As a residential homeowner or a builder of commercial property, it is important to analyze and review all phases of a new construction project. It can be quite and undertaking but with the right General Contractor your new home or commercial building can be everything you ever wanted and expected.

As the ever changing and emerging new technologies continue to improve, several factors need to be taken into consideration before breaking ground. If you are a company, keeping up with these changes is mandatory if you intend to stay relevant and competitive. Staying relevant dictates that as a General Contractor, you must adhere to, and be compliant in all phases of the construction project.

JK Contracting is wants to help you in all aspects of your new home or commercial project. In doing so, we want to briefly summarize the main phases of your project and what is involved. From attaining all the proper permitting, to breaking ground, right up until that last plant is planted we will provide guidance and our expertise.

New Construction Phases

Here is what you can expect throughout the phases of construction.

1. Site and Foundation: Preparing the site for construction. Many times site preparation and foundation work can be done by the same construction crew, however if there is lot clearing to be done heavier equipment is required to clear rocks, boulders and trees.

Footings are installed. If the project will have a basement, footings are formed and foundation walls are formed and poured. After curing of the foundation is complete, Inspection #1 takes place to make sure all foundation components are up to code and installed properly. One inspection is completed, Phase 2 can begin.

2. Rough Framing: Floor Systems, walls and roof systems are completed, known as completion of the shell or skeleton of the house. Material (Plywood or sheathing is applied to the exterior walls and roof, and the windows and exterior doors are installed. The sheathing is covered with a protective barrier known as a house wrap (i.e. Tyvek) which prevents water from infiltrating the structure, while at the same time allowing the water vapors to escape, reducing the likelihood of rotting and mold.

3. Rough Plumbing, Electrical & HVAC: After the shell of your project is completed, siding and roofing can be installed. At that same time, electrical and plumbing contractors can begin their work by running pipes and wires through the interior walls, ceilings, and floors. Septic (Sewer) and vents along with water supply lines for all fixtures are installed. Bathtubs and one-piece shower and/or tub units are put in place now for there may not be sufficient room to maneuver larger and heavier units later.

Ductwork is installed for heating and ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) system, and for possible furnace. The HVAC pipes are installed throughout the roof, and insulation is installed in the floors, walls and ceilings.

After the roofing goes on, the house is considered dried in and the electrician can install receptacles for outlets, lights and switches and run wires from the breaker panel to each receptacle. The wiring for tele-data (telephones, cable TV, computers, and audio systems) should be included in the plan layout for this work.

HVAC ducts and plumbing are usually installed before wiring because it is easier to run wires around pipes and ducts than the other way around.Inspections #2, #3 & #4 are completed at this point. There will more than likely be three separate inspection for compliance and building codes. Rough Framing, Plumbing, Electrical and any Mechanical systems are all treated separately with respect to inspections.

4. Insulation: After the above inspections are signed off on, Insulation can be installed. Insulation plays a very key role in creating a more comfortable indoor climate while at the same time improving on your homes energy efficiency. Common types of insulation used in new homes are: Fiberglass; Cellulose; Foam mineral wool; Foam board or rigid foam; spray foam and structural insulated panels.

5. Complete Drywall, Interior Fixtures & Begin Exterior Finishes: After the insulation is in place, Drywall is hung and taped so the seams between each are not visible, and any drywall texturing (if applicable) is completed. The primer coat of paint is applied after taping is complete then the installation of exterior finishes such as brick, stone, siding can then begin.

6. Finish Interior Trim; Install Exterior driveways and walkways (if applicable): Interior doors, baseboards, door casings, window sills, molding, stair balusters and other decorative trim can be installed, along with cabinets, vanities, and fireplace mantles. Walls are now ready for the finish coats of paint and any wallpaper if applicable.

Exterior driveways, walkways and patios can be formed at this stage. This can either be done at the very end of the project or as soon as the foundation is completed.

7. Installation of Hard Surfaces, Countertops & Completion of Exterior Grading: Tile (Ceramic or other), vinyl and wood flooring are installed along with countertops. Any Exterior finish grading is completed at this point to ensure proper drainage away from the home and prepare the yard for any proposed landscaping.

8. Finish Mechanical Trims; Install Bathroom Fixtures: Light fixtures, outlets and switches are installed and the electrical panel is completed. HVAC equipment is installed and registers are completed. All sinks, toilets and faucets are put in place.

9. Installation of Mirrors; Shower Doors (if applicable) and finish flooring and Finish Landscaping: Mirrors, shower doors and carpeting are now installed and any final cleanup takes place. Tree, shrub and grass are planted and other exterior landscaping is completed.Inspection #5: A town or city building code official completes a final inspection at this point and issues a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).

10. Final Walkthrough: One final walkthrough is advisable so your contractor can familiarize you as the owner with any new features (i.e. thermostats and any other operational components that may require some education in use). At this point, there may be some “punch list” items that can be address as well as any additional extra cosmetic concerns there may be.

As the owner, you want to be beyond satisfied with the work and as a reputable contractor, we insist upon it.