Begin Construction

Site preparation is the foundation—literally and figuratively—for the entire construction process. Your lot must be cleared, leveled, and marked before the actual building begins.

• Marking the Layout: Your builder will stake out the exact footprint of the home, including property boundaries and setbacks. This ensures the house is positioned correctly on the lot.
• Clearing and Grading: Trees, brush, and debris are removed, and the ground is leveled to prepare for the foundation. Grading also helps ensure proper drainage to protect your home from future water damage.
• Installing Basic Utilities: Depending on your lot, this step may include bringing in water lines, sewer connections, or other utility hookups.

Framing is one of the most transformative stages of construction, as the skeleton of your home takes shape.

• Building the Framework: Walls, floors, and the roof structure are built during this phase. The framing establishes the shape and size of each room, giving you a clear sense of the home’s flow.
• Adding Structural Elements: Key components like beams, joists, and trusses are installed to ensure the structure’s integrity.
• Walkthrough Opportunity: Once framing is complete, walk through the home with your builder to review the layout and confirm placements. It’s much easier to make minor adjustments now than after drywall is installed.

Plumbing rough-ins are installed after the framing is complete, and this phase ensures that all pipes and fixtures are correctly placed before walls are closed up.

• Review Plumbing Plans: Walk through the home with your builder and plumber to confirm the placement of sinks, toilets, showers, and tubs.
• Check Utility Connections: Ensure water and sewer lines are properly connected to the main supply.
• Future-Proof Your Home: Discuss options for adding features like water filtration systems or tankless water heaters.

Electricity is essential to making your home functional and comfortable. This walkthrough is an opportunity to confirm the placement of outlets, lighting fixtures, and other electrical components.

• Outlets and Switches: Walk room by room to confirm outlet placements and switch locations. Think about practical needs, like where you’ll plug in appliances or charge devices.
• Lighting Design: Review the placement of overhead lights, recessed fixtures, and accent lighting.
• Low-Voltage Systems: If your home includes smart technology, internet wiring, or a security system, ensure these systems are integrated during this phase.