Building a new custom Florida home follows a prescribed process, with many contributors performing unique roles along the way. It resembles a symphony — with heavy equipment!
You might not know this if you’ve never been through a build process, so we at ICI Homes are sharing a cheat sheet of how it all happens, when things get done, and what to expect time-wise.
Off the bat, the most important thing to know is that building a home from scratch isn’t like assembling pre-fabricated furniture. We’ve built new custom Florida homes all over the state for more than 40 years, and can assure you that new residential construction that ranges from 1,600 to more than 4,000 square feet requires much time and patience.
Approximately eight months is the typical build time under current market conditions. This can shift shorter or longer depending on numerous factors — crew availability, weather and material readiness, for example.
So, come along as we walk you through the major stages of new home construction.
What comes first
A lot.
In the many weeks before a bulldozer roars to life, your purchase contract must be signed and any mortgage financing arranged and approved.
Next is a visit to the ICI Homes Design Center where, with help from one of our design pros, you’ll select the finishes, flooring, paint colors, cabinetry, hardware and plumbing and lighting fixtures — among other items — for your new custom Florida home.
Once contracts and financing are in order, and design choices made, more ICI Homes pros secure the necessary municipal building permits for your homesite and home, and order its materials. A building timeline is created and workers and subcontractors are scheduled for it.
Construction begins
The approximate eight-month window is a good time to clean and declutter your existing home, get it ready for sale, and begin planning your moving process.
Meanwhile, your builder will stay in touch about construction progress and you’ll have several opportunities to attend on-site (or digital) update meetings. Below is a rough outline of the stages of most new home construction:
Site work — grading and excavation, staking the home’s dimensions, installing external plumbing lines and pouring its concrete slab.
Framing — erecting walls and roof and installing windows and doors. Your home is now “dried-in,” meaning its interior is shielded from the elements.
Installation — inserting interior mechanical systems, plumbing, wiring and insulation.
Drywall — installing wall surfaces and ceiling, plus openings for outlets and fixtures.
Finishing — installing flooring, cabinets, countertops, a concrete or paver driveway, fixtures and hardware, among many tasks inside and out. Painting is done. Sod and landscaping go in.
The grand finale
Your new home is thoroughly cleaned, then you do a final inspection and walk-through with your builder, noting any touch-ups and fixes. All that’s left is your closing, and the keys are yours!
Off the bat, the most important thing to know is that building a home from scratch isn’t like assembling pre-fabricated furniture. We’ve built new custom Florida homes all over the state for more than 40 years, and can assure you that new residential construction that ranges from 1,600 to more than 4,000 square feet requires much time and patience.
The grand finale
