Typical Construction Steps
for a single-family or small multi-family house

Note: The most popular method of residential construction in North America is wood-framed construction. :

1. Develop floor plans and obtain a materials list for estimations (more recently performed with estimating software)
2. Obtain government building approval if necessary
3. Clear the building site
4. Survey to stake out for the foundation
5. Excavate the foundation and dig footers.
6. Pour a foundation and footers with concrete
7. Build the main load-bearing structure out of thick pieces of wood and possibly metal I-beams for large spans with few supports.
8. Add floor and ceiling joists and install subfloor panels
9. Cover outer walls and roof in OSB or plywood and a water-resistive barrier.
10. Install roof shingles or other covering for flat roof
11. Cover the walls with siding, typically vinyl, wood, or brick veneer but possibly stone or other materials
12. Install windows
13. Frame interior walls with wooden 2x4s
14. Add internal plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and natural gas utilities
15. Building inspector visits if necessary to approve utilities and framing
16. Install insulation and interior drywall panels (cementboard for wet areas) and to complete walls and ceilings
17. Install bathroom fixtures
18. Spackle, prime, and paint interior walls and ceilings
19. Additional tiling on top of cementboard for wet areas, such as the bathroom and kitchen backsplash
20. Install final floor covering, such as floor tile, carpet, or wood flooring
    Install major appliances
21. Unless the original owners are building the house, at this point it is typically sold or rented.

This work is an adaptation of a Wikipedia entry under the terms of Creative Commons 4.0 This adaptation is available under the same terms.

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