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At Gaddis Bros. we try very hard to make the construction process as seamless and painless as possible however, construction of a family home build is very personal. There will be items along the way that you may want to change or may want to learn more about. Communication is a two-way street and the most important element in the construction of your home. Please do not hesitate to ask any questions or to let us know your feelings toward the progress or process. Because communication is important it is vital to understand the construction process.
Construction Process
1. Land prep
The first step in the construction process is getting the land ready. This includes clearing the area, digging trenches and making sure utilities are installed.
2. Footings and foundation
Your foundation will be made of poured concrete reinforced with steel rods. Depending on the part of the country you’re building in and the design of your home, you may have a slab foundation, crawl space or a full basement.
3. Framing
In the framing step, the bones of the home start to take shape. Framing includes the floor joists, subfloors, studs that form the walls and roof trusses. During this step, the crew will wrap the house to protect it from moisture. If construction is taking place during a rainy time of year, Gaddis Bros. may also install windows, roof shingles and siding during this step.
4. Plumbing, electrical and HVAC
Once the home is “dried in,” Gaddis Bros. Licensed and Approved subcontractors will start installing the home’s major systems, including plumbing pipes, electrical wiring and heating and cooling ducts. Each of these steps requires signoff from a local inspector.
5. Insulation
Your home’s insulation needs will vary, but in general, insulation will be applied to exterior walls, basements, crawl spaces and attics. Fiberglass, cellulose and foam insulation are all options.
6. Drywall
Drywall panels are hung with screws, taped and mudded. Then the new walls are primed with paint.
7. Interior finishes
In this step, most of the home’s interior features will be added. This includes doors, baseboards, casings, window sills, stair balusters, kitchen counters and cabinets, bathtubs, vanities, and hard-surfaced flooring. Interior painting and hardwood installation are sometimes done during this step, but they may be done later if there is risk of damage due to continuing construction.
8. Exterior finishes
Driveways, walkways, patios and final grading to direct water away from home will all be completed. Landscaping and exterior decorating happen during this step too.
9. Fixture installation
With the house close to completion, toilets, faucets, light switches, heat register covers, the hot water heater, the electrical panel and the HVAC systems are all installed. Many of these items require another round of inspection. Another task that happens in this step is the installation of glass fixtures like mirrors and shower doors.
10. Flooring installation
Carpet and hardwood flooring are added in this late stage. Gaddis Bros will communicate heavily with you about the status of your hardwood finishing process so you don’t accidentally damage them.
11. Final inspection
Once construction is complete, a final inspection will be conducted by a local building official. Upon passing, you’ll receive a certificate of occupancy, which gives you the green light to move in. This stage is called Substantial Completion.
12. Final walkthrough
Before you move in, Gaddis Bros. will conduct a final walkthrough called the “Home Welcoming” with your builder to identify punch list items that need to be repaired for the job to be considered complete. Common punch list items include electrical defects like non-functioning outlets, damage to drywall and paint, or missing fixtures.