Just because you are not a contractor does not mean that you cannot learn how to build your own house. Due to the high number of steps, you might find yourself acting as more of a general contractor. Doing this will mean that you will find the necessary subcontractors, source the materials, and keep everyone on schedule. If you do this correctly, you can save yourself a lot of money. Think along the lines of $30,000 for a $200,000 job. Below are tips on how to build your own house from scratch.
How to Build Your Own House: Site
Properly preparing the building site will make a big difference. First, the ground needs to be cleared from the building site and out another 25 feet. Then, you need a surveyor to stake out the outline, based on the blueprints and drawings. Once that is completed, it is time to assess water flow across the site and to redirect it if necessary. Sometimes, earth-moving equipment and a dumpster are needed for this stage. Next, you will need to arrange for temporary electricity. The electrician will normally use the existing utility pole to hook the service up. While we are talking about services, do not forget that all of the subcontractors will need toilet facilities. The number of toilets will depend on the number of workers.
How to Build Your Own House: Foundation
Building the foundation requires specialists. After all, part of knowing how to build your own house is knowing when to bring in the professionals. Since the foundation is such an important part of the house, it is essential that you hire a team with an excellent reputation. Additionally, remember that this is an expensive process. If you decide to stop building the house after laying the foundations, then you will lose a lot of money. Once ready, the contractor will dig trenches for frost footings. After that, inspectors will check the dimensions before the contractor pours the concrete footings. After that, build footing drains to keep water out, and build vertical foundations on top of the footings. Waterproof everything, and create holes for the water supply and drain lines.
How to Build Your Own House: Plumbing and Electrical
For a slab foundation, install the plumbing and electrical conduits and pipes first. You can hire subcontractors for these jobs, as one mistake can cost you a lot of money. It is a simple matter for plumbers and electricians to lay down the necessary pipes before the concrete cover. Make sure everything is ready so that the concrete can be poured in a single day. This will save you time and money.
How to Build Your Own House: Framing, Roofing, and Siding
First, build the frames for the entire house, including the outline for the doors and windows. Next, put the basic outer sheath on the walls and the roof. Then, install the doors and windows. Cover the sheathing with a weatherproof wrapping before adding the siding. The contractor who built the framework can complete much of this work. At this time, the roofing will also need work; usually, specialists work on this.
How to Build Your Own House: Service Installation, Insulation, and Drywall
Leave services to professionals only. That is because they have the training to avoid mishaps, and they are familiar with building codes. At this time, an inspector will check out the building to make sure that everything was properly done. Note that you will need to organize all of the permits and inspections yourself. Part of knowing how to build your own house includes having the necessary documents and ensuring that they are all accurate.
Insulation installation in the attic and walls happens before you add the drywall. You can easily do this yourself to save a bit more money, and there is no wrong way to hang insulation. Then, you can hang the drywall. Tape, mud, and sand the seams before spraying them with a paint primer. After that, install the molding, sinks, and cabinets.
How to Build Your Own House: Final Touches
Now the walls and ceiling can be given their final coats of paint. Fortunately, this is another job that you can do by yourself. The countertops can either be done by yourself or by specialists. Next, the final installations for electrical and plumbing services can be done. Unless you have previous experience, it is best to leave this to the specialists. Then, you can lay the flooring. Depending on the flooring, you might want to hire more subcontractors. A steady hand and a good eye might be able to lay tile and wooden floorboards, but proper carpeting requires knowledge and experience. Finally, work on the driveway and the last inspection. Since you are the general contractor, and you are familiar with how to build your own house, do not forget to do a walk-through after each subcontractor finishes work.
You are ready to do the last cleanup of your new home. Make sure that you have a dumpster handy for this part.
