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  1. General Contractors
  2. How to build a House Guide

How to Build a House Guide

  • Table of contents
  1. Our Benefits For You
  2. Homebuilding Checklist
  3. Pre-construction
  4. Obtain permits
  5. Prepare the site
  6. Framing
  7. Install essential infrastructure
  8. Complete the interior
  9. Landscaping and exterior design
  10. Final inspections
  11. Who to Hire to Build Your House
  12. 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

Unlock Success

with Our Free Checklist for Your New House

Find the Perfect Expert

for Your House Building Journey

Step-by-Step Guide

with Expert Insights for your New House

Homebuilding Checklist

01

Design and planning

·  Choose an architect or building designer to draw up your house plans.

·  Ensure the design of your house complies with local building codes and regulations.

02

Obtain permits

·  Apply for the necessary permits from local authorities.

·  Make sure you include permits for construction, zoning and utilities.

03

Choose a builder

·  Research reputable builders.

·  Review past client reviews.

·  Check they are bonded, licensed, have liability insurance, guarantee their work and for how long.

·  Get written quotes.

·  Hire the best builder.

04

Buy materials

·  Source three reputable building-supply firms.

·  Submit material estimates to each.

·  Check bids against original estimates and correct differences.

·  Choose the supply firm that offers the best combination of price, service and terms.

·  Order materials.

05

Prepare the work site

·  Clear the building site of vegetation and debris, down to ground level and at least 25 feet around the house perimeter.

·  Stake out and survey the property boundaries, following the original drawings.

·  Adjust the site’s contours to manage water flow effectively.

·  Install gas, sewer lines and miscellaneous utility lines.

·  Arrange for temporary utilities from the power and water company and have them connected.

·  Hire a dumpster for construction waste.

06

Foundation and framing

·  Excavate the work site and have the exterior grading done to ensure proper drainage.

·  Dig trenches for the concrete foundation footings.

·  Install drains for the concrete footings.

·  Pour concrete into the footings.

·  Pour the slab foundation.

·  Build foundation walls on the footings.

07

Electrical and plumbing work

·  Install the HVAC system.

·  Electricians and plumbers will ‘rough in’ the electrical circuits and plumbing work, with final connections going in once the walls and ceilings are up.

08

Install insulation

·  Insulate the walls, ceilings and floors.

·  Insulation comes in several forms. The main options are fiberglass batts or rolls for walls, ceilings, floors and crawl spaces; foam-spray insulation for walls and ceilings; cellulose blown-in insulation for wall cavities or attics; mineral wool used for walls, ceilings and floors; and rigid foam for basement or exterior walls.

09

Interior finishes

·  Hang drywall throughout the house.

·  Paint the walls and ceilings.

·  Install fixtures, cabinetry, interior doors, flooring, moldings, appliances and decorative elements.

010

Exterior features

·  Landscape the yard and install outdoor features, such as the driveway, patio and paving.

·  Add siding to the house exterior.

11

Final inspection and move-in

·  Connect the plumbing and electrics.

·  Clean up the work site.

·  Schedule a final walk through with your contractor, if you’re using one.

·  Arrange inspections for plumbing, electrical and overall construction.

·  Schedule a final inspection by your finance lender, if you have a construction loan.

·  Obtain a certificate of occupancy and move into your new home.

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.  

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. 

Move in and enjoy! 

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.

Browse Architects

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.

Browse Designers

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).

Browse Contractors

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.

Browse Firms

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.

Browse HVAC

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.

Browse Kitchen Designer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a reasonable timeline?

According to a 2021 U.S. Census Bureau Report, it takes between seven and 12 months to build a new single-storey home. The exact length of time it will take to build your house will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your home, where it’s located, the site and how long it takes for permits to come through.

How should I think about my budget?

A successful and stress-free home build starts with a solid budget. When planning the budget for your new home, be sure to factor in all expenses, including materials, labor, permits, fees for architects, builders and designers, plus around 10 percent of the total budget for contingencies. Research building costs in your area and consult with professionals to ensure your budget is realistic. To avoid overspending and save money, prioritize essential features and be careful about opting for upgrades. And remember to keep track of all expenses throughout the project.

How do I manage my project?

The first step to managing your project effectively is to hire the right professionals, such a reputable architect or designer-builder, general contractor and interior designer – you’ll find all of these pros and more on Houzz. Read contracts thoroughly before you sign, ensuring they include details such as project scope, responsibilities, timelines and payment schedules. Once the project gets underway, use a project management tool or app so it’s everyone for everyone to stay connected. Schedule regular meetings, catch-ups and site visits with your team to check on progress and address any issues. Keep detailed documentation of all project correspondence – this can help resolve any disputes if they arise down the track. Stay flexible and open to adjustments as your project progresses, and aim to make decisions promptly to prevent unnecessary hold ups,

How much money do you need to build a house?

According to May 2023 data from the National Association of Home Builders, the average cost of building a new 2,561-square-foot house in the US in 2022 was $392,241, excluding the cost of the land. The final cost of your new home will depend on a number of factors, including your ZIP code, the total square footage, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the quality of the finishes and appliances, and how much landscaping is required. Building custom homes also costs more than choosing a standard floorplan from a builder or developer.

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

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answer a few questions so Houzz can find and connect you with the right pros.

To speak with someone

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