So, you’re thinking about building a home from scratch.
We’ll just say this right off the bat. This can be a long and arduous process. It can be, but it doesn’t have to be.
There are indeed some typical pitfalls that homebuilders fall into, both from a process and financial standpoint. Yes, you will encounter roadblocks. You will encounter less-than-stellar contractors and subcontractors. However, if you know what’s coming, you’re less likely to be thrown for a loop.
What to Expect When Building a New Home in Colorado
However, building a home, just like building anything, can be broken down into a series of steps. Here are the main ones you’ll need to go through during the building process.
Step #1 – Find a Lot and Purchase It
Make sure that your lot is zoned for residential purposes. New build homes in Denver can’t be built on commercial lots.
Step #2 – Research the Type of Home that You Want to Build
Homes can either be speculative, tract homes, or custom. If you’re building your home from scratch, you’ll be going with custom.
Step #3 – Research Building Teams and Select One
You’ll need a custom home builder and a general contractor. Make sure to research both thoroughly.
Step #4 – Get Your Permits in Order
You’ll need a variety of permits for building, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and grading. Your general contractor should be able to do this for you.
Step #5 – Prepare the Site for Building
The property will need to be cleared, leveled, and dug out for the foundation.
Step #6 – Install Footings and Pour Foundation
Your building team will install footings and pour the foundation. The foundation will put work on hold for about a week while the concrete hardens.
Step #7 – Install Taps, Sewers, and Drains
Your building team will take care of all the basic plumbing for the basement and first floor.
Step #8 – Foundation Inspection
Before any more work is done, the foundation will need to be inspected and approved.
Step #9 – Construct the Frame of the Home and Add Sheathing
Your team will build the frame of the home. This will take roughly one to two weeks. After that, they will add the sheathing.
Step #10 – Install Exterior Doors and Windows
Now that the “bones” of the house are done, your team will be able to install the exterior doors and windows.
Step #11 – Install HVAC and Plumbing
An HVAC technician and plumber will come to the home to build out the HVAC system and all of the home’s plumbing.
Step #12 – Plumbing Inspection
An inspector will come out and inspect the plumbing to ensure it was done correctly
Step #13 – Install the Electrical System
All the electrical wiring will be installed for lighting, fans, outlets, etc.
Step #14 – HVAC and Electrical Inspection
Before any more work is done, inspectors will need to come out to inspect the HVAC system and electrical work.
Step #15 – Install the Roof
The sheathing should already be on. Now the roof can be completed.
Step #16 – Install Insulation
You’ll need to decide between fiberglass, cellulose, or foam spray insulation.
Step #17 – Drywall, Walls, and Ceilings
Drywall will be hung, and walls and ceilings will be textured and painted.
Step #18 – Exterior Finishes
This is where you’ll pick your siding. Options include vinyl, wood, fiber cement, stucco, brick, metal, and stone.
Step #19 – Flooring Installation
Flooring will be laid throughout the home.
Step #20 – Trim is Installed
Now that the carpet is down, your team will be able to install the trim along the floor and on the windows.
Step #21 – Countertops, Cabinets, and Major Appliances
Countertops and cabinets will be installed in the bathroom and kitchen. The refrigerator and stove can now be installed and hooked up.
Step #22 – Electrical Items
Light fixtures, switches, and outlets can now be installed.
Step #23 – Bathroom Fixtures and Major Items
The tub can now be installed along with faucets, toilets, showerheads, mirrors, etc.
Step #24 – Landscaping and Hardscaping
The exterior and the interior of the home are complete. Now, the focus can be put on the yard. Landscapers will plant trees and flowers and lay down sod. Hardscaping specialists will build out your deck, patio, garden walls, and more.
Step #25 Final Inspection
An inspector will look over everything. They’ll even double-check things they’ve already checked like the plumbing and the electrical work.
Sound a Little Long and Complicated? There’s an Easier Way
As you probably gathered by the number of steps, building a new home can be a lengthy process. There’s also a lot of different people and crews that need to be involved to ensure that your home gets everything it needs from the electrical work to the plumbing to the landscaping and hardscaping.
However, there is a way to complete a new home build in Denver on an expedited timeline with a smaller crew of individuals. Production built homes are currently sweeping the real estate market as a new and affordable way to build a new home. They combine careful planning with innovative design so they can minimize building material waste while maximizing how much gets done per day on your project.
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