By Carol Kamm at Grandview Realty
Real Estate Services in Bradley, Polk, Hamilton, McMinn and Monroe Counties.
My husband and I decided to try our chances at building our “dream” home in 1995. Even though I was in real estate, I really didn’t have a clue as to the nuts and bolts that new construction entailed. So we decided to take a home construction class at our nearby community college. There was so much to grasp, we took it twice.
The first step was to hire an architect to put our ideas on paper, professionally. We realized early on that making phone calls and getting estimates, (on everything!) saves tons of money in the end. Finding a good framer is one of the most important decisions in the whole process. Don’t be afraid to get references right up front….and call them. Do your research, it will make life so much better down the road. Second big tip: Treat your contractors as if they were kings, and they will reward you in small ways in return. In the winter we bought them new work gloves and brought them hot coffee and donuts. In the spring we offered sandwiches and ice tea. It’s amazing how many extras they did for us at no cost.
Another good tip: Get a survey of your lot with the proposed blueprint in place. You’d be horrified to hear the stories where a new house was built partly on the neighbor’s lot. It’s a mistake that could have been avoided so easily with a survey.
Be prepared to have to work with contractors’ schedules. We found out quickly that we weren’t their only project, nor their number one project. If one contractor didn’t show up, that affected several other contractors’ time table too. Keep names and numbers handy and be prepared to call them in advance to make sure you are still on their schedule for the day. Have an estimated time frame and stick to it the best you can.
Ask for copies of liability insurance on each subcontractor. Your homeowner’s insurance will expect to see that if there are any accidents or mishaps. Don’t take their word for it. Be diligent and get copies.
If you’re on a tight budget, know which extras you can save till later. Perhaps wire for ceiling fans and wait until later to install. Items which cannot wait would be, brick vs. vinyl, quality cabinets, and higher quality windows.
So here’s what I remember for categories and time frame for work:7
1. Architect draws plans
2. Survey with blue print and lot boundary lines
3. Land cleared and leveled
4. Footers poured. (Our teacher taught us to always use rebar for reinforcement)
5. Foundation laid
6. Framers begin their work, including roofing
7. Plumbing and electrical wiring laid

8. Heat and air plumed
9. Insulation laid
10. Dry wall hung
11. Continue with plumbing, electrical, and heating & cooling
12. Trim work completed, interior
12. Exterior siding completed
13. Boxing of eaves, etc.
14. Interior painting
15. Plumbing fixtures
16. Appliances
Then celebrate with a party and include all your subcontractors. They will love seeing their part in the finished product.
Our home was so successful that our city newspaper, The Charlotte Observer, did a feature story on us. The reporter mentioned that building can be quite stressful but was relieved we had a happy ending. Attached is a photo of our family and all our subs.