The Construction Process

From pre-construction planning to handing you the keys — understand every phase.

Many home buyers have questions about the construction of their home: How long will it take? What happens then? When can we visit the site? What does each step involve? When do we need to make final decisions on fixtures, cabinets, flooring? When is a building inspected? Will we get a chance to inspect before we take over? You can check frequently asked questions here.

Here’s an outline of today’s typical construction process for a single-family home. Note that this is a generalized description — your home builder may use a different approach. The process and schedule will also be affected by the style and size of the home, construction techniques used, the amount of customization required, number of municipal inspections, whether the home is in a major development, availability of labor, and many other factors. Ask your builder to explain the process and steps for your home.

Five Phases of Construction

Phase One: Pre-construction

Before any construction starts, plans for your home are developed, finalized and submitted to the municipal building permit office for review. Permits may be required for electrical, building, plumbing, septic systems and sewer connections. Before this, multiple site tests can be conducted to check the water table, soil carrying capacity, and carry out environmental tests. With this information, final engineering adjustments can be made to the plans.

Phase Two: Foundation

The land is prepared. Often, topsoil is removed and piled elsewhere for later use. Excavation is done, and footings (concrete slabs to support foundation walls) are prepared and poured. Water, electricity, telephone and cable services can be brought in at this time. Foundation walls are erected and insulated and damp-proofed. Drainage is installed to keep soil moisture away from the house. Foundations may be municipally inspected prior to backfilling. The builder may ask you to start making your choices — deciding on flooring, cabinets, tiles, etc.

Phase Three: Framing

External walls, internal partitions and roof are assembled — usually by erecting the framing skeleton and putting on the outer sheathing. After the house is completely framed, doors and windows are installed. The builder moves to a closed “lock-up” as soon as possible to protect the structure from the elements. The basement floor is installed. Electrical and plumbing services are roughed in and ducted for heating, cooling and ventilation. A structural inspection may be required to ensure the home meets all building code requirements.

Phase Four: Interior and Exterior Work

For the next several weeks, there will be a lot of work inside and outside, much of it at once. Exterior walls and roof are insulated, and a vapor barrier is applied. Another municipal inspection may occur before drywall installation. Heating and cooling systems are installed with fireplaces. Walls and ceilings are painted, kitchen and bathroom cabinets are installed and flooring is laid. Electrical fixtures and plumbing are placed, trim is applied, and interior doors are hung. Siding is applied to the exterior with eavestroughing. Final lot grading is done, and driveways and walkways are laid. Additional municipal inspections may occur. During this period, your builder will be in regular contact with you, updating you on progress and meeting deadlines for choosing finishes.

Phase Five: From Near-Completion to Hand-Over

At this point, your builders and crews are busy finishing the finishing touches and cleaning up. You will be asked to take a tour of your home with the builder. Any last minute touch-ups will be done. On the date of possession, you will be handed the keys — the house is now yours!

We are here with answers to all your questions regarding building and buying new homes in Canada.