- Table of contents
- Our Benefits For You
- Homebuilding Checklist
- Pre-construction
- Obtain permits
- Prepare the site
- Framing
- Install essential infrastructure
- Complete the interior
- Landscaping and exterior design
- Final inspections
- Who to Hire to Build Your House
- How to Find the Right Pros
Building your own house is hugely exciting, but there’s no denying it can be daunting too. Right from the get-go, there seem to be endless decisions to make, from where to build and who to hire to what color to paint the walls. In our step-by-guide, we take you through every stage, with expert advice and practical tips to simplify the journey.
Our Benefits For You
Homebuilding Checklist
Pre-construction
Secure financing: First step, working out how much you have to spend. Determine your budget and secure financing for your project. Speak with lenders to understand your options for construction loans and mortgage financing.
Find a block of land: You’ll want to choose a location that suits your lifestyle now and in the future, and is likely to have a good resale value down the track. Consider factors like neighbourhood, school district, proximity to amenities, and the size and shape of the lot – a local real estate agent should be able to provide you with all this information. If you’re buying a block to build on, remember that access is another important consideration; a block that is easily accessible for trades will mean a quicker, and often cheaper, build.
Decide on a style and features: When choosing a house style, consider the location, the style of the other houses on the street and your lifestyle needs (for example, do you want the convenience of a single storey home? Seamless indoor-outdoor flow?)
If you’re looking for design inspiration, browse the photos on Houzz, where you’ll find facades, interiors and outdoor spaces of every style and size imaginable. Then create Houzz ideabooks of your favourite looks for the individual rooms or parts of your house, and share these with your architect, building designer or interior designer to convey what you’re after in an instant.
Custom versus ready-made plans: If you have a large block without restrictive setbacks, buying a ready-made plan from a custom home builder can be a good option. But if you have a trickier site, want to give your home a unique look, or seek to include specific features not included in standard plans, hiring an architect or building designer to draw up a custom design makes good sense.
Choose a designer: If you’ve decided on the custom route, find an architect, building designer or build-design company on Houzz to develop a design concept for your new home and draw up plans.
Find a builder: Having a great builder can make all the difference to your build experience and your finished home. Research reputable builders, view examples of their work and read past client reviews and testimonials (you can do all of this on Houzz). Ensure they are bonded, licensed and insured. Once you’ve received written quotes, hire the builder that offers the best combination of quality, transparency and reliability for your budget.
Obtain permits
The green light: Before construction begins, you’ll need to obtain the necessary permits from your local government or building authority, such as a plumbing permit and an electrical permit. You may also need permits for demolition, excavation and environmental impact. These permits ensure that your project complies with zoning laws, building codes and safety regulations.
Get connected: At this stage, you’ll need to get water, gas, drainage and electrical services in place with local utility providers.
Prepare the site
Grading: Ensure your site is properly graded to ensure efficient drainage and prevent water damage. Proper grading helps direct water away from your home’s foundation, reducing the chance of moisture-related issues like wood rot.
Clear the site: Remove vegetation and debris down to ground level and at least 25 feet around the house perimeter.
Pour the foundation: Once you’ve sure the site is level, compacted and free of debris, pour your home’s concrete foundation. Use high-quality concrete reinforced with steel rods for added strength and durability.
Framing
Build the frame: Once your concrete foundation has dried and cured (this usually takes at least seven days), it's time to start building the structure of your home. Framing involves constructing the basic ‘skeleton’ using wooden or steel studs. Once it’s up, your roof, windows and exterior doors are installed.
Install essential infrastructure
Rough plumbing, electrical, HVAC and insulation: With the framing and roof systems in place, it’s time to rough-in the essential systems that will make your home comfortable and functional. This includes rough plumbing lines for sinks, showers, toilets and appliances, electrical wiring and switches, ductwork and vents for your HVAC systems, and insulation in your walls, floors and ceiling to enhance your home’s energy efficiency.
Complete the interior
Interior finishes and fixtures: Now you’re nearing the final stages of construction, it’s time to focus on your living spaces.
Drywall and interior fixtures: Once the drywall is in place, you can install lights and built-in shelving.
Paint: Next up, painting the interior walls and ceilings. At this point, you’ll really start to see your interior take shape. This can be a good time to make those finer interior design decisions, such as wallpaper, window furnishing and furniture. Â
Interior trim: Installing baseboards, crown molding and other trim adds a polished look to your interior.
Kitchen and bathrooms: Once the tiling is completed, your kitchen cabinetry and appliances will go in, as well as bathroom fixtures, such as baths, toilets and showers.
Flooring, hard surfaces and countertops: During this stage, the flooring and kitchen and bathroom countertops will be installed.
Mechanical detailing: Mechanical components, such as our HVAC vents, light switches and smart-home system are finalized.
Mirrors and shower doors: Your bathroom is completed with shower doors and mirrors.
Landscaping and exterior design
The finish line is in sight and it’s time to turn your attention to your exterior.
Landscaping: Boost your kerb appeal by planting trees, shrubs, flowers and grass. This will also help with drainage.
Hardscaping: Install hardscaping features like the driveway, pathways, decking, alfresco entertaining spaces, and an outdoor kitchen.
Exterior finishes: Your home’s exterior will be painted, siding will be added and guttering and downpipes will be installed on your roof.
Final inspections
Closing inspections: Your dream home is complete and now it’s time to check that everything is working as it should. At this point, you’ll generally have a final walkthrough with your architect, builder, general contractor, plumber, electrician and other relevant tradespeople. Each one will check their respective work to ensure it meets building codes and safety standards, and rectify any issues.
A building code official will then conduct a final home inspection to confirm that your house has been built in compliance with safety and quality standards. Once approved, they will issue you with a certificate of occupancy.Â
Move in and enjoy!Â
Who to Hire to Build Your House
Quick and easy with Houzz
Architects
Who they are: Professionals who design buildings and oversee their construction.
Why you should hire: Architects demystify complex projects, making it easy to navigate structural changes and aesthetics.
Interiors Designers
Who they are: Creators of beautiful and functional spaces, uniquely designed for you.
Why you should hire: Interior designers maximize both style and function - and those who invest in interior design are more satisfied with the results.
General Contractors
Who they are: Professionals who oversee and manage complex construction projects.
Why you should hire: General contractors are masters of managing teams of skilled tradesmen (e.g. plumbers, carpenters, electricians).
Design-Build Firms
Who they are: A design-build firm designs and constructs homes, so you only have to deal with one company.
Why you should hire: Typically, an architect or building designer hands over house plans to a general contractor or construction company for execution. However, a design-build firm manages everything from planning to handover, with a team that often includes an architect, engineer and interior designer.
HVAC specialist
Who they are: An HVAC specialist installs, maintains and repairs home heating, air conditioning, ventilation and heat-pump systems.
Why you should hire: An HVAC specialist will recommend the best type and size heating, air-conditioning and ventilation system for your home to maximise performance and energy efficiency. They handle the installation process, safety checks and maintenance of your HVAC system.
Kitchen designer
Who they are: A kitchen designer designs and plans kitchens, ensuring they are functional, efficient and beautiful, while incorporating the latest trends.
Why you should hire: Working closely with your architect and builder, a kitchen designer will create a kitchen layout that maximizes space, traffic flow and functionality. They design cabinetry, storage, lighting, and select materials like countertops, ensuring that all finished work meets building codes.
How to Find the Right Pros
Now that you learned the basics, the next step is to hire professionals to execute your project. There are three ways you can find pros:
To browse on your own
click below to find pros, see finished projects, and read client reviews.
If you are unsure how to choose
answer a few questions so Houzz can find and connect you with the right pros.
To speak with someone
Houzz representatives can guide you through the hiring process.
Call us at 1-844-42-HOUZZ