What Is the Process of Building a Home on Purchased Property?

If you've already found where you want to live in New Orleans, you've finished the hardest part of creating your forever home. It’s time to concentrate on building the house of your dreams on that land. There are a few things you should know before you start the process, especially that good work takes time. Here’s what to expect, though your situation may require more steps.

What to Do Before You Buy Land

You'll want to consider everything in your area of choice when searching for land. New Orleans is a great place to settle in. The rich culture can ensure you have something bright and fun to look forward to all year. It's also an excellent place for individuals to live, as the average number of people per household is only around two, and 86.3% of people stay in the same home from year to year.

No matter where you settle, you should know a few things before purchasing land to build a house. First, you should understand zoning restrictions. Some areas cannot be used for residential homes, and you should always check with the county planning office to see if any other building restrictions apply. New Orleans sits below sea level, so you should expect no basement or cellar in your home, though you should still have a crawlspace.

You should also consider the lot’s composition. Is it on a slope that would prohibit building? Are there many trees you'd have to clear out before construction begins? Would you have city or well water? These questions can help you decide whether this is the right plot or whether you should keep looking.

You should also consider what type of home you want to build. Certain kinds will cost more than others, so prioritize what's important to you. Building a house from the ground up is a lengthy process. If you don't want to wait, a modular home can have you sitting in your dream home in just three to five months, making it an attractive option for people who want to move now.

The Homebuilding Process: 10 Steps

The best part of building your home on purchased land is that you can create a custom design. It may be more expensive, but it means you aren't tied to certain floor plans. However, the process can take a little while, so you should plan for every step to ensure it goes smoothly and that you can move in quickly.

1. Acquire the Permits

The first step is acquiring the right permits and paying any fees to ensure your house is legal. Obtaining them might feel troublesome, but having total control over how your home will look in the end is worth it.

Required permits may vary depending on your location. You'll need a new construction permit in New Orleans, which is used for residential and commercial projects and costs $60, plus $5 for each additional $1,000 spent. You'll also likely need to pay to set up your septic and water system. Ask your local municipality if there's anything else you need to know before building.

2. Meet With a Lender

The best way to finance your dream home is through a lender. The next step is to meet with contractors, architects and designers as you strive to bring your vision to life. Emphasize clear communication throughout this stage to ensure you get exactly what you want, as it may be more difficult to change later.

3. Level the Site

Clear out any trees or large boulders that might prevent the foundation from being even. The crawl space will also be dug out at this time. Even if you don't think you'll finish your cellar immediately because it can cost thousands of dollars, it’s a worthwhile investment that will add value and space to your home. This process might take some time, but after a week or so, your house will start to come to life.

4. Set the Foundation

Once the lot is completely level, workers will pour concrete to create a slab. This slab will allow your house to sit level with the ground and be the foundation your home is built on. This might take a couple of weeks to complete. A foundation will also help your home weather the many storms New Orleans experiences in various categories of strength.

5. Frame the House

This step, which takes a few weeks, is when you start to see your house take shape. Wooden framing creates your home’s skeleton. The doorways and window holes will give you an idea of the finished product. You may notice your roof is tied to your home. While it might seem abnormal elsewhere, due to New Orleans’ influx of storms, this preventive measure ensures it doesn’t fly away. The windows must be weatherproof for the same reason.

During this step, you should visit your home and ensure it's everything you want. Some people write things on the framing, such as inspiring religious verses or quotes that resonate with them. What you choose to do with your framework is up to you.

6. Introduce Plumbing and Lighting

Your home can't stay as a wooden frame forever. You eventually need to put in the plumbing and electrical wiring. You'll also receive your HVAC units at this time, as well as the wiring for a security system if you choose to put one in. An inspector will examine everything to ensure it’s up to code and works correctly.

7. Bring in Insulation and Drywall

These short weeks will completely transform your home. If the framework is the skeleton of your house, insulation and drywall are the muscles and skin. Insulation adds a thin layer of soundproofing and can help regulate the temperature year-round. Drywall goes over the insulation and forms the walls and ceilings.

8. Start the Detail Work

This step is where your vision comes to life. Flooring and paint color will make your home stand out from others. If you're undecided on your palette, choose something neutral and paint over it later, once you're settled in. Flooring is important, though — you'll want to ensure it works with your household. 

For example, vinyl is easy to clean and helps older pets keep their footing. Vinyl is also a great option for flood-resistant flooring, as are rubber and ceramic tile, which could be useful in New Orleans. Vinyl also looks good and can be used anywhere in the home without throwing off the aesthetic. However, you should remove the vinyl flooring after a flood to allow the subfloor to dry out completely.

9. Choose Appliances

Installing appliances and fixtures is next. Your washing machine and dryer should enter the home at this point, as should your refrigerator, dishwasher and other necessary items. You’ll need to ensure everything works correctly, including the HVAC unit that was previously installed.

10. Close on Your Home

Before you start moving everything in and decorating, you should have an inspector ensure everything functions as it should and is structurally sound. You should also make sure the building is up to your standards. You shouldn’t settle for anything less than what you envisioned.

From there, you can start customizing your home's interior and exterior. Take your time moving in and unpacking. Cherish every moment of the process, as it’s something you've been looking forward to for a while. You may be moved into the home of your dreams in a few short months.

Build Your Dream Home

People who opt for a custom-built home typically intend to live there for the rest of their lives — or at least a long period. Now that you've chosen where to live and started the land-purchasing process, you must plan for what comes next. Once you have an idea of what to expect, you can better plan out your moving process. Take it slow and ensure everything is done as you want so you can live your best life in the Big Easy.

*Written By Rose Morrison of renovated.com