Building a home follows a logical order; the general sequence runs in a similar pattern. An overview of that sequence is provided here.

Using the stakes as a guide, an excavator digs the foundation. This area must exceed the size of the foundation to allow room to work around the foundation forms. The extra space is backfilled or filled back in later. Over time, this backfill area settles until the earth returns to its original compaction.

The foundation stage is not as simple as it appears. For instance, in the case of poured concrete, the foundation crew places the reinforcing steel called for by the engineer's design. They set openings for windows, vents, beams, and utility connections. Along the top edge of the foundation they install anchor bolts, which framers use to secure the wall to the foundation.

Before backfill occurs, we schedule damp-proofing. This involves applying an asphalt coating or sheet of polyethylene to seal the surface.

Framing

Framing begins with installation of the first level sub-floor, followed promptly by walls. Floor systems include joists of solid wood or engineered I-joints made of manufactured wood products or metal. The sub-floor itself is glued and nailed to the joists to minimize squeaks.

Rarely does a home go from foundation to completion without feeling the effect of some precipitation. The materials can withstand a considerable amount of weather. We watch for any effects that require correction.

Installation of roofing felt or paper begins at the lower edges and proceeds upward, with each row overlapping the previous one. The roofer may also install flashing in the valleys, the angles where two planes of the roof slope down and come together.

The mechanical system-heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, and electrical-are each installed in two phases. We refer to the first phase as the rough or rough-in phase. In it, the mechanical trade contractors install parts you do not see when the home is complete. The ducts, pipes, and wires that circulate power, convenience, and comfort to various parts of your home are ultimately concealed inside the walls. Metal plates cover where a plumbing line passes through wood studs. This protects the water line from screws or nails during later work.

During this phase and according to your contract, the installation of intercom, security, in-wall vacuum, cable television, or in-wall entertainment systems begins. Extra phone lines, special outlets for computers, freezers, or garage door openers are most easily installed now.

Each mechanical trade returns later for the final phase of its work; installation of the fixtures, faucets, switches, and registers you see in the completed home. When rough mechanical work is complete, we call for building department inspections on framing and rough mechanical work. Your home must pass all these inspections before insulation can occur.

Batts look like big blankets and come in various thickness. Blown insulation is loose, so it can fill any specified depth, usually with the help of a large hose. This technique works well for places where installing batts is impractical, such as in an attic. Batts work well between studs. Most interior insulation today is of cellulose or fiberglass.

Insulation is rated based on "R-value." This is a measure of a material's resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, generally the better the insulation. The thickness and material the insulation is made from determine its rating.

The insulation crew carefully fills crevices around doors, windows, and vents. Disturbing insulation can also negate its effectiveness. For example, while storing boxes or connecting speaker wire, a homeowner might disturb blown insulation in an attic. Left uneven, this insulation no longer provides the original R-value.

Drywall work proceeds in three main steps: hanging, taping and finishing.

Hanging involves screwing or nailing the drywall into place. Next, a drywaller covers the seams with a thin tape and then coats the tape and nail heads with joint compound, referred to as mud. Several coats are required to accomplish this with drying time in between. Finally, the selected texture is applied. Near the end of construction, a drywall patch person returns to touch up the dings and dents that occur during completion of the home.

The interior trim crew begins its work by setting doors. We use pre-hung doors that arrive with the jamb and door as a unit. Fitting this pre-hung door correctly into the rough opening assures a good fit and long-term performance. Baseboards and casings come next, followed by other interior trim. Crown molding, chair rail, the fireplace mantel are examples of interior trim.

The painter's responsibilities usually include sanding, filling nail holes, and caulking trim to drywall. Next, using sprayers, rollers, and old-fashioned brushes the painter applies paint and stains. Depending on colors and types of paint specified, painting sometimes involves several steps. The materials in the home are raw, so the first coat is a primer, followed by one or two finish coats. In a typical procedure, the painter applies enamel to the woodwork, then masks it off to spray the walls. The painter also expects to return later for touch-up work.

As the home enters the finish stage, we schedule countertop placement, and tile work. In comparatively rapid succession appear floor coverings, appliances, hardware, shower doors, mirrors, and screens. During this time, the mechanical trades each return to install fixtures and make final adjustments. These visits are called finals-final plumbing, final electrical, and so on.

Meanwhile, outside, the painter completes exterior painting or staining. Concrete or asphalt contractors install drives, porches, and walks. Any remaining debris from the work is removed and the fine grader establishes the final drainage pattern. If your contract includes landscaping, the crew installs the sprinkler system, prepares the soil, and plants trees, shrubs, seed, or sod as called for in your contract.

Builders usually schedule two cleanings. The first, the construction clean, removes most of the dust and debris left by the work. Builders schedule window washing as near delivery as possible to minimize the possibility of time and weather negating the result.

When the product created is so large that human beings carrying ladders walk around inside of it, dings and dents are likely. We carefully inspect the home, noting these and any details that need attention. The construction schedule includes days for work on this list. The list, referred to as the punch list, can result in a dozen trades coming back to perform last-minute tasks. Where required, the building department and other final inspections occur now also.

Before closing, occurs, we provide you with an orientation-your best opportunity to learn about your new home. During this orientation, we also confirm that the details you contracted for are correct.