Whether building a residential home as a contractor or a private party, there are many aspects to consider when planning and executing the building of a new home. Hiring a qualified team of experts is the most important first step. It is also important to create reasonable cost estimates and time lines to ensure client expectations are met. Gathering a number of resources will make the process relatively easy and stress free.
Cost Estimating
The first step to building a new home is determining a budget. Looking at the size of comparable homes in the area and dividing the cost of the home by its square footage, arriving at a cost per square foot, can provide a general estimate. Contacting local contractors and utilizing online calculators for interior finish estimates can then produce a more detailed budget.
HGTV Pro: A free construction cost estimating tool.
National Association of Home Builders: Tips for financing home construction costs as well as information regarding tax credits available to new home owners.
Construction Estimating Institute: Offers a four day course designed to teach students how to estimate the cost of building a new home.
IRS: Information for contractors on how to report income related to home construction.
Plumbing & Ventilation
Houses are equipped with ventilation systems to maintain air quality by removing stale air and pollutants and replacing it with fresh air. The simplest system involves a fan used to pull indoor air outside and a series of pickup points located throughout the home that utilize the suction created by the fan to bring in fresh air. Proper placement of pickup points is essential in ensuring optimal home ventilation. The gold standard of indoor plumbing has been copper piping for a number of years. However, a new durable plastic known as PEX is quickly replacing copper. It is more durable, energy efficient and easier to install than copper piping.
Partnership for Advanced Housing Technology: Offers a multitude of articles regarding home air quality and use of the newest plumbing products.
Environmental Protection Agency: A government agency dedicated to both outdoor and indoor air quality. The EPA provides tips and ideas for getting the best air ventilation in a home.
Health House: A fact sheet on indoor air quality.
Whole Building Design Guide: A detailed look at the field of plumbing engineering.
US Department of Housing and Urban Development: A design guide for the new plastic plumbing pipe PEX.
Building Codes
Residential building codes are a set of specifications that every new construction must meet in order to be legal to occupy. The federal government creates national building codes that state governments then enforce. Inspectors check homes during and after construction to make sure that it meets code. It is highly recommended that inspections take place throughout the building process to ensure that the contractor can fix any interior problems before the construction is too far along.
International Code Council: Provides information regarding the development of codes and standard codes related to residential and commercial construction.
State of New York: Building codes from the state of New York
California Building Standards Commission: Includes building codes as well as recent news regarding code updates in the state of California.
Department of Energy: Information regarding federal energy code regulations for residential construction.
City of Austin Texas: Information regarding obtaining a building permit in the city of Austin, Texas.
Roofing and Siding
Residential roofs are comprised of three main parts: the support structure, the outer layer, insulation and drainage. The support of a roof can be made of metal, wood or reinforced concrete, while the outer layer can range from shingles, slate or sheet metal. The insulation of a roof encompasses both the material directly underneath the outer layer, often made of felt or plastic sheeting, as well as the ceiling inside the home. The pitch of the roof as well as exterior gutters supplies drainage. The siding of the home protects the house from weather. In the US, vinyl siding is used most often.
Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association: Information on residential and commercial roofing using asphalt.
Cool Metal Roofing: Information on the new cool metal roofing system, which is environmentally and cost friendly.
Energy Star: Tips for choosing an energy efficient roofing system.
National Park Service: Information regarding resurfacing historic homes with current siding.
Minnesota Department of Health: Information regarding asbestos siding and its removal.
Carpentry
Carpentry is involved in the construction of a home from the framing to the installation of the floors, doors and cabinetry. Because of this, a carpenter will often remain on site until the construction of the home is complete. Choosing a qualified carpenter is essential to finishing the construction of a home on time and within budget. For higher end homes, a carpenter specializing in wood working can create custom cabinetry and trim work.
Carpenter Center: A resource website for carpenters and for those looking to hire a carpenter.
United Brotherhood of Carpenters: Information regarding skills and trades from the carpentry union.
Remodeling San Diego: Tips for choosing the best carpenter.
Department of Labor: Information regarding the nature of carpentry work and the skills required.
Electrical
Standard residential wiring is comprised of three wires, one of which is used for grounding, encompassed in insulated tubing. This tubing is essential to prevent electrical fires. Electricians run wiring throughout the house and into a circuit breaker box. Smaller homes are equipped with a 100 amp breaker box, while larger homes typically have 200 amp breaker boxes or more.
Bureau of Development Services: How to obtain a permit for electrical work and pass inspection.
The Circuit Detective: Typical wiring diagram of a house.
National Electrical Contractors Association: How to choose the right electrician.
Institute for Electrical Engineers: Up to date information regarding news, events and resources regarding electricians and electrical engineers.
Renovation
While many home renovations are for aesthetic purposes, such as remodeling a bathroom or kitchen, it may also be necessary for structural purposes as well. Electrical or plumbing may need to be updated, roofs need replacing every ten years, and siding can need replacing, especially if it contains asbestos. For major renovations, homeowners should hire a qualified contractor, though the homeowner can often complete smaller projects on their own.
Lets Renovate: Provides useful tips and tools in planning a home renovation.
Bob Vila: Offers free online tools to estimate and design plans for a home renovation.
National Association of the Remodeling Industry: Provides ideas and current event news about the remodeling and renovating industry.
US Green Building Council: Tips for renovating a home to make it more environmentally friendly and efficient.
Design and Planning
When building a home, an architect, engineer and project manager are invaluable. The architect comes up with the concept of the home and creates blueprints for the design and finishes choosing selections to be used. The engineer draws up the construction blueprints from these plans, and the project manager oversees the various contractors to make sure the project runs smoothly and comes in on time and on budget. Construction of large subdivisions is often based on a set of five to ten different home designs that are constructed with slightly different finishes. This is both cost effective for the builder and appealing to many home buyers.
Architectural Digest: The industry magazine dedicated to keeping consumers and architects alike updated on current trends in the industry.
Homestyler: A free tool to design a home or room.
National Society of Professional Engineers: Provides inside information into the industry as well as tips on how to choose the best engineer for a project.
Interior Design: An online magazine specializing in interior design, highlighting new concepts and offering helpful ideas.
Construction Forums and News
When looking for information regarding the construction industry, specialized forums and news organizations are very useful. They can range from general construction to more specialized contractor forums focusing on one aspect of residential building. The latest news in the construction industry can provide helpful information regarding products and planning steps in the construction of a home. As with most things, more information allows for better planning and an optimal outcome.
Construction Journal: A magazine specializing in the construction industry.
DIY Ideas: A resource for homeowners providing tips and ideas on do-it-yourself home projects.