Building a home with Empire in Houston, Austin or San Antonio consists of several important milestones. Our comprehensive breakdown of Empire’s stages of construction will give you a better idea of what to expect. Read on to learn more about the steps that go into building your new home.
Pre-Start Meeting
Prior to the start of your home, Empire will schedule a time for you to meet the Construction Manager who will oversee the construction of your new home. At this time, your Construction Manager will go over the details of the homebuilding process with you and answer any questions you may have.
Pre-Cover Meeting
At this meeting, Empire will verify that all options are installed correctly up to this point and address any concerns. The meeting occurs after all plumbing, electrical, and HVAC rough-ins are installed and structural punch is complete, but before the installation of insulation has begun. The Construction Manager will also verify your exterior brick and paint selections, and discuss the remaining options and upgrades for your home. Shortly after this meeting, you will receive a survey from an independent research firm for feedback purposes.
1. Foundation
This initial stage is when foundation forms are set, in-slab plumbing is installed, and the concrete is poured. Every foundation is designed and reviewed by third party professional engineers to assure the proper post-tensioned pounds per square foot (PSI).
2. Framing
The interior and exterior walls as well as the floor, ceiling and roof system are constructed in this second stage. During this process, the shell of your home will be built to create skeletal structure, giving you a vision of what’s to come.
3. Roofing and Exterior Trim
Exterior sheathing, windows, roof decking, and shingles are installed. As part of Empire’s commitment to building quality homes, we incorporate fiber cement boards, siding and fascia by James Hardie that comes with a 30-year manufacturer warranty.
4. Mechanical Systems and Insulation
In the fourth stage, plumbing supply and drain lines are installed. The electrical wiring and HVAC system are also placed in the home. Before and after the insulation is installed, various inspections are performed. Prior to insulation, our Construction Manager will schedule a pre-cover meeting which is described above.
5. Drywall and Exterior Finish
During this stage, the home begins to take shape. Brick, stucco, and/or stone installation begins, while sheetrock is installed inside of the home and texture is applied to the walls.
6. Wood, Trim, Doors and Paint
Interior woodwork, including doors, baseboards, and window trim is installed in the sixth stage. Depending on the plan, stair rails and tile flooring are added to the home, as well as the first coat of paint.
7. Cabinets, Countertops and Hardware
Your home is transformed with the installation of cabinets and countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms.
8. Mechanical Completion and Flooring
Plumbing fixtures are set, light fixtures are hung and the HVAC system is completed. Interior cleaning crews will enter the home to clean windows, sweep and wipe down interior surfaces.
9. Builder Quality Walk
In this stage, our team performs quality and completion inspections prior to delivering your home to you.
10. Home Orientation
In this final stage, your Construction Manager will introduce you to your new home and its many features. They will provide you with a detailed presentation of its various systems and information on how to properly care for your home. Depending on the region, closing will occur shortly after your orientation.
Next, discover our other homeownership resources for new home buyers. Learn about Online Sales Counselors, HOA fees, and how to read your home’s floor plan.
Images courtesy of: Designblendz (Foundation).