Do you have plans to build or purchase a newly constructed home in
the future? Ever drive by a new construction site and marvel at how
everything appears to fall in place so orderly? For the most part
Builders have a successful track record of delivering sound finished
products to their purchasers.... however thats not to say every house
is perfectly built. Working with me as your Buyers Agent brings 12
years of General Contracting experience to the table. Having a set
of professional eyes on your home as its being built adds a measure
of security that the home you purchase at settlement will be of the
highest quality and a sound investment for the future.
During each phase of the construction process I will be identifying
what is taking place....explaining what to expect, following your
home's critical path, conducting periodic inspections along with
you (and in the presense of your builder), and identifying items
of concern, in the event of something arising that needs your attention.
The New Construction Process
- Pre-Job Preparation
- Phase #1: Pre-Slab and Slab
- Phase #2: Framing
- Phase #3: Drywall
- Phase #4 Finish
- Inspection
- Role of your Realtor
Pre-Job Preparation
Prior to building a house there are a few prerequisites. Items such
as land preparation, utility installation and street improvements.
All will be critical to the project. These items make up the "pre-job
preparation."
Phase #1: Pre-Slab and Slab
Trades involved: Concrete, Plumbing, Electrical
The first on site operation involves the corner stakes on each lot
involved. These stakes are placed by the Engineering Consultant
to mark the property boundaries and to give the concrete contractor
reference points to help place the slab in the proper position on
the lot according to the plot plan.
Phase #2: Framing
Trades involved: Carpentry, Roofers, Plumbers, Electrical, Heating
& Air Conditioning, Grading, & Concrete
Now that the house slab and garage floor have been completed, you
are ready to start framing the house. The framing process is critical,
as it defines all the demensions of the house and provides the structure
for which the finish products are installed. A good framing job
will insure the integrity and quality for most of the trades to
follow.
Phase #3: Drywall
Trades involved: Carpentry, Electrical, Sheet Metal, Roofing, Heating
and Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Lathing, Masonry
The framing inspection marks the end of the "rough" stage of construction.
From this point on, most of the work involves finished products.
During this phase of construction there will be work on the inside
and the outside of the house simultaneously. Also during this phase
there will be utility hook-ups to the house connecting the systems
which were installed in the pre-job preparation to the systems within
the house
Phase #4 Finish
Trades involved: Finish Carpentry, Painters, Tile Setters Finish
Plumbers, Finish Electrical
The clean-up after drywall signals a major milestone in the construction
sequence, as it makes the house available for the start of the finish
trades. From this point there are many trades working in the house
at the same time.
Inspections
Just a brief word on inspections...
Inspections are conducted by the County in each of the phases described
above. The builder will also invite you to a 'close in' inspection
where any concerns you might have can be identified and addressed
prior to the dry wall installation. You will also conduct a final
walk-thru inspection with your builder before going to settlement.
You may also elect to hire a professional home inspector to accompany
you during this phase of the building process. Keep in mind Builders
need to be notified before hand if this is part of your planned
intent.
Role of your Realtor
For the most part Realtors don't involve themselves other than accompanying
you on the day you write your contract with the builder. The next
time you see them is usually at settlement.
However working with me as your buyers agent adds 12 years of
General Contracting expertise to your side of the table. I'm there
in every phase of the construction process explaining what is going
on in the critical process, evaluating workmanship and materials,
and sometimes pointing out when a critical mistake has been made,
poor workmanship, or if an item has been overlooked, or improperly
installed. Helping you identify problems now and having them corrected
ensures you a finer completed product.