Most people who build new homes aren’t hanging drywall or pouring foundation themselves. Today, homes are typically built by experienced contractors with an extensive knowledge of construction techniques.

However, even if you never plan to pick up a hammer while your home is being built, it’s still helpful to have an understanding of the basics of construction. Knowing these building construction basics will help you communicate with your contractors and spot potential problems with your new home.

Construction 101

Building a home is a complicated process. While it’s unlikely that you’ll be intimately involved in every aspect of your home’s construction, understanding the key steps in the home building process and some design basics will help keep you informed and engaged.

There are several stages of home construction. These include:

1. Preparing the site
2. Pouring the foundation
3. Framing
4. Roofing
5. Siding
6. Installing doors and windows
7. Adding plumbing, electrical and HVAC
8. Insulation
9. Drywall
10. Painting
11. Flooring and carpeting
12. Other interior finishes
13. Final touches and walk through.

Most of these jobs are completed by subcontractors. Subcontractors are tradespeople with skills in a specific area. Your general contractor oversees the work of all the different subcontractors. In some cases, the home owner will act as the general contractor.

Whether or not you have a general contractor, it’s important to stay involved in the building process. Even if you are not a professional, you may still be able to spot potential problems in basic constructions. If you are concerned about something, or feel that the builder has made a mistake, don’t be afraid to speak up.

Construction Terms

You don’t need to know every term your builder throws around, but it’s helpful to have a passing familiarity with some key construction terms, including:

• Change order: This is a request, in writing, to change some aspect of the building project.
• Floor plan: The layout of your home.
• Foundation: The structure that supports your home.
• Grade: Ground level. Any part of your home that is above ground is above grade, while parts below ground are below grade.
• HVAC: Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
• Roughing in: The initial installation of heating, electrical, plumbing and other elements.
• Specifications: Sometimes called specs, this is a complete list of materials and other information for building your home. Good specs will make your home building process easier.
• Walk-through: Your final inspection of the home before closing.

Building Codes

Every local jurisdiction has building codes that regulate the safety of buildings. Building codes cover everything from building materials to fire protection requirements. In the United States, there is no national building code. Instead, your state or city will have a code that your new home must adhere to, and these may vary in different areas. Your home will have to be inspected to ensure that it is up to code before you receive a certificate of occupancy and are able to move in.