How to Build a House: Step by Step

Although every home is unique, building them is roughly the same. Whether you plan to build a house, start an addition, or are just curious, you'll find the steps here to build a house. Since Kraun is a licensed electrical contractor, we'll cover some of the electrical specifics you need to know.

Managing a home construction project is a big deal, so we often suggest hiring a construction manager or general contractor to oversee the project. Before getting started, here are a few other things you need to think about:

You'll need to coordinate with contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers for various materials and services throughout the process.
It is crucial to regularly inspect the construction to ensure quality and compliance with the plans.
Keeping communication lines open with the builders or general contractor helps to address any concerns or changes quickly.
Ensure all trades have proper safety certification and insurance that meets Ministry of Labour requirements.

Step 1 – Planning and Design

This is the foundation (no pun intended) of building a home you will cherish for years. Next, you can obtain the proper permits and approvals from local authorities.

Step 2 – Site Preparation

At this point, work begins! To build your home, clear the building site of all existing structures, trees, bushes, etc. After that, it's time to excavate and grade (or level) the property to prepare for the foundation.

Step 3 - Foundation Construction

It’s time to start construction of your new home! Pouring concrete and foundational walls can begin. At this point, your licensed electrical contractor (or plumber) may install the conduit (pipes or sleeves that wires run through) required for the home's electrical (or plumbing) to function.

This is also where parts start moving to bring electricity into your home. After the foundation is complete, your local electric utility will assess your site and create a new service layout. The electrical service is the infrastructure that connects the house to the electrical grid. A licensed electrical contractor can be a significant help with this.

Steps to Receive a New Service Layout:

The site foundation must be completed before establishing a connection. When finished, the electric company will need to assess it.
The hydro company will visit your site to complete a comprehensive assessment. They will create a technical drawing that outlines the required work to complete the connection. The timeline for completion can vary.
The Electric company will develop a contract package including your design/layout. A package review and sign-off by the homeowner are needed to proceed.
1. Some other steps are necessary, but they typically occur after framing.
The electrical service connection begins after payment is received.
Lastly, the Electrical Safety Authority inspects the completed work.

Step 4 – Framing

Framing is where the house starts to take shape. In the framing process, the structure of the home is built. This includes installing the sheathing, roofing, and windows of the house. The hydro company may complete the electrical service installation at this time.

Rough-ins

Rough-ins are a secondary part of framing. Multiple trades complete work during the rough-in.

The home's plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning are installed first. Installation of the electrical system comes next.

This order is essential for a couple of reasons. The first is that it is easy for the wire to go around certain obstacles like ducts and pipes. The second is because of the Canadian Electrical Code. There are rules about how close wiring can be run to ductwork and air returns.

It is vital to have correct drawings and specifications to install all parts of the home correctly. This avoids complications at the end stages of construction.

Electricians building a home and doing a rough in

Step 5 – Roofing and Siding

Once the framing is complete, roofers and siders can complete their work outside the home.

Step 6- Insulation and Drywall

After rough-in, the walls are filled with insulation to dampen sound and help keep the house warm or cool. Vapour barrier and drywall are installed to complete the walls.

Step 7 – Interior Finishing

Now that most construction work is complete in the house, it's time to finish the interior. At this point, all inside elements of the home are installed, including:

millwork, doors and cabinets,
toilets, sinks, and tubs,
lights, outlets, and switches; and
painting, wallpaper, and carpet

Step 8 – Exterior finishing

With all the big machinery, trucks, and other equipment out of the way, it's time to make the outside match the inside. Landscaping the yard, planting trees, building driveways and walkways, installing lighting, and other outdoor elements are all ways to bring the outside to life.

Step 9 – Final inspections

Your house is nearly there! Since construction is complete, local building authorities can visit the site to ensure compliance with all codes and regulations. Your home will receive a pass or fail, deciding what happens next.

Step 10 – Final touches

If inspectors find any deficiencies, you must fix the issues and have the house reinspected.

After passing the inspections, it's time to touch up paint and other minor damage that occurred to parts of the house, like trim or cabinets, while finishing construction.

Lastly, you're ready to clean and prepare the house for occupancy or sale. Congratulations! You have built a house!

If you plan on building a home soon and are looking for an experienced, licensed electrical contractor to support your vision, we're here to help. Kraun's Home Projects team has completed new home construction, renovations, and additions. To get in touch, you can contact us at 1-844-667-6937, service@kraun.ca, or through the form below.

Happy building!

Let’s start a job together

1-844-667-6937

Serving the Hamilton and Niagara area.