What are the various stages involved in a house & land build?

The process of building a house and land typically involves several stages. It is long and arduous. The builder would specify the stages in the building contract. The builder would also mention how these stages need to be funded by the buyer. Here are the common stages you can expect:

1. Financing, selection and contract signing: You can work with the builder (and Kenekt) to find options for your clients. The builder has architects working with them to give these options at no cost to the buyer. If a custom home is constructed and an architect is employed, it will cost around 5% to 15% of the construction project’s total cost. Once your buyer has an option, you must discuss financing with him. Most agencies would go further and help the client with the construction loan and the loan to settle the land. This step is further discussed in a separate article, as, from an agent’s perspective, most of the work involved is in providing the right options to a buyer. The result is that a building contract has been signed with the buyer.
2. Site Preparation: Once you’ve chosen where you want your house to stand, you must secure permits to begin construction. The home-building team will survey the area and excavate it. This stage also includes clearing the land, levelling the ground, and preparing the site for construction. Utilities such as water, electricity, and sewage are also prepared. Most of our builders will attempt a fixed cost for this step (fixed site cost). However, the cost can depend on the land’s slope and the soil’s quality.
3. Base: The foundation is laid. Generally, a slab in case of house and land builds. Concrete is poured to create a foundation, and steel rods are installed to help build the frame. When the concrete dries, the builders will cover it with a waterproofing agent to protect the base from long-term water damage. A city inspector should visit to check the foundation’s quality and approve it before you move on to the next stage.
4. Framework: The house’s frame is built using wooden or steel beams. This includes the walls, roof trusses, and floor joists. The builders will erect the walls, doors and windows in this stage. They’ll install the flooring and roof. They’ll also put a house wrap to protect the structure from moisture, rot and mould afterwards. A building certifier must also inspect the home’s framing before you take the next step. They must do this because a faulty frame could spell disaster for the home once the builders install the bricks and the plaster.
5. Utilities including plumbing, wiring, and HVAC: Rough plumbing, electrical, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) installations are done at this stage before the walls are closed up. Most builders wait for the HVAC and plumbing to be installed before working on the wiring. Electrical wires are smaller and thinner than pipes. Thus, an electrician will have an easier time working around the other two systems when they’re already in place. They also require thorough individual inspection before proceeding to the next step. An inspector will check the cooling ducts, pipes and wiring to ensure nothing is out of place.
6. Insulation and Drywall: Insulation is added to the walls, ceilings, and floors for energy efficiency. Then, drywall is installed to create the interior walls and ceilings. This part is where the home is slowly starting to look like a real home. They’ll begin building the individual rooms, and one will see the little holes for outlets and light fixtures. The team may also add texture to the drywall and seal it with primer to make painting easier.
7. Interior Finishes, Trim and Painting: This stage involves installing flooring, cabinetry, countertops, fixtures, and other interior elements. Trim work, such as moulding and baseboards, is added to enhance the aesthetics. Interior and exterior painting is also done. The final connections for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems are made, and fixtures are installed. Once they finish the indoors, the outside is ready to receive attention. Expect the crew to fix drainages and add driveways and walkways.
8. Final Inspections and Handover: Local building inspectors visit the site to ensure the construction meets all safety and building code requirements. The site supervisor will give the buyer a tour of your home. After the inspections, you’ll pay the final fee for the project if you haven’t paid in full yet. Once that’s settled, the building code official will hand over the keys and the certificate of occupancy to you. 
9. Landscaping: Landscaping includes planting grass, shrubs, and trees and creating driveways and walkways. This will start during or after the interior finishes, painting etc. The builder generally outsources the work to a landscaping company they work with. So it can run parallel to putting the final touches to the home.
10. Final Touches: The finishing touches are applied, including cleaning, final adjustments, and quality checks.