From Dream to Reality: A Guide to New Construction

Welcome to our new series, From Dreams to Reality: A Guide to New Construction! We know that building a home can feel daunting, especially if you know nothing about it. Over the next couple months, we’ll guide you through what it takes to build a home from dig to close. You may find out that you know more than you thought!

It all begins with finding your homesite and the first dig into the ground. This is the nittiest and grittiest— permits, grading, and even finding the right spot for the sewage or septic system. After this groundwork comes framing. That’s where the blueprints our Drafting Team worked up for you, with every post and outlet laid out, come to play. Utilities, the most basic parts of a functional home, are next. Learn how the electric and plumbing fit within the framework—and even what “HVAC” stands for.

The most exciting part is seeing your style come to life as siding adds some color over the Tyvek wrap protecting the wooden framework. As each cabinet and appliance gets added, every element you chose during your Design Studio appointment is put in place. These fun elements aren’t just nice to look at. They all play an important role in how your home functions for your lifestyle!

After all the final touches, you’re ready for the final walkthrough of your home and getting your long-awaited keys! If you ever have any questions or are already excited about starting your new home, we are here for you at every step of the new home construction process.  

New Home Construction Glossary

Drainage

Proper drainage planning ensures that water flows away from the foundation, preventing issues like soil erosion, basement flooding, and structural damage.

Homesite Grading

Grading plans are the map for your new home. It shows where it will be placed on your homesite, what the topography will look like, and what needs to be added or removed to achieve your reality. Proper grading works together with drainage planning, helping to prevent issues like standing water, soil shifting, and foundation damage.

Land Clearing

This process involves removing trees, brush, rocks, and other obstacles to create a clean, buildable area. Clearing not only makes room for the home itself, but also allows for accurate grading, drainage planning, and access for construction equipment.

Permits

Each township and county has specific requirements that must be met, including tree removal, water, sewage, and septic connections, among many others. Your home can’t be too close to the roads, to other homes, or affect green space in or around the community.

Utilities

Utilities systems include water, electricity, natural gas, and sewer service, all of which work together to support everyday activities like cooking, heating, bathing, lighting, and waste removal.