The new construction timeline can vary depending on whether you are building with a production builder/custom home builder or buying a home already under construction. Below is an snapshot of a typical build timeline:
Step 1
Before you can begin the new construction process. You need to determine how you will fund the build. Either with cash or a new construction loan.
Step 2
Once the lot is selected, you will sign a purchase agreement to purchase and close the lot.
Note if the builder is financing your entire build you would not close on the lot but have one closing at the completion of the home.
In between the initial consult & an additional insert for the lot/land selection phase.
Step 3
You will finalize purchase contracts, build estimates & build contracts for the building portion of the home. Finalize the paperwork with your lender.
Step 4
Once you get through the formalities, it’s time for the fun part, your design appointments. Once your final selections have been made, you will sign on all upgrades/changes and finalize your final build amount to be financed.
5 to 6 appointments to select materials in between breaking ground and selections.
Step 5
The builder begins excavating and prepping the home site for foundation and framing.
Step 6
Once your home is near completion the builder will have a final walk-through with you. During this time you will have the opportunity to address any issues that need to be completed prior to moving in. It is also a time for the builder to walk you through the home and explain the ins and outs of your home.
If you are working with a builder in a development, you will need to determine which lot in that neighborhood works the best for you. Once you have decided on a lot, you will put a 7-day hold on that lot typically with a lot hold fee. This is typically refundable and gives you time to work through the purchase agreement with the builder, and takes the lot off the market.
Once you have determined which lot is best for you and you have worked through the details with the builder, you will sign the builder contract. Putting a permanent hold on the lot you have selected.
Getting to select all that will go into your home is the single most important reason people decide to build a newly constructed home. You get to hand-select all the pieces that go into making your house a home.
If you own a piece of land that is not in a neighborhood, you will have more flexibility when it comes to fully customizing the layout and design of your home. However, if you are working with a builder in a development there may be more restrictions on what type of home style can be built on particular lots. And most likely the builder has a range of home plans for you to choose from that can be semi-customizable. Again, this is neighborhood/builder and location-specific.
When it comes to final selections, it is important that the builder communicates to you what options are within your allotted allowances and what selections will be an upgraded cost. In a typical design appointment, you will be selecting everything from siding, windows, trim, roofing, paint colors, flooring, tile, plumbing fixtures, and countertops.
And in some developments especially with the larger national builders, many times your options are limited in your selections. Some of the larger scale builders will only give you 1-3 options to choose from in each category. This is because they purchase the materials in bulk to bring the cost down.
So make sure to be asking these questions upfront before signing a contract with a builder, so you are fully aware prior to you getting to your design and selection stage of the build.
As part of the final steps before construction begins, you will have an opportunity to review a final building quote. This will have all your updated numbers after the final selections have been made. So what can you expect to see in your final building quote?
This will include everything from site preparation/excavation, doors, trim, siding, roofing, and landscaping. You will also see line items for add-ons like decks, patios, and porches. Most builds do not include these as options so make sure to talk with your build specifically on this if you would like one of these options.
This will include everything from your interior doors, trim, paint, cabinets, countertops, fixtures, lighting, flooring, all your appliances and so forth. This is also where you will find line items for your HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing.
You're almost there. You have selected your lot, and signed an initial contract with the builder to purchase the lot. You finalized your home plans and completed your selection appointments. You have reviewed and negotiated the builder's final quote and finalized your financials. Now you are officially ready to finalize your contract.
Prior to construction starting you will have one last pre-build meeting with your builder. Again, this varies by builder/development on how they work their processes.
You will review expectations, and all the details in the contract and check in on the selections to ensure nothing has changed since you last met. This meeting is important to ensure your build goes smoothly and without any issues.
No builder is alike and each may vary in terms of process and timing to completion. Below is a general average of what you can expect during your build.
Stage 1
This is generally the time for permits to be submitted. Final survey is completed.
If you are working with a development builder, this is typically the time you are introduced to your construction manager.
Stage 2
This is when you typically see sewer, water, well, or septic hookups happening.
Your site will be excavated and prepped for foundation work.
Your foundation will be built, rough plumbing to be completed, the slab poured and block walls constructed.
Stage 3
Roof will be installed, exterior and interior walls framed, roof trusses will go up, windows installed & roof is shingled.
Stage 4
All your mechanicals including, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical will be roughed in. This includes plumbing lines, electrical wiring, and ductwork to be completed.
Stage 5
Once all your final rough-ins have been completed it is time to insulate the walls and put up drywall. Once all the walls are drywalled we will have taping begin.
Typically at this stage of the build, you are asked to not be on the property during the drying times.
Stage 6
The builder's painter will be on-site painting walls and trim
(if you are having custom trim painted).
Doors and trim installation will follow suit behind the painting.
Stage 7
Simultaneously while your interior trim finishes are happening, cabinets, countertops, and flooring will also be taking place.
This is a good stage to be stopping by your build site to make sure cabinet colors are looking correct and the correct flooring was installed.
Stage 8
This is typically when builders are working on all the final finishing touches to your home. Exterior siding can be done at anytime after framing is completed.
Stage 9
This is the stage where you will have an opportunity to walk the home with the builder. You will mark any additional touch-up locations with blue tape and ensure everything is in working order.
If you were going to hire an additional inspector now would be the time to do so.
Typically during this meeting the builder will also walk you through your home and go through your utilities and how to operate everything in your new home.
For over 25 years, Encore Builders has been building homes in the greater Tulsa area. Today, two generations continue to build the family's sterling reputation with their personal commitment to design, quality, and service.