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, The Barnes Group, Inc. can generally construct your home in 5-8 months depending on the site, optional features and size 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:

Sales Agreement

You select your home site; your home plans, and discusses changes you want incorporated into the home with the builder. Warranty and HOA documents are provided. You then sign a sales agreement and secure a mortgage.

Preconstruction

Your home site is surveyed and staked, marking the lot boundaries and placement of the home. You then meet with a The Barnes Group, Inc. Representative to review your home plans in detail. If custom changes are requested, the plans will be revised and re-presented for your approval.

Permits

The Barnes Group, Inc works with appointed officials to pull all permits required to proceed with building your new home. This process can take anywhere from one to four weeks depending on location of site. Until all permits are in place, we cannot proceed to the foundation stage.

Design Selections

During the permit process, your selections, such as paint colors, brick, shutters, carpet, tile, cabinetry and granite countertops, are made. Our design professional make this an easy and enjoyable process.

Foundation

Once the permits are in place, the ground is cleared and excavated. The foundation of the house footings are dug,. Under-slab plumbing is installed and inspected. Footings and Slab are prepped, inspected and poured.

Framing

Now, your exterior and interior walls will be framed, during which time wall sheathing is added to enclose the house, including windows and doors. Foam insulation board is installed to the exterior to reduce the possibility of water or air penetration. Then the roof is added. Shingles, soffits, and exterior finishes are installed.

Mechanical

At the mechanical stage, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems, telephone, cable TV, 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 mechanical must pass inspection.

Insulation

Insulation is added between studs in all exterior walls. Gaps between framing members and around windows are then insulated to reduce potential air leaks. Once the insulation is completed the home’s framing, mechanical and plumbing systems are inspected prior to starting drywall.

Interior Finishes

Drywall is installed and finished. 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 installing the air conditioner, water heater, light fixtures, faucets, appliances and attic insulation. Finally, initial drywall and paint touchup are done, and the home is cleaned.

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 drywall is installed, you can expect to see the 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.

Landscaping

Your yard is graded next. Deck, fence, and sprinklers are installed if these options have been added to the home, and then the yard is landscaped, sodded, or seeded.

Walk-Through

The final walk-through is typically scheduled approximately one week prior to closing. The Barnes Group, Inc. representative 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. During the walk-through, our representative will assist you in making a “punch list” of any cosmetic or mechanical defects that may need attention.

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.

Closing

At closing, you will sign papers officially transferring ownership of the home into your name. This is typically done at a title company or at your designated lender. 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.

Post Closing

Warranty service may be initiated at two months and if needed at eleven months after closing. If you wish to initiate this service, please do so by submitting a list to The Barnes Group, Inc. 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 Barnes Group, Inc. warranty representative will contact you to schedule an appointment to make repairs during normal business working hours 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.