The process of building a home can seem overwhelming. By breaking it down into stages, we hope that it becomes more manageable and easier to understand. Although weather conditions and other unforeseen events can result in delays, Lamar Smith Signature Homes can generally construct your home in 5-7 months depending on the site and optional features of the home. We also maintain an inventory of homes under construction at various stages for homebuyers who want to move in sooner.

Here's what you can expect to happen throughout the building process:

Step 1 Sales Agreement
You select your home site, your home plans, and discuss selections you want incorporated into the home with the sales agent. You then sign a sales agreement and secure a mortgage.

 

 

Step 2 Permits
Signature Homes works with appointed officials to obtain all permits required to proceed with building your new home. This process can take anywhere from one to four weeks depending on municipality where your home will be built.

 

 

Step 3 Home Selections
During the permit process, your in-house selections, such as paint colors, brick, flooring, cabinetry and countertops, are made. Your sales agent will help guide you through selections to make this process easy and enjoyable. Any changes requested further into the building process can result in major cost increases, so try to be very clear and know what you want.

 

 

Step 4 Preconstruction
Your home site is surveyed and staked, marking the lot boundaries and placement of the home. All of your home selections have been made. You then meet with a Signature Homes Representative to review your home plans in detail. This meeting is to ensure that your homebuilder is familiar with all selections and that none of these have been overlooked.

 

 

 

Step 5 Foundation
During this stage, the foundation is formed, fill dirt is imported, and pre-slab plumbing is installed. When this is complete, the foundation will be inspected by the municipality. Next, a termite treatment is applied and the concrete is poured.

 

 

Step 6 Framing
During the foundation process, your exterior and interior walls will be framed. Then, wall sheathing is added to enclose the house. House wrap and felt paper are installed as a barrier against water or air penetration. Finally, the roof is added followed by the shingles and exterior finish installation.

 

 

Step 7 Mechanical
At the mechanical stage, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems are roughed in and pipes, wiring, and ductwork are installed. Bathtubs, shower units, furnace(s), and other large items are also installed. Before we can proceed to the insulation stage, the framing and rough mechanicals must pass inspection.

 

 

Step 8 Insulation
Insulation is added between studs in all exterior walls and in the attic. Gaps between framing members and around windows are then insulated to reduce potential air leaks.

 

 

Step 9 Interior Finishes
Drywall is installed and finished. Hardwood floors, interior doors, cabinets, and trim are installed and then painted. Other materials such as tile, countertops, mirrors and flooring are installed. The HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work are also finished. This includes, but is not limited to, installing the air conditioner, water heater, light fixtures, faucets, and appliances. Finally, initial drywall and paint touchup are done, and the home is cleaned.

 

 

Step 10 Exterior Finishes
Since all exterior finish items are completed as weather permits, there is no set schedule to when they will be done. At some point after framing is complete, you can expect to see the vinyl, stucco, brick, stone, and/or siding of your choice installed where applicable. Driveways, sidewalks, and patios are poured. Once these items are complete, the exterior of the home will be painted as needed.

 

 

Step 11 Landscaping
After exterior finishes and drywall are complete, your yard is graded. Deck, fence, and sprinklers are installed if these options have been added to the home, and the yard is then landscaped, sodded, or seeded.

 

 

Step 12 Final Inspection
A city official will conduct a final inspection of the home to ensure that it meets all current building codes. Once the interior and exterior items are found to be satisfactory, a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued.

 

 

 

Step 13 Walk-Through
The final walk-through is typically scheduled approximately one week prior to closing. The Signature Homes building superintendent will explain the mechanical functions of the home, describe how to initiate warranty service, and give you tips on how to maintain your home. You will also be given a Homeowner Reference Guide that explains these topics in greater detail and for future reference.

 

 

Step 14 Closing
At closing, you will sign documents officially transferring ownership of the home into your name. This is typically done at a the closing attorney’s office. Once you have closed on your home, you will be given the keys to your home. Please be sure to have all utilities (electric, gas, and water) transferred into your name effective the date of closing.

 

 

Step 15 Post Closing
Warranty service may be initiated at two months and again at eleven months after closing. If you wish to initiate this service, please do so by submitting a list to Signature Homes via facsimile, e-mail, or mail. Make your list as detailed as possible, including complete descriptions of the items needing attention. Upon receipt of your warranty service request, the Signature Homes warranty representative will contact you to schedule an appointment to make repairs covered under the warranty. Some work may require the attention of a subcontractor, in which case they will contact you directly to schedule the work. You may enroll in the 2-10 Homeowners Warranty program at www.lamarsmithsignature.com. Go to Signature Homes section and click on Homebuyers Corner.