How to build your own house?

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Everybody wants his beautiful house. And when it comes to its construction process, each member of the family becomes excited to settle things according to his taste and nature. In fact, constructing your own house is more exciting than buying a ready-made house. But unfortunately, it is a challenging and time-consuming task. You need the assistance of an expert project manager and estimator to manage the construction project perfectly. And you must have the expertise and critical thinking ability to find the best project administrator. Well, in this blog post, we will discuss the house construction cycle in detail and cover estimation and the complete building period.

 

Table of Content

 

Prepare Land & Pour Foundations

Before starting construction, it is mandatory to lay down a strong foundation so you can enjoy a reliable life in your solid and beautiful home. And we can accomplish this purpose by considering the following steps.

  • Acquire Local Government Permits

    Imagine! You are having a fantastic time in your treehouse after a tiring day in your workplace. What would be your feeling? The surrounding of your tree house will freshen up your mind for the next day. Spending an hour daily at such a charming place benefits your mental and physical health. The greenery of the tree will release your stress and fill your body with positive energy.Whenever you think about your own house building, you must apply for achieving mandatory permits from your local government. The permits are essential for zoning, leveling, and septic system installation. Moreover, they are mandatory for plumbing, electrical works, and overall house development. After receiving construction permits, you can start your construction work confidently.

  • Level the Construction Site

    After achieving permits from the local government, you can start leveling the land. It is a preparation of land for the construction project. Builders remove all debris, rocks, and trees to start a construction project. During this phase, they use heavy machinery, such as bulldozers, and backhoes to completely clear the construction site. In some situations, the team also prepares the land for septic system installation during this phase of construction.

  • Develop Wooden Forms

    After leveling the land, the team of builders established a wooden form to set a template for laying down the firm foundation. They provide you with appropriate shapes that you can use for foundation pouring. Moreover, your builders develop holes and waterways according to the structure-specific arrangements.

  • Install Footings

    Next, your builders start working on the footing which is the bottom part of your house foundation. It distributes the overall weight of the construction project evenly and protects it from dropping. Simply put, this phase is crucial to give support to your house. Therefore, it is essential to consider all the materials, like rebar and concrete when you calculate home building estimates. As a house owner, you must understand that the flooring installation phase for a house with a basement and without a basement differ from each other. So, consult with your project manager and make decisions accordingly.

  • Develop Wooden Forms

    After leveling the land, the team of builders established a wooden form to set a template for laying down the firm foundation. They provide you with appropriate shapes that you can use for foundation pouring. Moreover, your builders develop holes and waterways according to the structure-specific arrangements.

  • Let the Concrete Settle Down

    Once your team has completed the foundation pouring, let the concrete set and become stronger. At this stage, you cannot continue your construction activities.

  • Install Waterproofing & Plumbing Systems

    It is time to install waterproofing membranes to the foundations so you can protect your house from moist penetration. During this phase, the builders also install plumbing systems, such as drainage, water taps, and sewer lines. Additionally, builders refill the foundation walls with excavated water.

    Cost Breakdown of Land Preparation & Foundation Pouring

    When you are on target to find the answer to the question “how much is it to build a house?”, it is crucial to keep an eye on Land Preparation & Foundation Pouring Phase. Land conditions, climate, labor expenses, and price per square foot can influence the overall building cost. However, the average budget required for land preparation and foundation pouring is approximately $8,385.

    Timeline for Land Preparation & Foundation Pouring

    The first step of construction is a time-consuming task since laying down a strong foundation is essential in all circumstances. Overall, it can take 1 to several months, depending on the complexity and the size of the construction project.

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Execute the Rough Framing

Once you have laid down the firm foundation of your dream home, the next move to the Execution of the Rough Framing Phase. Unlike the first stage, it involved only 2 sub-stages.

    1. Complete Floors, Walls, & Roof

      This phase is about constructing a house’s essential skeleton which includes, floors, walls, and a roof. At this stage, your building manager completes the flooring, wall, and roofing systems.

    2. Apply Sheathing & Protective Wrap

      It is necessary to ensure the durability of a construction project on time. Therefore, we always discuss the Sheathing & Protective Wrap when you read about how to make a house. At this stage, builders apply the oriented strand board sheathing on the walls and roof to boost the structural stability of a house. Over this sheath, constructors wrap the house with an additional protective barrier. This barrier plays a significant role in preventing house foundations from moisture. During this phase, you along with your building team also install doors and windows in your house.

      Cost Breakdown of Rough Framing Execution Phase

      According to professional house building cost estimators, the average expense of the house framing phase lies between $7 to $16 per square foot. However, the exact construction cost can vary depending on the scope and the size of the construction project.

      Timeline for Rough Framing Execution Phase

      The second phase of constructing a house can take around 2 months. However, the exact timeline can differ from the estimated one depending on the project’s complexity.

Install MEP Systems

MEP stands for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Once you have completed your house framing, the next step is to calculate the expense of plumbing, HVAC, and electrical system installation, a vital element when we calculate the overall cost to build a house. At this stage, builders deal with the following components;

  • Pipes and wires
  • HVAC vent pipes
  • Water supply lines
  • Sewer lines and vents
  • Bathtubs and shower units
  • Ductwork for the HVAC system
  • Electrical wiring and receptacles

 

  1. Install internal Plumbing Systems

    During this period, building contractors set wires, pipes, and fixtures within ceilings, floors, and walls. You can also get assistance from a professional plumbing contractor to install water supply systems, vents, and sewer lines. Moreover, they set the positions of showers and bathtubs while efficiently utilizing the ample space.

  2. Install internal HVAC Systems

    At the same time, you also hire an HVAC contractor to deal with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They install HVAC vent pipes inside the roofs and insulations within ceilings, floors, and walls.

  3. Install internal Electrical Systems

    Once the plumbing and HVAC systems are properly installed, it is time to sign a contract with an expert team of Electrical Contractors. The team will install switches, receptacles for outlets, and lights. They also install wires for TV cables, telephones, and music systems.

    Cost Breakdown of Plumbing, HVAC, & Electrical Systems Installations

    We get assistance from construction estimating services when we discuss how to estimate construction costs.
    According to experienced estimating service providers, the average budget required to install a plumbing system in a new house ranges from $8,000 to $12,000. It is approximately $4.50 per square foot for a new construction project.

    Likewise, the cost of HVAC and drywall installation lies between $6,820 to $12,350. And the estimated expense for installing an electrical system in a new construction project is $2,500 to $4,000.

    Timeline for Plumbing, HVAC, & Electrical Systems Installations

    Normally, the installation of the HVAC system takes around 3-7 days for perfect completion. And the other mechanical works, including electrical and plumbing systems, take 2-4 weeks. So, you can say that the whole process will consume 5-6 weeks for executions.

 

Install Insulation System

We are living in an era of technology where we can take advantage of energy-efficient appliances and systems. Therefore, when you discuss your plans with a professional building cost estimator, must consider insulation systems to develop a soothing atmosphere inside your home. The expert insulation contractors install the systems within floors, attics, and walls. Moreover, there are many types of insulation systems available in the market;

  • Wool
  • Foam
  • Cellulose
  • Fiberglass
  • Spray Foam
  • Foam Board
  • Concrete Block
  • Insulating Concrete Forms
  • Structural Insulated Panels

Select the one according to your climate and desires and ask your contractor to install the system reliably. You can also ask for suggestions from estimators while calculating home building estimates.

Cost Breakdown of Insulation System Installation

Since there is a vast range of insulation systems, the exact price depends on the type you choose for your new house. However, the overall cost boundary for the installation of insulation systems lies between $3,000 to $10,000. Moreover, it can reach $24,000 if your project is large in size.

Timeline for Insulation System Installation

Normally, contractors take 1-2 weeks to install a complete insulation system in a house. However, the exact time may vary depending on the certain features of a construction project.

Initiate Interior & Exterior Finishing

The time has reached when you can deal with the finishing of your own house under construction. It involves three steps;

  • Hang & Tape Drywall

    While discussing how to make a house, considering interior drywall finishing is essential. During this phase, builders hang the drywall sheet on the interior walls. Also, they tape the seams between the boards and create a flat and smooth surface.

  • Apply Primer Coat

    Now, your interior walls and ceilings are ready to get a coat of primer paint. It is a step where you prepare the walls for applying actual paint.

  • Install Exterior Finishes

    After you have completed the interior of your house, move to the exterior and execute its finishing. It will depend on your choice whether you choose siding, stone, bricks, or stucco for this purpose. The exterior makeup will give your house a distinctive look and protect the internal materials from damage.

    Cost Breakdown for Initiating Interior & Exterior Finishing

    According to recent updates, a single drywall panel cost lies between $60 and $90. In other words, you can cover the drywall installation phase within $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot budget range. And to paint your interior walls and ceilings, your budget must lie between $350 to $850. However, you can save on the paint cost by painting your home yourself.

    Timeline for Initiating Interior & Exterior Finishing

    Creating a house structure is a more difficult and time-consuming task than final makeup. Overall house finishing can take around a few days to several weeks. You can determine the exact timeline by discussing your plan with the experts in the industry.

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Complete Interior Trim & Install Exterior Walkways & Driveway

After the initial finishing phase, wind up the interior trim and begin installing exterior walkways and driveway. You can efficiently cover this phase by following 4 steps;

  • Fix Interior Trim

    Now, you can enhance the aesthetics of your house by adding a touch of some interior trim. These trim elements include baseboards, windowsills, doors, moldings, door casings stair balusters, and decorative elements.

  • Set Cabinets, Vanities, & Fireplace Mantels

    Next, determine the positions for cabinets, vanities, and fireplace mantels to install them. You can go for pre-prepared objects and also choose to customize them to set your home according to your taste. After installing these components, your home will become initially functional and stylish.

  • Apply the Final Coat of Paint

    Then, consult your expert project manager and decide whether your home needs normal paint or wallpaper finishing. In this phase, you apply the final coat of paint or wallpaper on your interior walls.

  • Install Exterior Walkways & Driveway

    After covering the maximum aspects of your interior house, move out to install walkways, driveway, and courtyard. Some builders install these features after completing the whole project, while some prefer to cover them side by side. Additionally, the second option is more significant as it can protect your property from damage caused by heavy machinery.

    Cost Breakdown of Completing Interior Trim & Installing Exterior Walkways & Driveway

    The average cost of an interior door is around $738, and the windows range between $221 to $341. Moreover, for decorative trim, you need to invest around $1,000. Likewise, cabinet price lies between $1,850 to $30,000, and this cost may vary depending on the cabinet size. To install the vanity, your budget should be around $1,500, and from $100 to $5,600 for fireplace mantels.

    Timeline for Completing Interior Trim & Installing Exterior Walkways & Driveway

    Phase six is where contractors deal with multiple projects simultaneously. They deal with flooring, interior trim, walkways, driveways, etc. And all the activities take around 1-2 months for the perfect completion of individual projects.

Install Hard Surface Flooring, Countertops, & Complete Exterior Grading

At this stage of house construction, builders keep their focus on two essential elements; the hard surface flooring installation and the exterior grading completion.

  • Install Hard Surface Flooring & Countertops

    There are multiple options available for hard surface flooring in the market. These options include wood, vinyl, ceramic tile, etc. Builders use all these materials to install in different zones of the house, including the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and living area. Like hard surface floorings, countertops are also available in different forms, such as laminate, quartz, and granite. They are mostly suitable for the kitchen and related areas. All these elements enhance the functionality of a house.

  • Complete Exterior Grading

    The next stage of construction phase 7 is setting the exterior grading. At this stage, builders ensure the water flows away from the house by installing appropriate drainage systems. They also strengthen the ground for future landscaping. Moreover, this step protects the house from water damage.

    Cost Breakdown of Installing Hard Surface Flooring, Countertops, & Completing Exterior Grading

    Each hard surface flooring has a different cost. Moreover, the rate of vinyl flooring is less than hardwood and tiles. However, the overall cost of the floorings is approximately $3,000 per 500-square-foot space.

    Like hard surface floorings, countertops are also available in different materials. It means that their prices also vary depending on the kind of material you used. On average, their rates fall around $3,000. And for exterior finishing, your budget should be from $970 to $3,000. It can vary depending on the size of grading and filling required.

    Timeline for Installing Hard Surface Flooring, Countertops, & Completing Exterior Grading

    The hard surface flooring and countertops installation roughly takes several days or weeks. You cannot determine its exact timeline because weather conditions can significantly affect these activities.

Complete Installation of Mechanical Trims & Install Bathroom Fixtures

Gradually, we are moving towards the completion of your own house construction process. Now, we are at the stage where contractors complete the installation of mechanical trim and bathroom fixtures.

  • Complete the Installation of Electrical Systems

    During construction phase 3, we set up the internal electrical systems. Now, install light fixtures, outlets, and switches to ensure the 100% functionality of electrical systems. Also, ask your contractors to make sure the distribution of equal voltage to all electrical appliances.

  • Settle Down the HVAC Systems

    During this phase, also settle the HVAC system by properly installing all essential types of equipment. These appliances include ventilation systems, air conditioners, and furnaces. Also, complete the registers to confirm the proper airflow inside your house.

  • Fix Bathroom Fixtures

    Besides electrical and HVAC systems, also fix the bathroom fixtures. Make sure to attach sinks, toilets, faucets, and other elements in appropriate positions. Also, get the assistance of experts to test the functionality of all items and fix the issue on time.

    Cost Breakdown of Completing Installation of Mechanical Trims & Installing Bathroom Fixtures

    The average cost to install light fixtures is around $526. Likewise, a licensed electrical professional charges approximately $1,400 to install electrical panels. Additionally, you should have a budget of around $250 to install faucets, $370 to fix toilets, and $400 to set up the bathroom sinks.

    Timeline for Completing Installation of Mechanical Trims & Installing Bathroom Fixtures

    If you have hired a proficient building contractor, he will take only a few weeks to install HVAC, electrical, and bathroom fixtures.

Install Mirror & Shower Door; Finalize Flooring & Outdoor Landscaping

At this stage, your building partners will shift their focus toward the interior and exterior finishing of the house. They collaborate with homeowners to increase th functionality of the house by installing mirrors and shower doors. Simultaneously, you cover your house’s floorings with proper materials like hardwood, ceramic tiles, or vinyl. Creating an inviting and welcoming outdoor landscape is also an essential aspect of this phase of construction. Some constructors also prepare lawn or garden beds at this stage.

Cost Breakdown of Final Finishing

The market is loaded with unlimited designs and styles of mirrors and the costs of all designs and styles differ from each other. Therefore, the expense of installing a mirror is dependent on your choice and preferences. Overall, the average mirror installation cost ranges between $150 to $800. Similarly, rates can vary with material and size when we talk about floor coverings. However, their average cost lies between $3 to $12 per square foot.

Timeline for Final Finishing

Depending on the size of the project, the installation of mirrors and shower doors takes around a few days to some weeks. On the other hand, the finishing of the outdoor environment can be covered in a few weeks to a couple of months.

Final Inspection, Walk-Through, & Settlement

Before closing the construction project, builders organize a walkthrough for the whole inspection of your new house. The purpose of this walkthrough includes;

  • Ensure the functionality of all appliances and systems
  • Identifying the potential errors and solving them
  • Guiding you on how to use products reliably
  • Familiarizing you with multiple features

Timeline for Final Inspection and Settlement

The final walkthrough, inspection, and settlement can take a few hours. However, if the errors are significant, the step can also take a few days.

Final Thoughts

We collaboratively conclude the construction of a new house. You have read a complete guide on how to build your own house. Moreover, you have understood the maximum factors that you must consider during the construction of your house. We have covered everything in 10 steps in this blog. It is time to create your plan and start constructing your own dream house. Lastly, if you want to read more construction-based blog posts, visit the website of Nedes Estimating!

FAQs

According to research, complete house construction takes around 7-12 months. However, the project can take more time due to complexities and increased size.

Following are the aspects that you should consider before starting work on your house construction;

  • Choose an appropriate location according to your preferences.
  • Set your construction budget or get assistance from expert building estimators.
  • Hire trustworthy builders and collaborate with them for the perfect execution of your house.
  • Never ignore the finishing of the house and add everything that you consider essential for occupants.

Consider your preferences and choose your house location accordingly. You can also get the help of a real estate agent during searching for the location of your house.

Yes, your collaboration with the building team is too essential. Therefore, you must visit your house site during construction and make everything transparent between you and your construction team.

While constructing your own house, you can save money by doing some tasks yourself. These tasks can include, fixing bathroom fixtures, wall painting, and cleaning.