Building a New Home? Here’s What to Expect

Have you been looking at new homes for sale but haven’t quite found what you need?

If so, building a new home from scratch might be your best option.

The anticipation of living in a brand new home can be both exciting and intimidating. What will your new home look like? Where will you build it? Who will build it? Where will you find the materials you need? And of course, how much will it cost?

At Mid-City Lumber, we’ve helped many people just like you navigate the process of building a home. To help you out, we’ve put together a handy overview of what you can expect, from initial planning to your final walkthrough.

For starters, building a home does require a bit of patience. A typical single family home takes an average of eight months to complete, according to the National Association of Home Builders. 

You’ll want to ask lots of questions of your contractor and other pros who work on your home. We also encourage you to visit Mid-City Lumber to familiarize yourself with the materials you have to choose from. Our friendly staff will recommend the best options for your project. 

#1: Pre-Construction Steps

A successful project requires lots of planning before the shovel hits the ground. The decisions you make here will influence your schedule, your budget and even the long-term cost of owning your new home.

Types of New Construction 

There are three basic options for choosing a new build over an existing home.

• Spec home: An abbreviation of “speculative home,” this is a brand new home designed and built for the purpose of selling it upon completion. While the overall floor plan is decided in advance, the developer may let you customize some features if you purchase the home early in the construction process.
• Tract homes: This involves a developer purchasing a large plot of land and dividing it into individual lots for sale. The developer may have a set of requirements in terms of the style of your home, but many features may be customizable. 
• Fully custom home: This is the option that gives you the greatest amount of control over the size, layout and style of your home. It also requires more careful budgeting and attention to detail, to help you choose the best materials without spending too much.

Budgeting & Financing    

Just like with buying an existing home, you’ll need to decide how much you’re willing to spend ahead of time.

Prospective builders should give you a detailed estimate of how much your project will cost. Things that will affect your budget include location, size, materials and amenities. 

You can finance a newly built home with a construction loan, also known as a construction mortgage. Expect a down payment of about 20% and an interest rate somewhat higher than for a comparable existing home. The lender will need information about your prospective home, including a floor plan, materials, construction timetable and budget. You may be able to refinance as a traditional fixed-rate mortgage after construction is completed. 

Site Selection   

A real estate agent can help you find a lot available for purchase. 

• The lot you choose may affect your floor plan and design options, such as whether to include a basement.
• Check on local zoning laws and any other regulations. For example, many homeowners’ associations have rules governing the style of any new homes built in the neighborhood.
• Check on access to utilities such as water, sewer, electricity and internet. If your new home is outside the city limits you may need to have new service lines installed.

Hiring the Right Pros   

Unless you have the skills for a DIY project, you will need to hire a general contractor.

This is the person who will oversee your project from start to finish. They will take care of major responsibilities such as compiling cost estimates, hiring subcontractors and permitting. 

A reputable contractor will be able to recommend other pros for your project.

• An architect will develop a floor plan based on your preferences, such as square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, number of floors and amenities. 
• An interior designer will help you choose flooring, tile, fixtures, paint colors and other aesthetic features. 
• Other pros typically involved in residential construction include surveyors, structural engineers, plumbers, electricians and building inspectors.

Permitting Requirements  

We cannot emphasize this enough:

Never start a building project without a permit!

Neglecting this step opens you up to fines and other legal penalties. You may even have to tear down your project and start over. In most cases your contractor will handle this for you, but you’ll still want verification for your records. 

#2: Site Prep 

Before the actual construction can begin, the land must be cleared and leveled.

Bulldozers and other heavy equipment may be used to remove rocks, trees, brush and any unwanted vegetation as well as stumps and root systems. Any holes on the lot will be filled and hills or dips leveled as needed to provide a flat surface for your home’s foundation. 

Excavation equipment will be used to dig holes or trenches for installing water, sewer and utility lines as needed. If your home is outside of the city limits, you may need a septic system. 

#3: The Home Envelope  

After the land is cleared comes the moment you’ve been waiting for. It’s finally time for your new dream home to become a reality! 

Footings & Foundation 

Every home needs a sturdy foundation. 

Footings made of concrete or brick are installed to evenly distribute the vertical load of your home onto the ground. They are spaced wider than the foundation and extend to a depth of about one foot below the frost line. Footing drains are included to direct excess water away from your home. 

There are three basic options for your home’s foundation:

• Slab
• Crawl space
• Full basement

The foundation is made of poured concrete and reinforced with steel rods. It must be allowed to “cure” for one to three months after pouring. Depending on weather conditions, construction may resume within as little as a week.

The foundation must also be waterproofed and inspected before the rest of your project may proceed. 

Drains, Sewers & Taps   

After the foundation has cured, workers will install drains, sewer lines and other plumbing lines. Excavated dirt will be used to fill in any remaining holes or trenches near the foundation. 

Framing  

This is the step where your new home actually starts to look like a house.

Framing made of high quality lumber includes floor joists, subfloors, walls, studs, ceilings and roof trusses. Building the frame typically takes one to two weeks. 

Sheathing for Exterior Walls  

Large wooden sheets about a half-inch thick are nailed to the frame. Sheathing materials may include oriented strandboard, gypsum or wafer board. The sheathing is covered with a wrap to protect against moisture, mold and rot. Shingles, flashings and other roofing components are installed. 

Windows and Exterior Doors  

Choosing the right windows and doors enhances the appearance and energy efficiency of your home. Look for models with the ENERGY STAR label to enjoy lower utility bills for years to come. 

#4: Your Home’s Critical Systems  

Critical systems include the things that make your house a comfortable and functional place to live. They include plumbing, electrical systems and your HVAC system. Each one requires an inspector to confirm that the work was done correctly. 

Insulation and drywall are also installed at this stage. 

HVAC Systems  

A professional heating and cooling technician will install ductwork, along with heating and cooling equipment. 

Plumbing  

A licensed plumber will run pipes to individual rooms like the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry room. Showers, bathtubs, sewer lines and vents are other components of your plumbing system. An inspector will check for leaks and pressure test your drains and pipes. 

Electrical System  

An electrician will run wires through your walls and ceilings. Other electrical components include lights, fans, outlets, circuit breakers and external equipment. Your thermostat and other HVAC equipment will be connected to electrical wires. 

Insulation 

The most common types of insulation include fiberglass, cellulose and foam. The correct choice for you will depend on your local climate. Insulation is applied to walls, basements, crawl spaces, attics and other areas where protection against extreme temperatures is needed. 

Drywall   

This is an exciting step where your house begins to look like a home on the inside. Wood panels are attached to interior walls and ceilings. They are secured with screws and a spray texture is applied. Your walls are then primed in preparation for painting or applying wallpaper. 

#5 Design Touches  

Now it’s time to give your home a personality!

Interior and exterior finishes provide functionality and reflect the aesthetic style of the home. On the inside, this includes interior doors, baseboards, window sills and stair balusters. Exterior finishes enhance curb appeal and include your siding, driveway and landscaping. 

Paint  

If you are purchasing a spec or tract home, the developer may offer you a limited set of paint colors from which to choose. With a fully custom home, the sky’s the limit! You may also choose from a range of wallpaper designs if desired. 

Flooring  

Flooring is usually installed after the paint dries on the walls. 

If you want the classic look of wood floors, a high quality hardwood or engineered wood are good options. Tile is popular for kitchens and bathrooms and comes in a vast array of shapes, textures and colors. For carpeted rooms, choose a stain-resistant brand for easy cleaning. 

Cabinets & Vanities  

From traditional shaker-style cabinets to sleek minimalist designs, there’s no shortage of options for kitchen cabinets and vanity storage. Other popular choices include glass-front cabinets or even open shelving for displaying art or dinnerware.

Spec and tract homes will sometimes come with vanities and cabinets pre-selected by the builder. In some cases you may have the opportunity to choose from a limited set of options. 

Light Fixtures, Outlets & Switches  

Light fixtures can range from a crystal chandelier in the dining room to stylish pendants above the kitchen island. Other options include recessed lighting in more casual spaces and sconces on either side of a mirror.

You can go with plain white light switches and outlet covers, or choose more creative options to match your decor. 

Kitchen Countertops & Appliances  

Look for countertops that are beautiful, durable and easy to clean. Popular materials include quartz, granite, marble, laminate, recycled glass and butcher block.

Choose quality, energy efficient appliances for years of reliable use and lower utility costs.

Bathroom Fixtures  

You can find showerheads, faucets and towel racks in a range of styles to suit your personal taste. Other items include sinks, toilets and heat register covers. Mirrors will be installed above the vanities and other areas as desired, such as inside of walk-in closets.

Exterior Finishes  

Quality siding gives your home its signature look and boosts energy efficiency. Popular materials include brick, fiber cement, metal, stucco, wood and natural or engineered stone. 

Other exterior elements include your driveways and walkways. Porches, patios and decks are installed. Final grading is performed to ensure that water flows away from the house. 

Landscaping  

A professional landscaper brings your front and back yards to life with sod, trees, shrubs and flowers. Other features may include garden walls, outdoor lighting and fences.

#6: Before You Move In

Don’t rent that moving van just yet! 

You still have a few more items on your to-do list before you can spend your first night in your new home.

Final Inspection   

Your local building authority requires a final inspection for all newly constructed homes. The inspector will check every detail to make sure your house is compliant with all applicable codes:

• Plumbing
• Electrical
• HVAC
• Doors
• Windows
• Foundation
• Roof

If any problems are found, repairs will be made to bring the property up to code. Once the inspection is complete, you will receive a certificate of occupancy. This means your house is considered legally habitable. 

Final Walkthrough  

Now it’s your turn to inspect.

Grab your electronic device – or an old-fashioned paper tablet if preferred – and do a thorough walkthrough. Make a detailed list of any items that are damaged or that aren’t consistent with what you ordered. For example, you may notice a light that doesn’t come on, a cracked window or chipped paint.

Share the list with your contractor to have these issues corrected before you move in.

Closing   

After the work is done, you’re ready to close on your new home, just as you would if purchasing an existing home. 

Now it’s time to move in and enjoy living in your very own brand new home!

If you’re planning a new build in the near future, pay us a visit at Mid-City Lumber. We’ll help you find everything you need to bring that blueprint to life and build the gorgeous new home you’ve been dreaming about.

Come by any of our locations throughout Central Missouri, or contact us online for more information.