How to Build a House: A Guide to Building Your Own Home

Juliet D'cruz

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Between 2010 and 2019 alone, nearly 7 million single-family homes were built in the United States. While there are plenty of great pre-built options to choose from, there’s just something about being able to build your dream home, to your specific needs. 

If you really want to have the home of your dreams, you might consider building your own home instead of building one based on a pre-made floorplan. 

But, what is that process like? We’re glad you asked. 

Keep reading to learn how to build a house on your own, so you end up with a beautiful, functional home that your family can enjoy for years. 

Work With a Licensed Contractor

Unless you’re very handy, you’ll want to hire a licensed contractor to help you through the process of building your home. They’ll be there to coordinate the building process and work with subcontractors to get the actual work done. 

They’ll also make sure all work is done up to code, so you don’t have to worry about the structural integrity of your new home. Of course, working with a contractor costs more money, but generally, homeowners find that it’s well worth the added cost. 

Find and Prepare the Home Site

Next, you’ll need to secure your plot of land for your home. Once you do, it needs to be cleared for building. During this process, you’ll work with the contractor to develop different house layouts and then determine the final floorplan for your future home. 

Once that’s decided, a surveyor will stake your lot based on the drawings and you can alter the lot’s topography if needed before the building begins.

Begin Construction

Now, the real fun begins, as you’ll slowly begin to see your home take shape. The construction process includes the following steps:

  • Pouring the foundation
  • Installing the plumbing and electrical lines
  • Pouring the concrete slab 
  • Framing construction, including the sides and roof of the house
  • Installing the electrical, plumbing, and insulation in the interior of the house
  • Hanging drywall
  • Installing trim like door casings and crown molding
  • Hanging cabinetry
  • Painting the walls
  • Installing countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms
  • Installing finished plumbing and electrical fixtures
  • Installing the flooring

At this point, you’ll be able to see the vision from your home coming to life! However, it’s not quite time to move in. 

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Final Inspection and Fixes

Once the home is mostly finished, you’ll want to do a final inspection to make sure that everything is exactly as you want it. At this time, you can make note of those final small tasks that need to be completed by the subcontractors before you move in. 

This is also a good time to do landscaping tasks, like laying down new sod, planting trees and bushes, etc. Once that’s complete, your home will finally be ready for you and your family to enjoy!

Now You Know How to Build a House

After reading through this quick guide, you have a better idea of how to build a house and what to expect during the process. It’s a lot of work, but it’s well worth it in the end when you walk into your dream home for the first time. 

Looking for more content like this? Be sure to read through our lifestyle articles before you go. 

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