Building your own home can be complex, but careful planning and preparation can be an enriching experience. The key to a smooth construction process is understanding the stages involved, which I’ll explain in detail below. Below is a free printable new construction timetable planner.
Mastering your construction schedule ensures that your projects are completed on time and within budget.
This guide will walk you through the importance of a well-planned construction timeline, critical steps in developing one, and tips for staying on track.
- Preparation and Planning
The first step in building a home involves three crucial aspects: Land Purchasing, Designing, and Budgeting. Begin by securing the plot of land, work with an architect to design the blueprint of your dream home, and establish a budget for the project that includes all potential costs.
- Construction Permits and Approvals
Before breaking ground, ensure you take the necessary legal steps. Apply for building permits and zoning approvals, and conduct environmental checks and soil testing to confirm the land’s suitability for construction.
- Site Clearing and Foundation
Once the legalities are sorted, begin with site excavation and clearing. The foundation of the house is then laid, which may involve concrete or basement construction based on the design of the house.
- Building Structure
Now comes the exciting part of seeing your house take shape. The walls, roof, and floors are framed, followed by the installation of windows and exterior doors.
- Utility Installation
Next is setting up the house’s critical systems: electrical wiring, plumbing, and HVAC installation. These systems form the backbone of every home and ensure it functions properly.
- Interior and Exterior Work
With the utilities installed, the focus shifts to insulating the house and installing drywall. Exterior work includes siding, brickwork, and painting, while interior work covers painting, flooring, and installing fixtures.
- Final Touches
The home is almost ready, but it’s time for landscaping. This could involve planting lawns, plants, and trees and maybe adding a deck or a patio. Once done, secure the final inspections and the certificate of occupancy.
- Moving In
After a final walkthrough with the builder to ensure everything is perfect, it’s time for the most exciting part – moving into your new home.
Building your own home is filled with excitement, anticipation, and a fair share of challenges. But with the proper preparation, the result can be a beautiful dwelling you can proudly call your own.
New Construction Timetable Planner Guide
| Tasks | Estimated Duration | Status & Notes |
| Residential Construction | 152 days | |
| Sign the contract and notice to proceed | 20 days | |
| Cure basement walls for seven days | 1 day | |
| Apply for Permits | 0 days | |
| Secure foundation permit | 0 days | |
| Secure framing permit | 0 days | |
| Secure electrical permit | 0 days | |
| Secure plumbing permit | 0 days | |
| Secure HVAC permit | 0 days | |
| Secure miscellaneous permits | 0 days | |
| Site Work | 3 days | |
| Clear and grub lot | 1 day | |
| Install temporary power service | 1 day | |
| Install underground utilities | 1 day | |
| Foundation | 42 days | |
| Excavate for foundations | 3 days | |
| Form basement walls | 13 days | |
| Place concrete for foundations & basement walls | 12 days | |
| Lay 1st-floor decking | 7 days | |
| Strip basement wall forms | 2 days | |
| Waterproof/insulate basement walls | 2 days | |
| Perform foundation inspection | 1 day | |
| Backfill foundation | 2 days | |
| Framing | 22 days | |
| Install 1st floor joists | 2 days | |
| Frame 1st-floor walls | 2 days | |
| Frame 1st floor walls | 4 days | |
| Frame 1st floor corners | 1 day | |
| Install 2nd floor joists | 2 days | |
| Frame 2nd floor decking | 2 days | |
| Frame 2nd floor walls | 3 days | |
| Frame 2nd floor corners | 2 days | |
| Complete roof framing | 3 days | |
| Conduct framing inspection | 1 day | |
| Dry In | 22 days | |
| Install 1st floor sheathing | 3 days | |
| Install 2nd floor sheathing | 3 days | |
| Install roof decking | 3 days | |
| Install felt, flashing and shingles | 3 days | |
| Hang 1st floor exterior doors | 1 day | |
| Install 1st floor windows | 3 days | |
| Install 2nd floor windows | 3 days | |
| Exterior Finishes | 19 days | |
| Complete exterior brick | 16 days | |
| Complete exterior siding | 3 days | |
| Utility Rough Ins and Complete Concrete | 21 days | |
| Rough-in plumbing | 5 days | |
| Conduct rough-in plumbing inspection | 1 day | |
| Place concrete for basement floor | 11 days | |
| Rough-in electrical | 5 days | |
| Conduct rough-in electrical inspection | 1 day | |
| Rough-in HVAC | 3 days | |
| Conduct rough-in HVAC inspection | 1 day | |
| Rough-in communication – phone, cable, computer, alarm | 2 days | |
| Interior Finishes | 30 days | |
| Insulation | 11 days | |
| Place wall insulation – 1st floor | 1 day | |
| Place wall insulation – 2nd floor | 1 day | |
| Place ceiling insulation – 2nd floor | 1 day | |
| Conduct insulation inspection | 1 day | |
| Drywall | 9 days | |
| Install drywall – 1st floor walls | 2 days | |
| Install drywall – 1st floor overhead | 2 days | |
| Install drywall 2nd floor walls | 2 days | |
| Install drywall 2nd floor overhead | 2 days | |
| Tape and float 1st floor drywall | 1 day | |
| Tape and float 2nd floor drywall | 1 day | |
| Paint and Wallpaper | 17 days | |
| Texture all except entry and kitchen – 1st floor | 1 day | |
| Paint all except entry and kitchen – 1st floor | 1 day | |
| Hang wallpaper entry and kitchen – 1st floor | 1 day | |
| Texture all – 2nd floor | 1 day | |
| Paint all – 2nd floor | 1 day | |
| Paint exterior siding & trim work | 4 days | |
| Cabinets | 6 days | |
| Install 1st floor – kitchen cabinets | 2 days | |
| Install 1st floor – master bath and guest cabinets | 1 day | |
| Install 2nd floor – hall bath and private bath cabinets | 1 day | |
| Install chair rails, crown moldings, trim | 2 days | |
| Finish Plumbing | 6 days | |
| Complete 1st floor – kitchen plumbing | 1 day | |
| Complete 1st floor – master bath and guest plumbing | 2 days | |
| Complete 2nd floor – hall bath and private bath plumbing | 2 days | |
| Conduct finish plumbing inspection | 1 day | |
| Finish Electrical | 3 days | |
| Complete 1st floor circuits to service panel | 1 day | |
| Complete 2nd floor circuits to service panel | 1 day | |
| Conduct finish electrical inspection | 1 day | |
| Complete communications wiring – phone, cable, computer, alarm | 2 days | |
| Finish HVAC | 3 days | |
| Complete 1st floor – zone 1 HVAC | 1 day | |
| Complete 2nd floor – zone 2 HVAC | 1 day | |
| Conduct HVAC inspection | 1 day | |
| Carpet, Tile and Appliances | 8 days | |
| Carpet, Tile, and Appliances | 3 days | |
| Carpet 1st floor | 2 days | |
| Carpet 2nd floor | 2 days | |
| Install appliances | 1 day | |
| Landscaping and Grounds Work | 12 days | |
| Pour concrete driveway and sidewalks | 2 days | |
| Sod and complete plantings – front yard | 2 days | |
| Sod and complete plantings – backyard | 1 day | |
| Final Acceptance | 8 days | |
| Complete final inspection for certificate of occupancy | 1 day | |
| Cleanup for occupancy | 4 days | |
| Perform final walk-through inspection | 1 day | |
| Complete punch list items | 5 days | |
