However, knowing what to anticipate during the process is crucial before entering the fray.
Before the building begins, your builder should acquire all the necessary permits and begin site preparation. It includes clearing a lot of debris and preparing it for pouring a foundation.
Site Preparation
Site preparation is one of the most crucial elements of new construction in Nashville. Before starting the design phase, is the time when you prepare your construction site by removing any trees, debris, and other barriers.
Several steps are involved in this phase, and the requirements will vary based on your specific situation. For instance, if you’re working in an area with traffic and want to keep it clean, you should have your site cleared of all cars and trucks.
It’s also essential to check the soil for any potential issues hindering your build. If your ground is leveled, it can be easier for building materials to move through and stay stable.
The first step in adequate site preparation is thorough excavation and clearing. It includes removing all underground utilities and anything else that might interfere with construction. It’s also critical to ensure that the site is free of debris and mud so your crew can work safely and efficiently.
Framing
One of the most crucial phases in the construction process is the framing stage of a new construction project. It involves constructing the framework of a house, including beams, trusses, walls and partitions, floors, ceilings, doorways, and window openings.
The frame is constructed using a variety of different materials. Some more common types of framing include timber framing, pole-building framing, and steel framing.
Wood is a popular material for residential framing because it is affordable and easily accessible. It can be cut into various sizes and shapes, making it an accessible material.
It can also be shaped to fit the needs of specific designs and architectural styles. It’s also durable and can withstand weather conditions.
Before starting your new construction project, learn about the various frame systems and their advantages. It will help you decide which framing is best for your home. It can also give you an idea of the timeline and cost of framing your home.
Interior Finishes
After the framing is complete, it’s time to move on to the interior finishes phase of the construction process. It involves the installation of flooring, walls, cabinets, trim, light fixtures, and other decorative components in the new home.
Choosing suitable materials for your interior finish will set the tone of your design. It will communicate what you want people to think about your home and give your new construction project a personal touch that can be a powerful statement.
The building’s appearance will also help to define its overall functionality. A plush finish will suggest a comfortable environment, while sleek modern minimalism will suggest efficiency.
Paints come in various finishes, including flat, eggshell, semi-gloss, and gloss. These finishes vary in durability and shine, so choosing the one that best matches your needs is essential. Generally speaking, flat paints are better for rooms with low traffic, like living rooms and hallways, while eggshell or satin paints work well in areas that get more wear and tear, like kids’ rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Mechanicals
A new construction project requires a lot of planning and coordination. For that reason, tasks are usually broken down into several phases or segments.
In the mechanicals phase of a new construction project, you’ll find heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) mechanics, plumbing, and electrical contractors. These workers will install HVAC systems, ductwork, piping, and vents.
At this point, the house is sprayed with Bora-Care to ward off termites, and the walls are insulated in the areas that will need piping and ductwork. Next, the builders will walk through the home with their subcontractors to ensure that all the mechanical chases and walls are properly installed.
The rough mechanical stage is a big step in the building process, but it also brings many risks. For one, site conditions won’t jive with drawings, and weather delays can disturb the schedule.
Another risk is GC’s or project owner’s financial stability, as bankruptcy can bring a job to a grinding halt. Likewise, material pricing volatility can crush a subcontractor’s cash flow.
Drywall
Drywall, also known as sheetrock, wallboard, plasterboard, or gypsum board, is the most common material used to create interior walls and ceilings. It can be manufactured from various materials, including gypsum, asbestos-cement boards, and wood pulp.
It can be molded, cut, and installed to create design features like arches, eaves, and wrap columns that conceal steel beams. It can also be used to develop fire-resistant walls and ceilings.
After the drywall is installed, it’s often time to “tape and mud” the seams between boards to hide them and cover nail heads. Textured drywall is also an option, which looks more finished when painted.
Even though drywall has several limitations, it is one of the most often utilized building materials in residential structures. It’s quick, inexpensive, and incredibly durable. And it’s easy to repair when it breaks down.
