehand and to be prepared to handle all situations that may come up while constructing your home.
