Newcomer’s guide to the new home construction process

If you’re considering buying a new home rather than a previously-owned home, congratulations! It’s a smart move! A new IDEAL home delivers a wealth of benefits, including peace of mind from knowing that your home is protected by the best warranty in Oklahoma. Whether you choose to buy a pre-designed home or one that you design at the exquisite IDEAL Design Studio, here are the steps involved in the construction of your new home. 

Here’s a step-by-step newcomer’s guide to the new home construction process. After finishes, colors and selections have been chosen, the construction team sets your home in motion.

1. Step 1: Site prep. The crew clears the homesite of trees, large rocks and debris to prepare the property for building. 
2. Step 2: Foundation. Ideal Homes & Neighborhoods uses engineered, tested, and approved slab foundations to withstand the shifting Oklahoma soil. The footings are put in place first (columns poured in the ground before the foundation is poured). Next, stem walls are poured (short walls around the perimeter of your home that are formed from concrete). Finally, the ground is prepped with sand, waterproofing, plumbing, and the first of two termite treatments before concrete is poured for the foundation. 
3. Step 3: First Inspection. The city inspector checks the foundation to ensure it’s up to code.
   1. TIP: Some builders only build homes that meet a city's codes. Ideal Homes & Neighborhoods builds far above and beyond what the city requires for strength and durability to ensure your home is exceptional.
4. Step 4: Framing. The frame of the house (wall, floor, and roof systems) is constructed and then OSB sheathing (similar to plywood) is attached to the frame to create the exterior walls. Your home is then wrapped in a protective wrap such as Tyvek. This cover protects the frame and sheathing from water seeping into the wood, which could lead to wood rot or mold, while providing a means for vapor to escape. The roof is added, sealing the home before the interior works begins. 
5. Step 5: Plumbing, electrical and HVAC. When the framing is done, the rough plumbing, electrical, and HVAC teams get to work, setting up the infrastructure for these systems. HVAC installs the ductwork, heating, ventilation, air conditioning vents and HVAC units. The plumbers and electricians run pipes and wire through the home’s interior walls, floors and ceilings. 
6. Step 6: Second Inspection. The city inspector examines the framing, electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems at this point. 
7. Step 7: Insulation. Exterior walls and ceilings are insulated. Ideal Homes & Neighborhoods uses a blown-in insulation that reaches every nook and cranny to ensure the most energy-efficient home possible. Later the home will be tested for its energy efficiency.
8. Step 8: Drywall. Drywall or Sheetrock is hung. Seams are taped so they’re hidden. A primer coat (also called "mud") is applied in preparation for finishing. 
9. Step 9: Exterior finish. Your new home’s exterior is applied—e.g., siding, stone, or brick. 
10. Step 10: Interior carpentry. Custom wood cabinets, shiplap, trim, casings, moldings, mantels, and other interior wood elements are installed and painted. 
11. Step 11: Exterior walkways. The walkways, driveway, and patio are poured after the heavy equipment use is finished. Grading is added to drain water away from the home. 
12. Step 12: Flooring and countertops. The hard surface flooring (tile, wood, laminate) and all countertops (including vanities) are installed. 
13. Step 13: Lighting fixtures and mechanical trims. Your light fixtures are installed, along with the outlets and switches. The electrical panel is installed. Plumbing fixtures (toilets, sinks and faucets) are added. HVAC is finished. 
14. Step 14: Finishing. The interior finishes are addressed in this step. This includes installing carpet, hanging mirrors and shower doors. Outside, the lawn and landscaping are completed. 
15. Step 15: Third Inspection. The city inspector completes one more assessment to ensure your new home meets all building codes. When approved, a certificate of occupancy (CO) is issued. If any concerns are identified, the inspector provides a written list, and the home will require another inspection before the CO is awarded. 
16. Step 16: Energy Efficiency Test. Every IDEAL home is Energy Advantage Certified by a third party who tests the home by blowing air through the front door and testing how much air escapes the home during the test. From this test, the home is given a HERS score (Home Energy Rating System). This score guarantees that your home won't use more than a specific amount of energy for heating and cooling the home.
17. Step 17: Home preview. Before closing, you will do a walkthrough with your Customer Care rep. This is your opportunity to learn how everything works—e.g., where and how to change your filters, how your HVAC works, how to maintain your home. Your rep will make a list of any repairs that might need to be made before closing. 
18. Step 18: 60 day walk. This meeting with your Customer Care rep gives you an opportunity to meet and discuss any issues you might have seen since living in the home that needs to be corrected by Ideal. Oklahoma's best new home warranty covers any defects or issues with installation.