Our Construction Process
At Reality Homes, great design starts in the details! In addition to the below snap-shot overview of the process, our site manager’s follow a multiple quality check-point system to ensure your home is built right and according to our “Energy-Smart” Building Standards.
Please keep in mind that our process may vary by region/jurisdictional code requirements or if you’re building a customized house and/or detached garage outside our typical build area.
Phase 1: Home Owner and Site Manager 1st Stakeout
At this meeting, the Site Manager will meet with you to go over site requirements, such as staking out the placement of your home. We will review the home site dig-out, property lines, temporary power, temporary water, all weather driveway and Sani-can requirements. We know a well-informed customer is our biggest asset! This is a great time to meet and get comfortable with one another, layout expectations, and provide you with a format for asking questions and getting timely answers, such as reviewing the customer portal and best ways to communicate.
Phase 2: Footings and Foundation
Your Site Manager will arrange for your foundation to be formed and poured (a county code official will inspect prior to pour.) After the foundation has been poured and the concrete has had a chance to cure, the concrete forms will be stripped.
Phase 3: Material Package to Site
Your Site Manager will order a lumber and window drop date. Additionally, he will order the mobilization of our trade partners and supplies.
Phase 4: Rough Framing
Your floor system, exterior & interior walls, and the roof truss system will be completed during this phase. In Oregon & Southwest Washington we may perform post/beam framing and underfloor plumbing before sheeting the floor and framing interior/exterior walls. OSB sheathing will be applied to the exterior walls and roof. The last step in the framing process is to install windows and exterior doors. An exterior sheer-wall inspection will be requested once framing is completed.
Phase 5: Rough Plumbing, Roof, HVAC and Electrical
Once the shell is finished, your Site Manager will arrange the roofing installation. In addition, a crew of professionals will begin the rough-in phase of your plumbing, electrical, and heating systems. The site manager will also arrange for caulk & seal to be installed, if required prior to framing inspection. A county code official will inspect your framing and rough operating systems once the rough-in phase is completed.
Phase 6: Siding
After the exterior sheer-wall inspection has been approved, your Site Manager will order the siding material to be delivered. The OSB sheathing is then covered with a protective barrier known as Tyvek Drain Wrap; it prevents water from infiltrating the structure while allowing water vapor to escape. Siding and exterior trim will be installed.
Phase 7: Insulation and Drywall
Your Site Manager will arrange for exterior wall insulation to be installed. This is a critical step in creating a more comfortable, consistent indoor climate while improving the overall energy-efficiency of your “Energy Smart” home. Additionally, drywall will be stocked on site. A county code official will inspect insulation prior to hanging drywall.
Phase 8: Drywall Hang, Tape and Texture
Your Site Manager will arrange a crew to hang, tape, finish, prime and texture the interior of your home. Depending on your local building jurisdiction, a nailing inspection may be required. During this time cabinets, doors/trim, and lighting packages will arrive at the jobsite.
Phase 9: Cabinets
Your Site Manager will arrange for a crew to begin installation of your cabinet package.
Phase 10: Countertops and Hard Surface Flooring
Your Site Manager will arrange to have your countertops, vinyl, ceramics, hardwoods, and any other hard surface selection installed at this time.
Phase 11: Interior Doors and Trim
We will have the interior doors and trim installed over the hard surfaces once the hard surface flooring is complete.
Phase 12: Plumbing, HVAC and Electrical Trims
Your Site Manager will arrange to have your light fixtures, outlets, and switches installed. Additionally, your sinks, toilets, and faucets are installed during the plumbing trim. The heat pump and registers will be installed with the HVAC trim.
Phase 13: Shelves, Shower Doors, and Mirrors
Your Site Manager will arrange for the finishing touches to take place by installing your mirrors, shower doors, and closet shelving.
Phase 14: Carpet
At this time your pad and carpet selection will be installed.
Phase 15: Quality Inspection and New Home Orientation
Your site manager will walk you thru an orientation of your new home and answer any questions you may have. Should any concerns arise during the walk-thru, your Site Manager will document and request one of our Trade Partners to schedule a repair.
Phase 16: Final Inspection
At this highly anticipated time your site manager will arrange for the local building jurisdiction official to complete a final inspection for a Certificate of Final occupancy.
"Why does my home sit sometime with no one onsite?"
While the process may sound quick and simple on paper, building a custom home takes time and effort considering the 100’s of components and various trade partners involved. However, the process is incredibly rewarding when all is said and done. With that in mind, our transparency is critical for you to know that you can expect when it appears that nothing is happening. This may occur for several reasons. Each trade partner is scheduled weeks in advance of the actual work performance. On occasion, one trade completes its work ahead of schedule; at other times their installation takes longer than anticipated. With either occurrence, schedules need to be adjusted. There will also be a pause in progress while the home awaits code inspections. This is all part of a normal building sequence and will occur at several points in every home. In addition to mandated inspections for code compliance, Reality Homes conducts multiple quality checks at critical points in the process. Please remember a quality builder would rather wait a few days for the best craftsmen or product than hurry the process creating sloppy workmanship.
"Transparent Communication"
Like in every successful relationship, good clear communication is key. Our entire team will respect and appreciate your interest in your new home. You are our customer and this is your new home! Your input is important and always welcome. Additionally, for your convenience we will provide you with all contact information and schedule updates, as well as access to your own personal customer portal. Your satisfaction is our success!
Contact our office with any questions you may have about our custom built homes!
