THE HOMEBUILDING PROCESS
We thought it would be helpful to provide you with an overview of what you can expect during the process of building your home. The information below is not all inclusive and is designed to give you some of the highlights of the process. For more complete information, please contact us to set up an appointment so we can address you specific situation more accurately.
Land
MorningStar Homes was created to serve the needs of those customers who owned their own lot or land and needed an experienced homebuilder to help them realize their dream. If you do not have land and need assistance with finding some, please contact us to set up an appointment—we work closely with several real estate firms who specialize in lots and land.
When you come to MorningStar, one of the first things that we will do is visit your homesite with you. From there we can make specific recommendations as to what home type would work best, the orientation of the home on the site and identify any potential issues that may be associated with your homesite.
Your Home Plan
The next step is to begin the process of deciding on what type of home best meets your needs as well as the needs of your homesite. We have selected a variety of home plans from Frank Betz and Associates from single story to two story homes in a wide range of sizes. The process of selecting your home and incorporating all the optional features in it is one that takes time to insure that you are pleased with the end result.
After final selection of your home plan and optional features, we will be able to provide you with an estimate of the cost of construction. From there, you will need to begin the process of deciding on what type of financing you will need.
Financing
There are two major components to financing the construction of your new home. The first is to obtain a construction loan and the second is to obtain permanent financing on your loan. Many lending institutions “bundle” these two loans into a product called a Construction Perm loan. MorningStar Homes has a working relationship with BB&T and would be happy to assist you with this however; you are free to use the lending institution of your choice.
The Construction Process
With your plan finalized, and financing in place it’s time to start construction! Due to the extensive nature of this process, we have provided a list of the major steps only and will be more then happy to sit with you to discuss all the details of each step. One of the frequent questions that we get about this process is, “how long does it take?” Each home is unique and has different needs and complexities. In our experience, this process takes longer then it would in a more structured neighborhood environment which is much closer to a manufacturing process. With all that said, time frames from Footing to final completion can take 9 months or more. Once we meet with you and finalize your plan, we can give you a much more accurate timeframe.
Foundation
1. Survey the lot and locate the home on the site
2. Dig, inspect and pour the footings
3. Install the foundation block
Framing
5. Frame the home
6. Install the rough plumbing
7. Install the rough electrical
8. Install the rough heat and air
9. Install the windows
10. Install the roofing
11. Install the siding and or brick
12. Install the insulation
13. Meet customer on site to view home at this stage and review next steps
14. Complete all county or municipality inspections
Sheet Rock
15. Install the sheetrock
16. Install the well (if required)
17. Install the septic system (if required)
18. Prime interior walls
Interior Trim & Finishes
19. Install interior trim
20. Prime interior trim
21. Paint interior walls
22. Install cabinets and tops
23. Install vinyl flooring
24. Install heating and cooling system
25. Install electrical trims and lighting
26. Install plumbing fixtures
27. Install shelving
28. Final paint on walls and trim
29. Meet customer on site to view home at this stage and review next steps
30. Install flooring
Exterior
31. Install driveway and walks
32. Install decks
33. Final grade
34. Install landscaping and sod or seed
35. Final punch out of home
36. Final review of home with customer and review operations of systems / appliances and
maintenance responsibilities
37. Final survey of finished home
38. Final county and/or municipal inspections
Settlement
39. Final reconciliation and settlement on home
40. Provide keys to customer
As we mentioned above, these steps are not all inclusive. There are many more items that need to be ordered, reviewed, scheduled and inspected during this process that are not listed above. Additionally, we welcome and questions that you may have during the process and will gladly take the time to review them with you.