Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Build a House

A lot happens before the key is turned over.

Building a house requires carefully planning, scheduling and coordinating material deliveries and subcontractors. House construction is a step-by-step process, in which each step is dependent upon the prior steps having been correctly completed. A defect at any stage can cause problems with every step that follows. Poorly poured footings can cause excessive settling that cracks the foundation, which in turn disrupts the framing and prevents doors from closing properly. Follow the steps and local building codes to ensure a safe, stable, long-lasting house.

Things You'll Need

• Concrete
• Lumber
• Decking
• Doors and doorknobs
• Windows
• Roofing felt
• Roofing shingles
• PVC piping
• Electrical wire
• Telecommunications cabling
• Insulation
• HVAC system
• Plumbing fixtures
• Light fixtures
• Cabinetry
• Finish flooring materials

Instructions

1. 

   Clear, flat lots are best for new construction.

   Clear the building area of all brush, trees and debris. Have a surveyor locate the house's corners. Lay out a chalk outline of the house's perimeter.

2. Dig footing according to the house plans and foundation type. Lay plumbing drain lines for a slab foundation. Set rebar and concrete forms for a poured concrete wall foundation. Dig perimeter and pier footings for a crawl space. Set temporary power pole.

3. 

   Slab foundations get you framing quickest.

   Pour concrete for your foundation and insert anchor straps or bolts in the wet concrete. Allow concrete to cure overnight. Build concrete block wall if you are building on a crawl space. Waterproof any wall section that will be below grade (covered by dirt) Your are ready to frame if you are using a slab or poured wall foundation.

4. Lay out interior and exterior walls with chalk (slab). Frame basement exterior walls, first level flooring system and lay out interior and exterior walls (poured wall). Frame the floor system and lay out the walls with chalk (crawl space).

5. 

   Brace framing with diagonal boards.

   Frame first-floor exterior walls and interior walls and brace them with bracing lumber. Frame second floor joists and second floor sub-floor above the first floor if building a multi-story house. Frame ceiling joists for a single-story house.

6. 

   Roofing is a final framing step.

   Repeat wall framing for additional levels and nail wall sheathing to the exterior side of exterior wall studs. Frame roof rafters or set roof trusses after framing all levels. Nail decking to roof, lay roofing felt and lay roofing shingles.

7. 

   Windows and doors secure the new house.

   Set windows and exterior doors. Install exterior door locks. Install exterior cladding--siding, brick or stone--and paint exterior, if necessary.

8. 

   You are almost done.

   Install electrical, plumbing and heating/cooling system roughs. Get roughs and framing inspected by municipal building department. Insulate walls and hang and finish drywall.

9. 

   Fixtures add personality.

   Hang interior doors. Lay baseboard, cabinets and other trim. Set plumbing, lighting and heating/cooling fixtures and get final systems inspections. Turn on permanent utilities. Insulate attic.

10. 

    Good landscaping adds curb appeal

    Grade and install landscaping. Pour concrete driveway. Call for final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy.

Tips & Warnings

• Pull all required permits before starting construction.

• Footings, framing and systems all require inspections.

• Order materials two days before they are needed.

• Schedule workers and order supplies for the next phase two days before the prior phase is complete to minimize downtime.

• Have electrical, plumbing and HVAC contractors work at the same time, in different parts of the house to save time.

• Hold a small portion of all subs' final payment until you are completely satisfied with their work.

• Hire overnight security. Construction sites are thief magnets.

• Maintain OSHA safety standards at all times.

Resources

• House Plans
• "Wood Frame House Construction"; Robert C. Stroh; 1990