For the first-time homeowner, home construction can be a daunting project, as there is a seemingly endless list of things to do, details to abide, and people that are involved. Familiarizing yourself with the basic structure of the process can make it much easier to navigate.

To help you understand the ins and outs of home construction—and to put your mind at ease as you go through the process—here is a timeline of what to expect when building a new home:

• Home Design & Lot Purchase: These two steps come before any onsite work is done. If you already own a lot, you will need the services of an architect to maximize its usage. In some cases, you may already have a plan in mind, and the purchase of the lot will come after. These are both critical steps, as you will need to determine the number of floors, amenities, rooms, and floor area while sticking to your budget.

• Site Preparation & the 3 Fs: Site preparation, or clearing the trees and rough grading the site, is done during the first week of construction. Once completed, it is followed by the three Fs, which stand for footing, foundation, and framing. Depending on the size of your home, the three Fs could take between two to five weeks to complete.

• The Guts: After framing, your home will finally be taking shape. Installing the “guts,” which include any mechanism needed for a comfortable home, such as the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical system, comes next in weeks six to eight. Once these are done, insulation and drywall are put in place for final painting.

• Flooring, Paint, & Fixtures: By weeks nine to 11, the crew will be busy applying the finishing touches. Floors are installed, the final paint is coated, cabinets and moldings are installed. At this stage, most homeowners can breathe a sigh of relief, as their dream home is finally done.

Are you looking for experts in the Cincinnati area to handle your home construction needs? Let Greg Gavin Construction tackle the project for you. With 35 years of experience in building custom homes, this company is known in the area for first-class craftsmanship. Visit their website or give them a call at (812) 637-5202 for an appointment.