What are the Requirements for Building a New Home?
In Pennsylvania, many residents are in the process of purchasing a new home, but may find it better to build their own. When building a new home, there are many requirements that you and your sales team at Deer Ridge Construction must have. Having these will ensure the project will be successful. Different requirements must be met before, during, and after construction, including design, site preparation, and inspections. Below, we have listed the requirements for building a new home in Pennsylvania to help you get started.
Before Construction
Finance the Build
One of the first steps in planning for your new home is to determine your budget. For new homes, you’ll need to account for the costs of materials and labor, permits, land, and any other unexpected costs. Since building a new home is a major project, we’ve found that you’ll likely have to acquire financing. The cost to build a new home in Pennsylvania is, on average, around $400,000-$600,000, depending on the size, labor, design, and cost of materials for the home.
Construction Loans
For new home builds, you can secure a construction loan to help finance the project. Construction loans are short-term loans that cover the cost of building the home. A lender will authorize payments to cover the build’s expenses while the homeowner pays interest-only payments on the loan. Once the home is complete and the loan ends, the homeowner will have to finance the rest of the home with a long-term mortgage.
Plan Your Design
Planning and designing are some of the most time-consuming aspects of building a new home. During this process, you’ll have to decide on the architectural style, floor plan, and features you want and need in your new home. You’ll also have to find a property that is suitable for building a new home. It will need to be zoned for a residential property, have access to utilities, and be on stable soil. Working on this with your home builder can make the design process easier. Now is the time to bring in our team at Deer Ridge Construction, who can help you with the design and plan a good course of action.
Obtain Permits
A building permit must be obtained when building a new home, and you may be required to obtain additional permits depending on what is included in your design. In our experience, permits can be needed for demolition, zoning, grading, septic, construction, and electrical and plumbing work. All permits must be obtained before any construction starts on your property. If you don’t have one when you start work, you could face hefty fines, stop-work orders, or be required to take down the build. Check with your local Pennsylvania municipal department to determine what permits are needed. Our team can handle the permitting process for peace of mind.
During Construction
Site Preparation
Once you have your financing, design, and permits in place, you can start construction. The first step is to prepare the site. You’ll need to clear the land of any trees, shrubs, and debris, and level the land to grade so you can get the home’s foundation laid. We’ll also create proper drainage slopes to direct any water away from the home to prevent any damage from occurring.
Build the Home
After we’ve prepared your site, Deer Ridge will build your home to your exact specifications. We’ll create the home’s frame and prepare the roof, walls, and floors. Once the frame is finished, the structure will need to pass a framing inspection to ensure it is structurally sound before continuing construction. After the inspection is passed, we’ll add sheathing to ensure the walls stay steady and start nailing down siding. We’ll also add any interior or exterior finishings like the windows, doors, trim, and other fixtures. After the frame, windows, and doors are installed, there will be a frame inspection to ensure they are up to code.
Install Utilities and Insulation
In your home’s blueprints, there should be a plan for where your utilities will be laid out. Installing utilities like electricity and plumbing is the first step to completing the home’s interior, and we will get them in place during construction. We will also install insulation before finishing up the interior and installing drywall. Cellulose, foam, or fiberglass insulation is popular for homes to provide energy efficiency, depending on the recommended R-value from your power company.
After Construction
Inspections
An inspector from your local building department must inspect the house to verify that everything is up to code and the home is safe to live in. The building permits you obtain will likely have some inspection requirements. Generally, inspections will be conducted throughout the build to ensure compliance with the PA Uniform Construction Code. One will usually happen after the foundation is laid and the frames are set, after utilities are installed, and after the home is complete. There can be about five inspections in total throughout the whole project. Once you pass the final inspection, the inspector will give you a certificate of occupancy.
Final Walkthrough
Once our team finishes your new home and you pass all your inspections, you will do a final walkthrough of the home. You’ll do this with your project manager to confirm that everything is to your standards and operates properly. If you notice anything wrong, like a broken door or scratches on the floor, don’t hesitate to ask Deer Ridge Construction to fix it. We will fix any issues you have so your home is to your expectations. Once finished, you can officially move into your new home! We have a one-year workmanship warranty in place to protect your investment.
Deer Ridge’s Home Construction Services
Ready to build your new dream home? Deer Ridge Construction works with Pennsylvania residents to build custom new homes using the highest quality materials and expert craftsmanship. We can work with you at any point in the design process, from helping you with your sketches to obtaining permits for you. Check out some of our featured projects to see what we can do for you. If you’re ready to get started, contact us today.
