How to build your own House – A step by step guide

Homes come in a variety of styles to meet a wide range of requirements. Because of the abundance of existing housing stock and the high expense of developing a new home, most would-be homeowners opt for an existing home. And this is not a bad option. Most houses are built to survive for decades, are easily renovated, and have the potential to increase in value.

New-construction houses, on the other hand, have an unmistakable attraction. A new house can be custom-designed to meet your specific requirements. It has few, if any, hidden issues. There are no hazardous materials such as lead-based paint or asbestos. New benefits are incorporated into the house, while old issues are removed. So it's no surprise that, if all other circumstances were equal, most individuals would choose to build their own home rather than buy an existing one.

Determine what you want to do on your own.

After reading this step-by-step guide to building your own home, you must determine what you want to accomplish as a general contractor. Most individuals who read this post have full-time jobs and families that take up a substantial amount of their time throughout the day. As a result, the majority of people who build their own homes merely serve as subcontractor coordinators.

• Obtain numerous quotations from various trades and read their evaluations.
• Make a time for them to perform the task.
• go through the full building process, making sure nothing is overlooked.

This is the ideal choice for those who are limited on time but still want to create their own home.

Individuals with extra time on their hands might opt to undertake chores such as cleaning, material transportation, landscaping, and, if feasible, specialized work. By performing these easy chores as a general contractor, you will be able to save money while building your own house.

What is your budget?

It is critical to understand your budget. New house prices can range from $80 to $200+ per square foot. It is virtually difficult to decide how large a home you can construct and where, or what design elements may be incorporated, until you know how much money you have.

• The cost of the land
• Local fees and taxes
• Design and engineering fees
• Home construction
• Landscaping costs
• Interior decorating and furnishing
• + a contingency budget

Getting a loan: Most likely, you will need to take out a loan.

• Examine your credit report. Correct any mistakes, as your credit score will influence the amount of money you may borrow.
• Speak with a few different lenders to find the best interest rates.
• Examine your mortgage choices. Is the interest rate fixed or variable? 12 years or 30 years? FHA or conventional? Only you, your family, and your financial advisor can make the right decision for you.
• Prepare to put down a deposit. Discuss with your family and a financial counselor what you can afford at this time.

What is your construction timeline?

Everyone wants their house to be completed as quickly as feasible. You most likely have a broad deadline for completing your job. Is there anything special you should consider when choosing when you need to start and finish?

Considerations:

• Is a new child on the way?
• When is your present home's closing date or the end of your lease?
• Does the school year of your children affect when you wish to move in?
• Could the seasons in your region be a hindrance? If you reside in a wet or snowy environment, for example, this will not create substantial delays, but it should be considered when selecting a start date if you have a hard deadline.

Buy the Land

The first step in building your own house is acquiring the land on which to build. Many individuals live on freshly built properties, while others must destroy existing structures. Regardless, your objective is to ensure that the parcel of property has the proper zoning to allow you to build the home of your dreams.

To understand the rules of residential building, look at the zoning classification and land use legislation in your jurisdiction.

Additionally, you should:

1. Verify that the acquired land does not have any restrictive covenants.
2. Review the area's architectural guidelines (if applicable). What can be erected on your land will be determined by this.
3. Ensure that you have the finances to complete the work. It's a good idea to set aside 5 to 10% of your budget for unanticipated expenses. When preparing your budget, don't forget to include the holding expenses (property tax, utilities, and construction heat).
4. Survey the property to determine its exact dimensions for the architect. To construct the blueprints, the architect will need to conduct a survey.

Start creating architectural house blueprints.

After you've acquired the land, you'll need to select an architect to collaborate with on the design of your home. This is your chance to discover an industry professional that you get along with, is reasonably priced, and has a solid reputation in your region. Hiring a skilled architect is essential for the effective construction of a home, especially if you are doing it yourself.

An architect's fee might range from a set fee structure to up to 10% of the entire cost of the project. Make sure you understand their price, prior project track record, and whether they are someone you can deal with for a long time.

Overall, a good architect will be able to recommend ways to maximize space while avoiding potential problems.

Architects may be found on numerous websites such as Houzz, in various magazines, or by enquiring about previous projects similar to homes that you like.

You should get started on this before hiring an architect. Create your architectural program using the sections listed below. Discuss these concepts with your architect, who is professionally educated to know what is feasible and how to combine your ideas into an useful design. This is why it's critical to hire an architect as soon as feasible.

• Dream large, then scale down This is your chance to create something truly unique. Go big on ideas from the outset. As time goes forward, you may adapt these concepts to the budget, zoning, timeline, land, and other realities.
• Distinguish between "needs," "wants," "dreams," and "don't wants."
• Make a list of the rooms that are most essential to you. In other words, what would you prioritize if you had to choose?
• Sort your chosen characteristics in ascending order of significance.
•  Prices for custom homes might vary considerably, which will assist you make difficult decisions later on.
• Play a "what if" game. Prepare for the possibility that some things will not go as planned. Consider the following scenario: "What if XYZ happens?" What is your next option/choice?

Assemble your team and keep an eye on the process.

This checklist provides information on putting together your custom house team, which should include an architect and a general contractor. It advises on what questions to ask before hiring and how to locate the appropriate individual. We've also included some things to consider and keep track of after your house is up and running.

• Hire an architect
• Hire a general contractor
• Consider what other team members you need: landscape architect, interior designer, etc.
  Monitor the building process:
• Insurance
• Permits
• Payments
• Inspections
• Clean up
• Landscaping

Choose an Architect

Now that you've considered your desires and needs and created an architectural plan, it's time to select an architect. Do this as soon as possible in the procedure. Architects do more than just create blueprints. They guide your vision and pay attention to your thoughts and needs. They also assist you in determining what is and isn't feasible based on your land, money, and schedule. Because you will be working closely with your architect, it is critical that you get along with whomever you select.

How to Find an Architect: 

• Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations.
• Look for members of The American Institute of Architects in your region. You may look for AIA members online.
• Look for the architect on a house you admire by looking up the address's permission history at the local building authority.

Questions to ask an architect before hiring them:

• How much do they charge? Architects typically charge a percentage of the finished project as well as an hourly fee for preliminary planning.
• Do they provide 3D rendering? This might assist you in visualizing your plans.
• What is their distinguishing style? It is frequently a good idea to select an architect who has already worked in your preferred style.

What you should know before meeting with your architect:

• Budget
• Timeframe
• Architectural program - With it, you can better convey your idea to architects. Architects will also have a better idea of what your project requires and whether they are the best match for the job.

Hire a General Contractor.

You now know what you want, have engaged an architect, and are beginning the design process. It's time to bring in a general contractor. Before finalizing designs, most architects recommend engaging a contractor early in the design process. Consult with your architect to determine the ideal time to engage a contractor.

Remember, the general contractor is the one who is bringing your house to life; they are there when you aren't, making sure everything goes as planned. This is someone you must trust and communicate effectively with. Hiring the proper general contractor is critical to your satisfaction with your custom house.

How to Find a Contractor:

• JUST HIRE US!
• Referrals: Request contractor recommendations from friends and relatives.
• Inquire with your architect: Your architect has probably worked with builders in the past that they are delighted to suggest. They may even be able to recommend one who specializes in the sort of home you are developing.

Before you hire a contractor, consider the following:

• Speak with prior customers: Inquire about communication, any misunderstandings or setbacks, and whether they will work with them again.
• Obtain images of previous projects.
• Meet the foreman who will be working on your property.
• Inquire about who will be working on your home and what subcontractors will be used. How do they choose them? Are these folks they work with on a regular basis or on a one-time basis? Do they carry out background checks?
• Inquire about suppliers. The materials used in your house are just as essential as the people who construct it.

Obtain the necessary permissions in your location.

Once the architect has finished the home designs, they will be forwarded to the area of jurisdiction to acquire permissions. However, it is conceivable that the freshly prepared designs will first need to be forwarded to a civil engineer for approval. This will verify that your home's structure is up to code. Your location in North America may also need the acquisition of engineering drawings for the footings and foundations. This may be the situation with a house's joists and trusses. Inquire with the architect about the specifications. They will be well-versed in these procedures.

Whether you are building a luxurious house or a modest one, the process of acquiring permits can take 4 to 8 weeks on average. If an issue arises with the plans (which may and should happen), contact the architect to address the issue, rectify it, and resubmit the proper drawings to the authority for approval. A development permit and a construction permit are the two major sorts of permits that you may get.

The development permit certifies that the structure you want to construct complies with the jurisdiction's standards and zoning regulations. The construction permit ensures that the house you create is up to code.

Plan ahead of time and ensure that the necessary services are in place.

This is a critical stage to complete before the new building begins. The reason for this is that the new services may need to be relocated to accommodate the new construction. When there is no landscaping or structure to obstruct the progress of the task, this is easy to install. Furthermore, it might take up to 6 weeks from the time of application to the time the services are actually deployed. That is why planning ahead of time and putting in place the necessary services is critical to the success of building a house on your own.

Gas, water, sewer, storm, and electricity suppliers should all be called.

Should I act as Owner Builder or General contractor?

When deciding to build your own house, it is usually preferable to work with a certified general contractor.

Many states let homeowners to operate as contractors on their own property. With this arrangement, you become what is commonly referred as as an owner-builder. To contract out a large-scale project like a house (rather than an outbuilding or a small, low-cost building), you must apply for an owner-builder exemption and sign the construction permit application yourself.

However, only a small number of persons are competent to work as their own general contractor (GC). Building a house involves pulling numerous strings and ensuring that they all work together in a variety of ways. Projects and subcontractors must be planned in the right order, with many municipal inspections interleaved. You'll need to be familiar with the construction code. Furthermore, having a network of subcontractors on whom you can rely for reliable work is quite beneficial.

A general contractor is the one who conducts all of this. A general contractor in charge of home building does not come cheap. Most general contractors charge between 10% and 20% of the total cost of the home build, which includes permits and supplies. It's a cost that most inexperienced house builders find well worth it, especially if they've had any prior experience with general contracting.

Equity Can Help You Save Money

If you want to help with the construction of your home, there is only one way to do it: sweat equity in the shape of tiny, individual tasks.

Post-contract improvements can be completed by the homeowner rather than the contractor. These late-stage tasks are preferable for do-it-yourself labor since you don't risk delaying the house construction project:

• Building patios and walkways
• Planting trees, shrubs, and grass
• Painting the house exterior
• Painting the house interior
• Installing window treatments
• Installing carpeting
• Finishing the basement

Start of New Construction - How to Build a House

Getting to this point necessitates a significant amount of effort and planning. It may have taken weeks or years to find the perfect property after going through the permitting procedure. Regardless of the state of preparation, it is time to transfer the project from pen and paper to the construction site. Overall, be ready to embark on your home-building adventure.

Before we get into the actual building process of how to build a house on your own, there are a few important chores that must be completed before any work can begin. Depending on where you reside, you should:

1. Check to see whether there are any trees in the building pocket. You should develop a list of the plants and natural water features that you intend to save. Get these surrounded.
2. 2. You should erect a fence along your property's perimeter.
3. 3. Hire a trash and a portable toilet.
4. 4. Ensure that all utilities have been disconnected and that temporary electricity (as well as a source of warmth, if required) has been arranged. This might be electric heat generated by your temporary power panel.
5. The most essential thing to do is compile a list of the necessary building inspections. Depending on where you live in North America, get a comprehensive set of needed inspections from your local building authority. Keep this handy at all times. Missing one can result in an extremely expensive repair.

Excavation and demolition

Hire a demolition firm to dismantle the current house after you get the go-ahead to build your own. This phase takes between one and three days, depending on the size of the property and the materials on it.

Finally, whether you had to demolish or not, get the surveyor back in to mark the corners of the footings and foundation walls. This will instruct the demolition contractor on where to delve and how deep to dig. It will also inform your plumber or service provider where to run subterranean services (such as sewage and water) into the home. Finally, excavation will take 1 to 4 days.

Prepare the Home Site

First and foremost, it's time to get settled—both physically and metaphorically. You're not only getting your idea clear in your head and on paper, but you're also putting its intended home in its proper location.

• Clear vegetation and other debris from the construction site, down to ground level, and at least 25 feet around the proposed home perimeter.
• Based on initial plan drawings that define the property boundaries, a surveyor stakes out the lot.
• Change the geography of the site if necessary to change the flow of water over the site: This frequently necessitates the use of earth-moving equipment by a contractor.
• Order a roll-off dumpster to handle waste throughout the construction project.
• For the workers, get one or more portable toilets.
• Request that the power provider provide you with temporary utilities.
• Engage the services of an electrician to connect a temporary electrical panel, which is often installed on an existing utility pole.

Construct Concrete Footings and a Foundation

The excavation and placement of foundations and slabs form the construction site. This work is done by excavation contractors and foundation specialists, who are not the same as the carpentry teams that will shortly be on-site.

Footings and foundations account for a sizable portion of the total cost of building a house. This means that big payments are made shortly after the project begins.

1. The contractor excavates ditches deep enough for frost footings. To prevent frost-heave, foundations should be located below your area's predicted frost line.
2. Inspectors arrive to double-check the measurements of the footing trenches.
3. The footings are poured by the contractor.
4. Footing drains are built to drain water away from the footers and preserve them.
5. Using poured concrete or concrete cinder blocks, the contractor constructs vertical foundation walls that lie on the footings. Other types of foundations are occasionally utilized, although they are uncommon.
6. Waterproofing extends all the way up to the completed grade level. Holes in the foundation wall are drilled to accommodate the routing of water supply and drain lines.

Plumbing and electrical installation

If you are building a slab-type foundation, you will call in plumbers and electricians to rough-in some of the services before pouring the concrete slab:

1. Plumbers lay pipes, and these pipes are eventually covered up.
2. If electrical lines will be routed through the concrete slab through metal conduits, this is the time to run them.

Construct the Concrete Slab

1. The contractor will initially install slab foam board insulation on a home slab.
2. A 4-inch minimum gravel base is laid over the foam board to provide the foundation for the concrete.
3. Following that is a plastic vapor barrier.
4. Following that, wire mesh reinforcement is put down and positioned such that it is raised slightly above grade. This allows the reinforcement to be placed in the center of the concrete layer, where it will provide the maximum strength reinforcement.
5. The concrete slab is currently being poured by the contractor, who is most likely using ready-mix trucks that supply a significant amount of concrete.
6. If you are constructing a garage or basement, now is the time to pour concrete in those areas. Because it is costly to send the concrete contractor back for another pour, it is preferable to complete all of your concrete work at once.

The House's Frame, Sides, and Roof

With the excavation, foundation, and concrete construction completed, you will soon be able to identify your project as a house. The framing carpenters will arrive to build the lumber structure for the floors, walls, and ceilings, followed by the installation of sheathing, siding, and roofing. This task can be completed in an astonishingly short period of time. Within a week or two, you may identify this building as a house, complete with walls and a roof.

1. Based on your building designs, create a frame order of required lumber, nails, builder's felt or house wrap, and adhesives.
2. When the weather permits, the carpenter team comes to frame the home walls, which include the floor, ceiling, and roof skeleton: The basic shell of the home, without the siding and roof surface, is referred to as framing. At this phase, the rough apertures for windows, doors, and skylights will be framed. This level is completed by the basic sheathing of the wall and roof surfaces.
3. Install the windows, doors, and skylights as follows: Typically, this will be done by the same carpentry crew that handled the frame, however a manufacturer's crew may be called in at times. It is also a task that some homeowners are capable of doing. When the building has been sheathed and the doors and windows have been installed, the subcontractors handling the electrical and plumbing work may arrive to begin the rough-in phase of their work.
4. After wrapping the house sheathing with some type of weather protection membrane, the completed siding surface is now placed over the sheathing: Again, this work is frequently performed by the same contractor that performed the framing and sheathing.
5. Finally, roofers arrive to complete the installation of roof flashings and shingles, as well as other finished roof surfaces: The house's basic shell is now complete.

Install all of the electrical, plumbing, and insulation.

The arrival of masons, electricians, plumbers, and HVAC professionals marks the start of interior construction on your home.

1. Masons construct the chimney if your home is built with one. This often entails the installation of brick or stone veneer over a concrete block foundation that was placed by the foundation contractor.
2. Rough-in work for electrical circuits, plumbing pipes, and HVAC system ducting is performed by electricians and plumbers. This task is made easier by the absence of the wall, flooring, and ceiling surfaces. After the walls and ceilings have been installed, these contractors will return to make the final connections of different fixtures.
3. Rough-in inspections are performed. The contractor is in charge of arranging permissions and inspections. If you are doing the job yourself, you are responsible for inspections.
4. Install insulation in the attic and walls. This is occasionally done by the carpentry crew, but more often than not by a specialized insulation contractor.

Install Drywall and Trim

As wall and ceiling surfaces are placed, the interior will begin to take shape.

1. Drywall is hung throughout the house: Before any additional work is done, all of the wall and ceiling surfaces are generally hung.
2. The drywall seams are taped, mudded with joint compound, and sanded to a smooth finish.
3. The following interior walls and ceilings have been primed: This is frequently done using spraying equipment and occurs fast because there is no need to concern about trim moldings or floor surfaces.
4. All trim moldings, including door and window casings and crown moldings, have been installed.
5. In bathrooms, kitchens, and other places, all cabinetry is hanging.

Paint the Walls and Finish the Job

After the sloppy job of putting drywall and priming the walls is over, it is time to hire a painter.

1. The walls are painted, and the ceilings are either painted or textured. These are tasks that homeowners may do on their own to save money. However, for homeowners who are only used to painting one or two rooms, remember that painting an entire house is a massive undertaking.
2. The worktops in the kitchen and bathroom have been installed. Countertop professionals do this work, fabricating and installing the countertops.
3. Kitchen and bathroom cabinets have been fitted. Kitchen and bath cabinets are supplied and installed by specialty firms.
4. The following finished electrical and plumbing fixtures are installed and connected: Because there are coding concerns involved, only the most expert do-it-yourselfers should attempt this.

Cabinets, countertops, and the beginning of finished carpentry

As previously indicated, some final carpentry work must begin before painting is completed. After priming, the completed carpenter begins. To minimize damage, I believe that cabinets and counters should be installed when the painting is completely dry. You have the choice of using either or as a homebuilding guide. The steps for completed carpentry, cabinets, and countertops are as follows.

1. The finished carpenter arrives on site after the painter has done priming. Once you've decided on the sort of casings, crowns, and mouldings to use, you'll need to transport them to the property.
2. At this point, the finishing carpenter will install the crown molding, door and window casings. Trims, headers, and ornamental elements will also be added. The finishing carpenter will leave the baseboards and doors to be painted on-site. If MDF shelves or closets are used, they must be finished by a carpenter.
3. The picture is completed by the painter.
4. At this stage, cabinets and countertops should be installed.
5. The finished carpenter then returns to install the baseboards, hang doors, and apply the finishing trim. Shower bars, towel rods, and robe hooks can be installed after the tile is installed.
   
   The first installation of the completed product will take 1 to 2 weeks. Finally, the final will take around a week.

Cabinets and countertops may be placed, as well as the final steps.

Before the completed carpenter begins, the cabinets and countertop should be ordered. Specialty cabinet businesses make the kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and they may also cut the countertops. In addition, some skilled carpenters may construct the cabinets themselves. Regardless, keep in mind that the cost of this procedure might vary greatly. Real wood cabinets, for example, might easily cost twice as much as melamine cabinets. Granite and quartz countertops can cost up to five times as much as laminated countertops. At this point, do your homework by ensuring that you stay inside your budget.

Install the Flooring

Finish the flooring (or floor covering) surfaces throughout the home. Carpeting, hardwood, laminate flooring, ceramic tile, luxury vinyl plank, and engineered wood flooring are all alternatives for floor coverings. This is often the responsibility of still another subcontractor, however some portions of the flooring can be installed by homeowners.

Put all appropriate rubbish into the trash to clean up the jobsite. The contractor will engage a business that specializes in construction cleanup.

Finished plumbing fixtures and electrical/lighting

The plumbers and electricians return for the final time. Lights, switch plates, plumbing fittings, and other minor items are installed by them. Request that both arrive at the same time to optimize efficiency and reduce costs. Additionally, contact an HVAC contractor to come install grill covers, thermostats, and connect HRVs and heat sources. At this time, humidifiers can be fitted.

Basically, anything left undone in your home (apart from appliances) will be finished now.

This process should take around a week.

Appliances

You have finally completed the interior work after following our step-by-step tutorial on how to build a house on your own. Finally, you will complete the inside by installing the appliances. This can be accomplished by the homeowner, a plumber, or an electrician.

It should be noted that appliances should be bought before drywalling begins. At the time of rough-in, you should provide the plumber, electrician, and HVAC contractor with the requirements for each item. Finally, this will ensure that nothing is overlooked. Don't forget about gas fireplaces, however.

Once the appliances are installed, you may begin the final cleaning of the house. You have the option of doing it yourself or hiring a cleaning service. This phase is time-consuming, although it may be reduced by maintaining a clean site during the construction process.

The installation of the equipment and the cleaning of the site should take around a week.

Landscaping and Driveways

After you've installed the appliances and finished the interior, you're ready to landscape and finish the driveway. You may either do the landscaping yourself or hire a contractor. It is critical to remember that by spending the money to have your yard professionally landscaped, you may significantly enhance the value of your house by enhancing the curb appeal. Furthermore, you will feel more satisfied when you live in your house on a daily basis. If you want to learn more about landscaping your home, you may read this article.

You will also employ a completed concrete firm to shape and pour the driveway. If you have bespoke steps or porches, finish them now. The three most prevalent kinds of concrete are as follows:

1. standard concrete (least expensive)
2. 2. Aggregate exposed (second)
3. 3. stamped (most expensive)

These are the three most popular forms of concrete used for driveways, steps, and porches, depending on your budget.

Front and back stairs, as well as porches, can be prefabricated at a facility (during building) or poured in site.

The completed concrete business will prepare the space, shape the driveway, and pour the concrete.

Remember to sleeve beneath the driveway (with a pipe). Later on, you may wish to add landscape lights and an irrigation system.

The final to-do list for home construction

With the inside and outside of your new home finally completed, you can safely declare that you have learned how to build your own home. The first home you build is often the most difficult. Most individuals will be working several jobs at this time, will have to arrange their own finance, and will be dealing with new trades for the first time. You will need to do the following before the house is entirely finished:

1. Remove the trash and sanitary toilet from the location.
2. Request final inspections. This will also involve a final building examination, which will allow the house occupancy. Examine the inspection checklist you made.
3. If you're building a house for yourself, you're finished. Check that you have no outstanding goods related to your jurisdiction and that all deals have been paid in full. If you funded the construction with a lender, ensure sure they have documentation of the building occupancy. You may now apply for a mortgage.
4. If the house is being built for a customer, friend, or family member, be sure you take them on a tour and explain how everything works. Finally, you want to ensure that they are happy with their employment. You have finished the stages for constructing your own house. This is how you build a house on your own.

Final Home-Building Considerations

1. Complete the landscaping on the outside. This might be a do-it-yourself job to save money. You may also engage a landscaping company to design and build a beautiful landscape for you.
2. Get rid of the dumpster: Call the disposal provider and tell them you don't need a replacement dumpster.
3. Make arrangements for the permitting agencies to conduct final inspections.
4. If you are utilizing a general contractor, arrange for a final walk-through.
5. If you used a construction loan to build your home, arrange for a final inspection by your lender.

A step-by-step guide to building your own home

This free handbook provides a thorough outline for building a house from the ground up. It covers the complete procedure in chronological sequence, beginning with the purchase of the property and ending with the final occupation of the residence. It discusses the approximate expenses of the various subcontractors, what to expect at each stage, and when to order material to optimum efficiency. Furthermore, it informs the house builder of what to expect and provides insight into the easier chores that may be completed by the general contractor.

Overall, each person in North America decides how to build a house in a very different way. This is determined by their financial situation, how they obtained their lot, if they will perform their own job, and how much time they have on their hands.

I hope you learned how to construct a house from this tutorial, or that you can follow along with your home builder to make the experience more pleasurable.