How the New-Home Construction Process Works

1. Planning, plans and budget

It starts with your lot, your plans and a realistic budget. The house plan has to fit the lot, setbacks and any HOA rules. Your builder reviews the plans for buildability and prepares a written estimate. If you own land already, see how to build on your own land in North Carolina.

2. Permits and approvals

Before construction, the plans go through zoning and building permit review. Who issues the permit depends on location. In Lincoln County, Lincoln County issues building permits; in Gaston County, Gaston County issues building permits for its municipalities; in Catawba County, the county handles building inspections for towns such as Hickory, Newton, Conover and Maiden. Properties on septic also need approval from environmental health.

3. Site work and foundation

The site is cleared, graded and prepared, with erosion control installed where required. Footings are dug and inspected before concrete is placed, and the foundation — slab, crawl space or basement — is built. Utility lines and underground plumbing are set at this stage. See our foundation and erosion control services.

4. Framing and drying in

Floors, walls and roof structure go up, followed by sheathing, the weather barrier, windows, exterior doors and roofing. Once the house is dried in, interior work can move ahead regardless of weather. See weather barrier options.

5. Rough-ins and inspections

Plumbing, electrical, and heating and cooling systems are roughed in inside the open walls. The building department inspects framing and rough-ins before anything is covered. Many owners also do their own walk-through at this stage — see pre-drywall inspections.

6. Insulation, drywall and interior finishes

Insulation is installed and inspected where required, then drywall, trim, cabinets, flooring, tile, paint, fixtures and appliances. Selections you made earlier come together here, which is why making them on time matters.

7. Final inspections and occupancy

Exterior work such as grading, driveways and landscaping is completed. Final inspections are scheduled, and once the home passes, the building department issues a certificate of occupancy. See the certificate of occupancy checklist.

Selections along the way

A new home involves dozens of decisions: exterior colors, windows, roofing, cabinets, countertops, flooring, tile, plumbing fixtures, lighting and appliances. Some of these need to be decided before construction reaches that stage so materials can be ordered. Late decisions are one of the most common reasons a build slows down. A written selection list with dates helps everyone stay on the same page. Your builder should tell you which choices are needed early and which can wait until later in the build.

Communication during the build

Regular updates help you know what's happening and what is coming next. Ask how your builder will communicate — site visits, calls, messages or photos — and who your main contact is. Changes should always be put in writing before the work is done, with any effect on cost noted. Walking the house at key stages, such as before drywall, gives you a chance to see the framing, wiring and plumbing while they are still visible. At AGCS, you talk directly with the people running your job.

• Know who your main contact is
• Get changes in writing first
• Walk the house before drywall
• Keep a list of questions for site visits

What keeps a build on track

• Complete plans before construction starts
• Selections made and written down early
• Clear communication about changes, in writing
• A builder who coordinates inspections and trades

See how build schedules work. AGCS builds with its own in-house crew plus specialty subcontractors under one contract. Learn more about our new home construction services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get a Free Estimate

Call (980) 888-3107 or send us the details of your project. Prompt response, seven days a week during posted hours.