The Construction Process in Milford CT - Visit  Building Department Milford CT Town Hall - for more information on your ilding Permit and requirements.

The 12 stages of the homebuilding process are generally the same for all houses and are listed to inform you of what will happen. (approximately)

  • Stage 1: Sales agreement. In this first stage you and the builder sign the sales agreement.
  • Stage 2: Pre-construction. Still in the beginning stages, you will finalize design selections and pre-order all major materials, such as lumber. You will receive a tentative construction schedule to keep you involved in the process. Please remember you will be ordering specialty items as well and if you delay with having them on the job site on time this will delay all subcontractors down the line - like dominos.

New Home Construction

  • Stage 3: Foundation. Make sure you're happy with the layout of your house; the foundation stage is devoted to the construction of the foundation of your home. You can always make changes, but it will cost you.
  • Stage 4: Framing. This is the skeleton of your home. Floors, walls, stairs and the roof are constructed but your home isn't closed in just yet. Quick, if you want to move any walls, do so now!
  • Stage 5: Exterior finishes. This stage is just what it sounds like, finishing the exterior of your house. From the outside, your house is beginning to look like a home – siding, windows, partial brick or stone front are being added.
  • Stage 6: Mechanicals. At this stage mechanicals such as wiring and plumbing are completed. The pipes and wires are still exposed at this stage, walk around again to make sure you have the phone outlets and the cable where you would like them to be – or just add more.
  • Stage 7: Insulation and air sealing. This stage is designed to keep you and your family comfortable in the house. This should only take a couple of days and is all done to code from the Town in which you live. Although you want to be sure your house can breath – you might want to install an attic fan.
  • Stage 8: Interior finishes. This is the most exciting stage for you; well it is for me, as it's when the house really starts to look finished. At this point you are dressing your house; try to imagine “Jewelry” and it should match your home just as you would match your Jewelry for casual, black tie or office attire. Is your home Traditional or Contemporary – also please be consistent at this point! There are so many styles of lighting, cabinetry and flooring out there and just as you can’t wear ALL your jewelry at one time neither should you (my opinion) use all materials available, remember just because you can does not mean you should! Your walls and ceilings are filled in; interior doors are installed along with shelving, cabinets, countertops, mirrors, and flooring.
FirePlaceFamily Room

  • Stage 9: Landscaping. This stage marks the beginning of the end – yeah! Your yard is formed including the driveway and walkway. Now don’t skimp at this stage, always remember this is what your guests see first and your entrance will set the stage for welcome. To finish it all off, plantings such as trees, shrubs, and grass are added.
  • Stage 10: Pre-closing. While the landscaping is being finished, final inspections are being conducted. If any problems are found, they are repaired before entering the next stage.
  • Stage 11: Closing. Before you own the home, you'll be walked through the house and have mechanical systems and appliances explained to you. The builder after having all inspections completed on the home – and passing them will receive a CO (Certificate of Occupancy) which you will need to close on your new home.
  • Stage 12: Warranty period. This stage extends a year after closing.

One of the most important things to remember is that you will be asked to make decisions early in the construction process. This is because time is needed to order and receive materials and also because some units are too large to install in the later stages of construction. A one piece Shower or Tub is a good example of this.

Each stage has an approximate duration that the builder will strive to meet. However, a number of factors outside of the builder's control, such as adverse weather conditions and availability of labor and materials, can extend these durations. Your builder will give you an estimated completion date that will be approximate at first but more precise as your home nears completion.