Building a new home? This article walks you through each stage—from blueprint to final inspection—so you know what’s coming and how to prepare.

1. Pre-construction and Planning

Secure Financing: Determine your budget and explore financing options like construction loans.

Acquire Land: Research and purchase a suitable lot, considering location, zoning, soil type, and utility access.

Design the Build: Work with an architect or choose pre-designed plans to create blueprints that reflect your needs and style, notes Homes.com.

Assemble a Building Team: Hire a reputable builder, and potentially a real estate agent to guide you through the process.

Obtain Permits: Your builder will handle obtaining necessary permits like building and zoning permits, ensuring compliance with local codes.

Plan a Timeline: Work with your builder to create a realistic timeline, accounting for potential delays due to weather, material availability, or inspections.

2. Site preparation and foundation

Clear the Land: Remove trees, debris, and any obstacles, according to The Plan Collection.

Level and Grade: Ensure the land is level and properly sloped for drainage, preventing future water damage.

Excavation and Foundation: For homes with basements or crawl spaces, excavation occurs. Then, footings and the foundation are laid and poured (slab-on-grade, crawl space, or full basement options), says Northrop Realty.

Foundation Inspection: After the foundation cures, it undergoes inspection to ensure it meets building codes and is structurally sound.

3. Framing

Build the Structure: Walls, floors, and roof trusses are framed using wood or steel, giving the home its basic shape.

Install Sheathing: Plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) sheathing is applied to the exterior walls and roof.

House Wrap: A protective house wrap is added to prevent water penetration while allowing moisture to escape.

Install Windows and Exterior Doors: Windows and exterior doors are installed during this phase.

4. Rough plumbing, electrical, and HVAC

Run Piping and Wiring: Plumbers and electricians install pipes, wires, and necessary vents through the interior walls, ceilings, and floors.

Install Major Systems: Water heaters, HVAC systems, and other necessary appliances are installed.

Rough Inspections: Separate inspections are typically conducted for framing, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems to ensure code compliance.

5. Insulation and drywall

Install Insulation: Insulation is installed in the exterior walls, attic, and any floors over unfinished spaces to improve energy efficiency.

Hang Drywall: Drywall or plasterboard is hung on the interior walls and ceilings, and seams are taped for a smooth finish.

Primer and Initial Paint: A primer coat of paint is applied, and some builders may even apply the first coat of paint during this stage.

6. Interior and exterior finishes

Interior Trim and Features: Interior doors, baseboards, trim, cabinetry, vanities, and other built-in features are installed.

Paint and Flooring: Final coats of paint are applied, and flooring (hardwood, tile, carpet, etc.) is installed.

Exterior Finishes: Siding, brick, stucco, stone, and other exterior finishes are completed, along with roofing and gutter installation.

Outdoor Structures: Decks, patios, and porches are constructed, says Homes.com.

7. Final touches, inspections, and walkthrough

Mechanical Trims and Fixtures: Light fixtures, outlets, switches, HVAC registers, sinks, toilets, and faucets are installed.

Appliances and Carpeting: Major appliances and carpeting (if chosen) are installed.

Driveways, Walkways, and Landscaping: Driveways, walkways, patios, and landscaping elements like trees, shrubs, and grass are completed.

Final Inspection: A building code official conducts a final inspection to ensure the home meets all codes and regulations.

Certificate of Occupancy: Upon passing the final inspection, a certificate of occupancy (C.O.) is issued, signifying the home is safe for occupancy.

Final Walkthrough: Your builder conducts a walkthrough, explaining the features, systems, and warranty information, and addressing any last-minute adjustments.

Closing: Once you are satisfied with the completed home, the closing takes place, and you receive the keys to your new home.