Home Building 101: Understanding the Key Phases of Construction

Thinking about building your dream home? From picking the perfect layout to watching the foundation take shape, building a home is one of the most exciting and personal projects you can take on. But where do you start, and what should you expect along the way? At DeLeers Construction, we believe in helping homeowners feel informed and empowered through the building process. Here’s everything you need to know to make the journey as smooth as possible, from breaking ground to moving in.

Understanding the Home Building Journey

Let’s walk through each stage to give you a clear understanding of how your new home is built from the ground up.

Step 1: Planning and Design

exterior

Everything starts with a plan. This phase is all about defining your vision, setting a budget, and working through the design details that bring your dream home to life.

Establishing a Budget

A well-defined budget helps shape your project’s scope, guiding decisions on everything from materials to square footage. With a solid budget in place, you’ll feel confident that every choice you make aligns with your financial goals.

Choosing a Design and Layout

Once the budget is set, it’s time to dive into the design and layout. This is where we work together to bring your ideas to life, whether you want an open floor plan, a cozy kitchen nook, or custom-built features. Each design choice will reflect your unique style and lifestyle needs, informed by our expert experience. 

Securing Permits and Approvals

Before construction can begin, permits are needed. This step involves obtaining the necessary approvals from local building authorities to ensure all work complies with building codes and regulations. DeLeers Construction handles this process, so you don’t have to worry about the paperwork.

Choosing the Right Builder

Finding the right builder is key to a successful home-building experience. Look for a company with proven expertise, strong client reviews, and a portfolio that aligns with your vision. At DeLeers Construction, we pride ourselves on open communication, attention to detail, and craftsmanship that turns dreams into reality. Make sure your builder is licensed, insured, and committed to working closely with you every step of the way.

Step 2: Preparing the Site

exterior 2

With the planning complete, it’s time to prepare the land for construction. This phase prepares the site for the foundation of your new home.

Land Surveying and Site Clearing

Land surveying establishes property boundaries and helps us understand the terrain. Next, the site is cleared of any trees, rocks, or debris to create a clean slate. This work sets the stage for a stable and safe build.

Excavation and Foundation Laying

Excavation prepares the site for the foundation, which supports the entire structure. Once the excavation is complete, concrete is poured to form the foundation, creating a strong, level base for the rest of your home.

Step 3: Framing and Structural Work

living room with glass window

With the foundation in place, we move on to framing, where your home’s structure begins to take shape.

Building the Framework

During framing, the walls, floors, and roof of the structure are built, creating the framework that gives shape to your home. This stage is exciting because you’ll start to see the layout of rooms and spaces as they’ll appear in the finished home.

 

Roofing and Exterior Walls

Next, roofing materials and exterior walls are installed to “dry in” the structure, protecting it from weather as the interior work begins. This phase protects your home from any weather conditions, safeguarding it from the elements and allowing interior work to proceed without interruptions.

Step 4: Installing Systems

Kitchen Blue

Now that the structure is complete, it’s time to install the systems that make your home functional and comfortable.

Electrical and Plumbing Installation

Electrical wiring and plumbing are installed in this stage, allowing for lighting, outlets, appliances, and all other essentials. Plumbers run piping for water and waste, while electricians set up the wiring for outlets, switches, and lights.

HVAC System Setup

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are installed to ensure a comfortable indoor environment year-round. Proper HVAC installation is essential for energy efficiency, so we focus on setting up a system that keeps your home comfortable and cost-effective.

Step 5: Interior and Exterior Finishes

Wood Ceiling

With the essential systems in place, the focus shifts to finishes that make the house feel like home.

Insulation and Drywall

Insulation is added to walls, floors, and ceilings to regulate temperature and improve energy efficiency. Once insulated, drywall is installed, creating the smooth surfaces that will later be painted or wallpapered.

Flooring, Cabinets, and Countertops

Next comes the installation of flooring, cabinets, and countertops. Whether it’s hardwood floors, tile, or carpeting, each surface is carefully chosen to match your style. Kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities are installed, adding functionality and beauty.

Exterior Siding and Paint

Exterior finishes, such as siding, are added to protect and complete your home’s look. A final coat of paint gives the exterior a polished appearance, adding character and curb appeal.

Step 6: Final Inspections and Walkthrough

Kitchen with wood floor

As construction nears completion, it’s time for inspections and a final walkthrough to ensure every detail meets your expectations.

Meeting Building Codes

Local authorities conduct inspections to verify that the home meets building codes. This includes checking the structure, systems and finishes to ensure everything is up to standard and safe for occupancy.

Homeowner Walkthrough

DeLeers Construction invites you for a final walkthrough to review the completed home. This is your chance to inspect every room, note any final touch-ups, and double-check that all your requests have been fulfilled before we hand over the keys.

Bringing It All Together: The Final Steps in Home Construction

Seeing your new home come together is incredibly rewarding. After the final walkthrough, the last touches are made, and the home is ready for move-in. At DeLeers Construction, our goal is to make every phase of building your home as seamless and enjoyable as possible, so you can step into a space that feels truly your own.

Looking to build a home in Wisconsin that’s truly yours? With decades of experience, DeLeers brings craftsmanship and care to each project, creating spaces that feel like home from day one. Get in touch today to learn more about our services. 

Message or call our experts at 920-347-5830 with any questions on hiring professionals for your home renovation or rebuilding!

Message Icon