BUILDING A NEW HOME
It takes a team to build a house and careful planning to get the job done right and on time.
You will need:
• General Contractor
• Architect or Home Designer
• Lender (if financing)
• Real Estate Agent
• Interior Designer
HOME BUILDING PROCESS
Building a new home is an exciting journey—but it’s also a complex process that involves many decisions, timelines, and professionals. Here's a clear breakdown of what goes into building a new home, step by step:
Planning & Budgeting: Before construction begins, establish your budget and obtain pre-approval if financing, choose your lot or building location, decide whether a custom, semi-custom, or production home best fits your needs, hire a qualified builder and/or architect, finalize your floor plan and design selections, and review all zoning regulations, HOA requirements, and necessary permits to ensure your project starts on the right foundation.
Design & Permitting: Work closely with your builder, architect, and design team to finalize your home's layout, elevation, and mechanical systems, select your interior and exterior finishes, and submit the plans for local permits and approvals, keeping in mind that the permitting process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on your jurisdiction.
Site Preparation: The construction process begins with site preparation, which includes clearing the land, leveling the building site, excavating the foundation area, and grading the property to ensure proper drainage before the foundation is poured.
Foundation: Once the site is prepared, the foundation is poured—whether it's a concrete slab, crawl space, or basement—and is then waterproofed and inspected to ensure it has the proper footing, structural integrity, and complies with local building codes.
Framing: During the framing stage, the structural framework of the home—including the walls, floors, and roof trusses—is constructed, followed by the installation of windows, exterior doors, and roof decking. A framing inspection is then completed to ensure the structure meets building codes before construction continues.
Mechanical Systems: During the rough-in stage, electrical wiring, plumbing, HVAC ductwork, insulation, and low-voltage systems such as security, audio, and internet wiring are installed. Before the walls are enclosed, required rough-in inspections are completed to ensure all systems meet building codes and are properly installed.
Exterior Work: Once the home's exterior is weatherproofed, the roofing, siding, and exterior finishes are installed, followed by the construction of driveways, sidewalks, porches, decks, and other outdoor features that complete the home's exterior.
Interior Finishes: During the interior finishing stage, drywall is hung and painted, followed by the installation of cabinetry, flooring, tile, countertops, appliances, lighting, and plumbing fixtures. The final touches—including trim, interior doors, and hardware—are installed last to complete the home's interior.
Final Touches & Inspections: Before closing, the home undergoes final inspections to ensure compliance with local building codes, followed by a walk-through with the builder to create a punch list of any remaining repairs or adjustments. After the final clean-up and quality inspection are completed, the home is ready for closing and move-in.
Closing & Move-In: As construction comes to an end, your lender will order a final appraisal if you're financing the home, the local building authority will issue a Certificate of Occupancy (CO), and you'll complete a final walk-through with your builder before closing. Once the paperwork is signed and the transaction is complete, you'll receive the keys and can move into your brand-new home.
SELECTING A BUILDER
Choosing the right builder is one of the most important decisions you'll make when building a home. Here's a professional and thorough guide on what to consider:
Research Local Builders: Before choosing a builder, visit neighborhoods where they have completed homes and, if possible, speak with homeowners about their experience. Also, tour model homes, open houses, and home shows to evaluate the builder's craftsmanship, paying close attention to the quality of finishes such as cabinetry, flooring, trim, and paint. Be sure to ask plenty of questions, take notes, and obtain important information in writing whenever possible.
Reputation & Experience: Before hiring a builder, research their reputation, experience, and track record by reviewing online ratings, checking Better Business Bureau reviews, requesting references from past clients, and visiting previously completed homes or communities to evaluate the quality of their work firsthand.
Licensing & Insurance: Verify that your builder is properly licensed, bonded, and insured in your state, and be sure to ask about the warranties they provide, including coverage for both structural components and cosmetic workmanship.
Transparency & Communication: Choose a builder who is clear, responsive, and well-organized, takes the time to explain the construction process and timeline, and provides a dedicated point of contact to keep you informed throughout the entire building process.
Quality of Work & Materials: Take time to review the builder's standard features and available upgrades, ask detailed questions about their construction methods, materials, and subcontractors, and tour model homes or homes under construction to evaluate the quality of their workmanship firsthand.
Customization Options: Ask the builder how much flexibility you have to customize the floor plan, finishes, and design features, and determine whether they specialize in fully custom homes, semi-custom homes, or fixed floor plans so you know what options are available.
Build Timeline: Ask the builder for an estimated construction start and completion date, and discuss how they handle potential delays caused by weather, material shortages, labor availability, or other unforeseen circumstances so you know what to expect throughout the building process.
Pricing & Transparency: Request a detailed breakdown of all costs, including the base price, upgrades, lot premiums, and allowances, and make sure you understand the builder's change order process, how cost overruns are handled, and exactly what is and is not included in the contract before signing.
Warranties & After-Sale Service: Ask the builder about the warranties they offer, including coverage for workmanship, systems, and structural components, and find out whether they have a dedicated warranty or customer service team to handle repairs and concerns after you move into your new home.
Financial Stability: Choose a builder with a strong financial reputation, as they are more likely to complete your project successfully and on schedule. Don't hesitate to ask for references from suppliers, lenders, or other industry professionals who have worked with the builder to help verify their reliability and financial stability.
Compatibility & Trust: Choose a builder you feel comfortable communicating with and confident working alongside, as building a home is a long-term partnership. Trust your instincts and select someone who makes you feel heard, respected, and supported throughout this very personal process.
QUESTIONS TO ASK
Choosing the right builder is one of the most important decisions you'll make when building a home. Here's a professional and thorough guide on what to consider:
How long will it take? It’s important to know what you’re getting into timing-wise with a new construction build, particularly if you have a house to sell first or you’re going to be renting. While the building process is prone to delays and you won’t be able to get a finite schedule for how long the build will take, you’ll be able to get a general idea of what you can expect.
Is there a warranty? While you can always buy your own home warranty, you should expect that the builder will cover you in some way for at least the first several years. Ask what the warranties include and how long they last.
How are change orders handled? Before you leave the table, be sure to decide exactly how any change requests will work. It’s something many prospective homeowners forget, but it is by far one of the most important things to figure out ahead of time. Without planning ahead, change requests can provide major hurdles for both parties.
Is landscaping included? Some builders include your basic yard work, while others leave you with unfinished land that becomes your responsibility to landscape. Ask whether landscaping is included, and if there is any sort of warranty on the materials in case the newly sodded grass dies.
Can I provide my own materials? Had your heart set on butcher block countertops but the builder doesn’t offer them? It’s possible that you may be able to purchase them yourself and then have the builder install them.
Will I get a credit? Some builders offer credits for any upgrades or self-purchased materials or appliances, while with others you’ll just have to eat the cost of the originally included item.
CONSTRUCTION LOANS
Interview with Mark @ MVB Mortgage
Come with me to visit Mark Ferguson with MVB Mortgage as he explains the industry of construction lending.
Mark Ferguson | MVB Mortgage
Vice President | Builder Division | Senior Loan Officer
(571) 266-6485 | (301) 674-5851
Building a new home is an exciting opportunity to create a space that fits your lifestyle, needs, and future goals, but it also requires careful planning, patience, and informed decision-making. Every stage of the process—from establishing a budget and selecting the right builder to choosing quality materials and completing final inspections—plays an important role in the success of your project. Taking the time to research your builder, understand your contract, ask questions, and stay involved throughout construction can help prevent costly mistakes, unexpected delays, and unnecessary stress. By following the proper steps, surrounding yourself with experienced professionals, and maintaining realistic expectations, you'll be well-positioned to enjoy a smooth building experience and move into a home that provides comfort, value, and lasting satisfaction for years to come.