Step By Step - Construction Process
The people that have been through the process of building a home in the past know it can be an easy process as long as the communication lines are open. Watts Construction Company will be contacting you periodically through the construction process to give you updates and time lines. If we are unable to reach you messages will be left at the phone numbers provided or the email address given. We ask that you respond to any questions we have of you in a timely manner to keep the process and schedule on track. Below are the typical phases of the construction process. Keep in mind that some things may occur slightly out of order due to weather or other factors. Our goal is to make this experience as easy and pleasurable as possible.
Pre-Construction
You have selected your floor plan or we have custom designed a home for you. The contract has been signed, you have received a copy of The Homeowner Manual and the process is explained to you, financing has been arranged and the permits have been submitted. Once a permit is provided by the local building department we are able to start the next phase.
Excavation
The site has been staked for the foundation and now the digging begins. You will see dozers and front end loaders on the site to dig the hole necessary to pour the foundation.
Foundation
Once the hole has been dug footing forms will be installed and concrete will be poured to create the base of the foundation. Once the footing is poured and has had time to harden wall panels are erected on top of the footing. The panels are set, and the foundation walls are created using poured concrete. After the walls are dry the panels are removed, and the building inspector comes to inspect the foundation. Typically a week will pass from the time the wall panels are removed and the basement is backfilled with dirt.
Owner Selections
Now is typically the time to make the owner selections. The selections center is located at our business office and an appointment must be made. Some of the selections to be made include exterior siding and/or brick, roofing color, shutter color & style, cabinets, countertops, flooring and appliances. The actual selections made will depend upon the neighborhood and design you purchased. The list of selections that will need to be made are located in your Homeowner Manual.
Framing
The foundation is in place and backfilled with dirt so it is now time to frame the home. This phase takes a few weeks depending upon the size of the home, the complexity of the design, and the weather. This phase will seem to go fast compared to the rest of the process and you will start getting excited if you are not already.
Exterior Penetrations
The framing is complete so it is now time to seal all the exterior penetrations. The roof shingles are installed, the house wrap is applied, windows and exterior doors are hung and siding is installed. Any pipes placed under the basement floor are installed at this time such as sewer leads, radon pipe and floor drain for the basement bath. Once the pipes are installed the basement floor is prepared and then poured with concrete.
Rough Mechanicals
Rough mechanicals consist of electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems. Electrical wiring is run for plugs, switches, light fixtures, TV and telephone jacks and any other electrical openings. This is the time you may meet with the electrician or a Watts Construction Representative to determine the placement of TV and telephone jacks and any other special electrical needs. Please be prepared for this meeting by determining in advance where you plan to place furniture in order to locate jacks. The plumber installs tub and shower units as well as all of the piping located behind the walls. The HVAC contractor is determining register locations, cutting holes in the floor for the registers and installing the necessary piping for heating and cooling behind walls. After all of this is complete the local building inspector will inspect the framing and mechanical inspectors will inspect the rough mechanicals. Next, the wall insulation is installed before the drywall is hung.
Drywall
After the framing and rough mechanical inspections are complete it is now time to drywall. The drywall is cut to size and installed on the walls and ceilings. After all the drywall is installed the taping and mudding of seams occur. This process takes several coats in between sanding in order to achieve a smooth finish. Drying time is what makes this process take longer than expected. After all the seams and corners are complete the ceilings are textured and it is now time for the next step. Once the drywall is completed and dry the attic insulation is installed. Depending upon the time of year and the weather exterior concrete flatwork such as driveways, sidewalks porches and patios are installed. Installation of the public utilities will depend upon the utility company’s schedule. The typical utilities installed during this time are the water, sewer, gas and electric.
Hard Surface Flooring
Once the drywall process is complete all of the hard surface flooring is installed such as ceramic tile, wood and vinyl.
Trim Carpentry
After the hard surface flooring is installed it is now time to trim the home. Base, casing and interior doors are installed and hung.
Painting
The trim carpentry is complete so it is time to cover the floors, windows, tubs, and showers. These items are covered to prevent those areas from being painted. After all of the necessary items are covered it is time to paint the walls, ceilings, trim and doors.
Cabinets & Countertops
Once painting is complete and allowed the appropriate drying time the cabinets and countertops are installed in the kitchen, baths and any other areas of the home.
Finish Mechanicals & Appliances
It is now time to have the mechanical contractors return to finish their work. The electrician installs light fixtures, places outlet covers on the walls and splices the wiring into the electrical panel. The plumber installs toilets, sinks, faucets and completes the plumbing in the basement. The HVAC contractor installs the furnace, connects the registers and returns and sets the air conditioning unit. Once the mechanicals are complete appliances are delivered and installed. At this time, weather permitting, final grading is completed.
Carpeting
Upon completion of the finish mechanicals the home is cleaned and ready for carpet. The tack strip is installed, the carpet pad is laid and then the carpet is set in place and stretched. Once the carpeting is complete, the building and mechanical inspectors return for the final inspections, and a certificate of occupancy is issued. After the carpet is installed a cleaning crew comes in to the home to clean windows, cabinets, countertops, bathrooms, flooring, etc. If a landscaping and lawn package is included in the contract, it will be completed at this time weather permitting.
Orientation
Your home is nearly complete or is complete and now is the time a homeowner orientation is scheduled and completed with the construction superintendent. During this time you and the superintendent will record any items that need attention before closing. Typically the items are cosmetic and consist of touch-up painting, caulking and adjusting doors. A section in your homeowner manual is dedicated to this and documents are provided. Please come prepared to this meeting by reviewing this section of the homeowner manual in advance and written questions to ask the superintendent.
Completion
Most, if not all of the items written on your orientation form are complete. The only items that would be outstanding are if anything needed to be ordered. The home is cleaned once again. It is now time to call the utility companies to change the billing into your name, order phone and television service if desired, close on the home and start moving in!
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