What to Expect During the Construction Phase of Your New Home Building Project

Part 5 of 6 in our Home Building Process Series

During initial meetings and planning there is typically a lot of back-and-forth with your new home builder, but clear and proactive communication shouldn't stop once the physical work begins.

This guide will show you what to expect during the construction phase.

Building a new home is an exciting adventure filled with anticipation and important decisions. Knowing what to expect during the construction phase can ease stress and help you stay informed every step of the way. This guide walks you through the key stages of new home construction, explains how weekly updates and on-site walk-throughs work, and clarifies how change orders are handled. By understanding these elements, you can enjoy a smoother experience and feel confident choosing Robert Ace Builders as your trusted partner.

1. Key Stages of New Home Construction

2. Weekly Updates To Keep You Informed

3. On-Site Walk-Throughs Let You See Progress Firsthand

4. How Change Orders Are Managed

New home framing and foundation in progress

Key Stages of New Home Construction

Understanding the main phases of building your home helps set realistic expectations. Here are the typical stages you will experience with Robert Ace Builders:

1. Site Preparation and Foundation

The construction process begins with clearing the land, leveling the site, and laying the foundation. This stage includes:

• Siting - customer walk-through for siting approval

• Excavation and grading

• Pouring concrete footings and foundation walls

• Installing plumbing and electrical lines under the slab (if applicable)

  
  

This phase usually takes the longest. Site prep and solid foundations are the key elements to ensure success. Once started, this can take 3 to 6 weeks depending on weather and soil conditions.

2. Framing

Framing builds the skeleton of your home. Carpenters construct walls, floors, and roof structures using primarily wood (steel may sometimes be used for basement girders or long span beams). This stage includes:

• Erecting exterior and interior walls

• Installing roof rafters and ceiling framing

• Installing the roof finish

• Adding windows and exterior doors

  
  

Framing typically lasts 2 to 3 weeks. It’s an exciting time because your home’s shape becomes visible.

3. Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Rough-ins

Once framing is complete, tradespeople install essential systems inside the walls:

• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts and units

• Plumbing supply and drain pipes and fixture valves

• Electrical wiring and outlets - customer walk-through to review and confirm locations

  
  

Because this stage requires each trade to work independently and in sequence (typically in the order listed), it can takes anywhere from 4 -8 weeks.

4. Insulation and Drywall

After MEP installation passes inspection, insulation is added to walls and ceilings for energy efficiency. Then drywall sheets are hung, taped, and finished. This phase includes:

• Installing insulation materials

• Hanging drywall panels

• Sanding and priming walls

  
  

This stage takes 2 to 3 weeks since drying time is required between coats.

5. Interior Finishes

With walls complete, the focus shifts to making your home livable and beautiful:

• Painting walls and ceilings

• Installing flooring (hardwood, tile, carpet)

• Adding cabinetry, countertops, and trim

• Installing light fixtures, switches, and outlets

  
  

This phase often lasts 3 to 4 weeks.

6. Exterior Finishes

While interior work progresses, exterior finishes are completed:

• Siding and/or masonry installation

• Driveways, walkways, and patios

• Well, septic or connection to central utilities

• Final grading and lawn seeding for erosion stabilization

Exterior work can take from 2 to 3 weeks, but often happens concurrently with other stages.

7. Final Inspections, Punch Work and Closeout

The final stage is where your home is thoroughly checked, touch-ups completed and prepared for you to move in.

• The Robert Ace Builders 100+ page construction checklist is reviewed to ensure that your home meets our rigorous building standards

• Final walk-throughs are conducted - customer walk-through with your field supervisor and sales representative

• Punch list items are reviewed and completed

• Your home is professionally cleaned

• The Certificate of Occupancy is issued by the municipality

This final stage can take 2 to 3 weeks depending on the project scope and availability for inspections.

Weekly Updates To Keep You Informed

One of the most important parts of the construction process is communication. Robert Ace Builders provides weekly updates to keep you informed about progress, upcoming tasks, and any challenges that arise. These updates typically include:

• Work completed during the week: For example, foundation poured, framing finished, or roofing installed.

• Work tentatively planned for the next week: Such as electrical wiring, plumbing, or drywall installation.

• Any delays or changes: Early notice helps you adjust plans if necessary.

  
  

These updates come through your preferred method of communication (set up with your field supervisor). This can be emails, phone calls, or text messages, depending on your preference. They help you track the timeline and progress while giving you peace of mind that your home is moving forward as planned.

On-Site Walk-Throughs Let You See Progress Firsthand

Regular on-site walk-throughs are a valuable part of the construction process. Robert Ace Builders has three planned walk-throughs that occur roughly at the beginning, middle and end. We require homeowners to schedule in advance, additional site visits with their assigned field as needed. These visits allow you to:

• Visualize your future home: Seeing framing, electrical rough-ins, or interior finishes helps you connect with the space.

• Ask questions directly: Discuss any concerns or ideas with the project supervisor.

• Spot potential issues early: Catching problems before they escalate saves time and money.

• Celebrate key milestones: Each stage completed is a step closer to moving in.

  
  

Scheduling additional site visits with the field supervisor in advance is required. It ensures accountability and availability of key team members. Since active construction sites are inherently dangerous (even for experienced professionals) unscheduled visits are strictly prohibited for your personal safety.

How Change Orders Are Managed

Change orders happen when you want to modify the original plans or specifications after the construction agreement has been signed. Robert Ace Builders handles these carefully to avoid surprises:

• Written requests: All changes must be documented in writing.

• Cost estimates: The builder provides a clear estimate for additional costs or credits.

  • Occasionally change orders where the extent of the work required is difficult or impossible to access beforehand, may be listed as "Time & Material" (T&M). In these instances, we will do our best to provide you with a reasonable estimate as to what the work will cost. Upon completion, the final scope and price will be submitted for you to review and payment.

• Schedule impact: Any delays caused by changes are communicated upfront.

• Approval process: You approve and pay for the change order before work begins.

  
  

Common change orders include upgrading finishes, adding electrical outlets, or including additional features. Managing these changes transparently keeps the project on track and within budget.

It is important to note that change orders may not be possible after certain phases of construction are complete (e.g. if you want to change the room layout after the framing is complete). Be sure to get your change order requests in early, so that they can be properly evaluated and approved.

Change orders are also subject to an administrative fee. be sure to ask your sales representative for more details.

Construction manager reviewing plans at new home site

Why Robert Ace Builders Is the Clear Choice

Choosing the right builder makes all the difference in your home construction journey. Robert Ace Builders stands out because of their commitment to the Ace Promise:

• Transparent communication: Weekly updates and open walk-throughs keep you informed.

• Experienced team: Skilled craftsmen and project managers ensure quality at every stage.

• Attention to detail: From foundation to finishes, they focus on precision and durability.

• Customer-focused approach: They listen to your needs and handle change orders professionally.

• Proven track record: Numerous satisfied homeowners attest to their reliability and craftsmanship.

  
  

With Robert Ace Builders, you get more than a house—you get a home built with care and expertise. Their clear process and commitment to clients make them the trusted partner for your new home.