Building a home is one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences you’ll ever embark upon. The Kansas City home building process is an intricate journey, requiring a ton of work and expertise to turn your vision into a reality. At Hearthside Homes, we understand that building a home can seem overwhelming, but we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s take a closer look at the process, from the initial idea to the final walk-through, ensuring that your new home is safe, functional, and beautiful for years to come.
Before we dive in, if you’re new to our blog, welcome to Hearthside Homes! Since 1987, we’ve helped over 2,000 families find homes they love. Our homes, located in the heart of the Kansas City Northland, offer a blend of community, comfort, and innovation. You can click here to view our listings and here to self-tour some of our homes. We hope you enjoy this blog post and learn more about the Kansas City home building process.
Initial Planning & Preparation
The journey begins with securing the perfect piece of land by obtaining a lot contract. Once the lot is secured, we produce detailed plans and a comprehensive budget for your new home. This includes architectural blueprints and a breakdown of all costs involved in the building process. We then process the final plot plan, which includes detailed drawings of your lot, showing the exact location of your home, driveways, and other features. A pre-construction meeting is held to finalize all the details, ensuring that everyone is on the same page before construction begins. Following this, we update the specification sheet to reflect any changes or decisions made during the meeting and obtain permit approval from local authorities to ensure that all plans comply with building codes and regulations.
Financial Arrangements
Once the planning and preparation are complete, we confirm all financial details, including contingency funds, loans, and payment schedules, ensuring that the project is financially sound. We then close on the lot and loan, officially securing the land and funding for your new home.
Site Preparation & Foundation
With all preliminary steps completed, we begin excavation to prepare the land for the foundation. We then lay the footings and pour the foundation, which needs time to cure and gain strength. Damp proofing is applied to the foundation to prevent moisture from seeping in, protecting your home from water damage. A pre-backfill inspection is conducted to ensure the foundation and damp proofing are correctly installed, followed by backfilling the excavated areas around the foundation to stabilize it.
Structural Work
The structural work begins with framing the skeletal structure of your home, including walls, floors, and roof trusses. The roof is then installed to protect the interior from the elements. Next, we install garage doors, completing the exterior shell of your home. Pre-trade cleaning is conducted to ensure a clean and safe working environment before any tradespeople start their work.
Mechanical Systems & Rough Inspections
The installation of mechanical systems, such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical wiring, forms the essential infrastructure of your home. An interior gas inspection is conducted, and a gas meter is installed to ensure the safe operation of gas appliances. A rough inspection is performed to check the structural and mechanical systems before the walls are closed up. We also conduct a pre-drywall orientation with you to review the progress.
Interior & Exterior Finishes
As construction progresses, we start on interior and exterior finishes. This includes hanging drywall, priming walls, and painting ceilings. The exterior is completed with stucco or siding, and any concrete work for patios, driveways, and walkways is done once the concrete has cured. Decks and covered structures are built, creating outdoor living spaces. Interior paint is applied, and we install exterior flatwork, stonework, and the interior fireplace stone. The lot is graded to ensure proper drainage and a smooth, finished appearance.
The Fun Stuff
By now your house is starting to look more like a home, and it’s time for the fun stuff. The final installations involve hardwood flooring, cabinets, trim, and tile work. Light fixtures are installed, along with insulation and a sump pump in the unfinished basement. Gutters are also installed to manage rainwater runoff. The hardwood floors are sanded, coated, and finished, ensuring they look beautiful and are protected from wear and tear. We complete the finish plumbing and electrical work, followed by another thorough site cleanup.
Final Touches & Inspections
The final touches include installing carpet, appliances, hardware, and spindles, as well as mirrors and doors. Final trim work is completed, and a comprehensive cleaning is conducted. We address any final details or touch-ups needed through our builder punch list. A camera sewer line inspection is conducted to ensure everything is functioning correctly, followed by third-party inspections to verify that all work meets quality standards and building codes. A final coat is applied to the floors, and the home is cleaned again for the final inspection.
Final Walkthrough & Closing
We perform a closing punch, addressing any last-minute details before the final walkthrough. A final walkthrough is conducted with you to ensure everything meets your expectations and to address any remaining concerns. Any necessary paint touch-ups are completed to ensure a flawless finish. Finally, we sign off and close the project, officially handing over the keys to your new home.
Move-In & Warranty
Once you move into your new home, our commitment to quality and service doesn’t end. Hearthside Homes offers a comprehensive one-year warranty on your new home. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, giving you peace of mind and ensuring that your home remains in excellent condition. If you encounter any issues during the first year, our team will address them promptly to make sure your home is everything you hoped for. We also provide guidance on how to maintain your home and keep it in top shape for years to come.
Stay Connected With Buildertrend
Communication is key throughout the home building process, and at Hearthside Homes, we use Buildertrend to keep our clients in the loop every step of the way. Buildertrend is an innovative communication tool that allows you to track the progress of your home in real time. You can view material selections, upgrades, and change orders, ensuring that every detail is just as you envisioned. The platform also provides access to the schedule and timeline, so you always know what’s happening next. With progress photos from the job site, you can see the transformation of your home as it happens. Additionally, Buildertrend updates you on any weather delays, ensuring there are no surprises along the way. This transparency and constant communication help make the building process as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Looking for a Builder You Can Trust?
At Hearthside Homes, we have years of experience and a proven track record of building high-quality homes. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your home is not only beautiful but also safe and functional. Building a home is a significant investment, and we take that responsibility seriously. From the initial consultation to the final walk-through, we’re committed to providing you with a seamless and enjoyable building experience. Let us help you create the home of your dreams, one step at a time.
Our fast and efficient home building process is simple and stress-free. As a semi-custom home builder, we offer two main options: you can buy one of our move-in ready spec homes or build one of our expertly designed floor plans from the ground up. Once you choose a floor plan you love, you’ll get to make material selections at our Design Center with one of our pros. From paint to tile, hardware, flooring, and everything in between, you’ll have so much fun making the space your own. Then, we’ll get permits and get started on your project. From the time we break ground, you can expect your home to be move-in ready in as little as six months! Really!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Kansas City home building process involves many steps, each crucial to the success of your project. By working with an experienced builder like Hearthside Homes, you can rest assured that your investment is protected and your new home will stand the test of time. If you have any questions about buying or building a home with us, feel free to fill out the form on our website or give us a call at (816) 781-0234. Don’t forget to follow all the fun and check out our new projects on our Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! We hope this blog helps in your search for further understanding of the Kansas City home building process.
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