Preliminary
After the contracts are signed, we will create a plot plan of your lot showing the location of the house on the property. The building plans will be submitted to the developer or architectural committee for their approval. Other plans will be submitted to the appropriate township permit office with our application for a building permit. The banks will require building plans and specifications for a property appraisal prior to loan closing. Also at this time we will order windows, doors and brick. It is not unusual for these processes to take 3-4 weeks


Foundation
This stage begins with the creation of a level pad site. Pad elevation is very critical in insuring proper water drainage away from the structure. Next, the house is staked out on the lot in accordance with the plot plan and the footing is dug. Steel bars are installed in and up through the footing. A city inspector will approve the footing prior to pouring any concrete. After the footing is poured, wood forms will be erected around the perimeter of the structure. These forms determine building size and finished floor elevation, another critical step in insuring proper drainage.


Rough-In's
After the forms are in place on the footing, plumbers will rough in all water and drain lines. We use only copper water lines and PVC drain pipes. The plumbers will run the main water, sewer and gas lines to the appropriate tie in locations at this time. Upon the plumber's completion and city inspection, fill dirt is brought in and installed inside the wood forms and leveled off approximately 4" below the tops of the forms. If the heat and air ducts are to be installed under the slab they are installed at this time and inspected. Next, post tension cables are installed and the steel bars extending from the footing are bent over into the slab area to tie the full footing and slab together. The footing is cleaned to insure proper placement of concrete and the full structure treated for termites then another city inspection is done prior to pouring any concrete. Upon inspection, the slab is poured and the forms removed. Seven to ten days after the slab is poured the post tension cables are tightened to 28,000 pounds of pressure per square inch and cut flush with the slab.


Exterior
Once the slab is poured, carpenters will begin the framing process. During this stage you will see substantial progress very quickly. Walls, headers, beams, floor trusses and rafters are engineered to assure proper structural properties throughout the dwelling. Many interior items and changes are left until the final stages of the framing process called "punch out". Windows, doors and fireplaces are installed and cabinets ordered at this time. Brick ties are nailed on all surfaces that will receive masonry to insure that these walls are held tightly to the framing. Roofing shingles are applied and the house is "in the dry".


Mechanical
After the roof is on, plumbers return for their "top out". This is when they run additional water and drain lines as well as vent pipes and gas lines. They also install certain tubs and showers at this time. All lines are pressurized to protect against possible leaks later on.

The furnaces are set and the ductwork run throughout the house. Provision is made for return airflow to the furnaces and air handler and also for the condensing units, which shall be installed outside later on. Bathroom fans are vented to the exterior at this time.

The electricians will rough in the wiring for the breaker box, switches, receptacles, and lights. Heavy gauge wire will be run for the cooking equipment and air conditioners. Recessed light fixtures are installed at this stage, as are your cable TV and telephone outlets.

All mechanical trades will have their rough in work inspected and then a frame inspection is done to make sure no boards have been cut or moved that could cause structural weakness. Upon all approvals, insulation is installed in the walls that will be insulated and certain inaccessible ceilings. All holes in exterior walls are filled with polycell foam to maintain air tightness. Exterior masonry is normally installed about this same time. All interior selections and colors must be finalized at this point.


Drywall/Trim/Painting
Sheetrock is installed on all ceilings and walls then taped, bedded and skimmed. Wall texture is applied if applicable. Hardwood floors are installed next by first laying plastic over the concrete slab then installing 5/8" plywood to the concrete. A layer of 15 pound felt tops the plywood and finally true hardwood floors are installed thereon. Trim carpenters arrive to install the cabinets, doors, moldings and mantle. Your closets are laid out and installed to maximize their storage capacity. Painters take over and initially stain any necessary wood and then apply oil-based enamel to all other woodwork. Afterwards these surfaces are tightly taped and the walls and ceilings painted. Exterior landscaping, sod installation, guttering and the pouring of concrete driveways, sidewalks and porches may take place now or as weather permits.


Interior Finish
Kitchen and bathroom countertops and marble tubs and showers are installed as well as ceramic tile floors and backsplash. Then plumbers will install fixtures and faucets. Next, electricians install light fixtures, switches and receptacles, and appliances. Finally, garage door openers, security keypads, shower doors, mirrors and hardware complete construction prior to the installation of carpeting and putting the final coat on the hardwood floors.


Final Detailing
After the carpets are in, a detailed cleaning takes place to get your new home in move-in condition. Window screens are installed and final inspections take place. Your pre-closing walk thru will take place at this time.


After Closing
You should make special note to file for homestead exemption on you property taxes. This can be done as soon as you receive your recorded deed back from the mortgage company at the county courthouse.