HOW TO BUILD HOUSE STEP BY STEP

 

Ensure that the project is feasible correctly and legally

In the town where you want to settle, the town hall can inform you about the construct ability and the conditions of servicing your land. You will be able to consult the local town planning plan and request an operational town planning certificate.

Not all land is constructional. But it is always possible to submit a request for modification or revision of the local urban plan to the town hall of the town where you want to build. If no natural risk (flood, avalanche, landslide) on the plot in question is to be deplored, you have more reason to hope to be able to make a building land. The prevention plan for foreseeable natural risks annexed to the PLU can prohibit construction.

The law now makes the study of the soil compulsory. The seller's responsibility is to provide this geotechnical study as an annex to the promise to sell. The measure ensures the stability and durability of the house. A way to avoid cracks, infiltration or even differential settlement.

To build a detached house, you can call on contractors (including architects) or builders. However, the types of contracts that each offers offer very different guarantees that you should be aware of when choosing. Unlike the individual house construction contract regulated by the law of December 19, 1990, the project management contract is only regulated by a standard. The work's final price and that of the services not included are not specified in the CMO. While the CCMI proposed by the builders engages their responsibility and notably guarantees the completion of the construction (even in the event of bankruptcy) at the price and time agreed.

With the individual house contract, the builder sells you the product that is the completed house. You pay him the full bill for your future home. CCMI is more suitable for standardized houses.

The project management contract (or architect) is more of a service contract where the designer is independent and the craftsmen who realize the house. In this case, the project manager represents you, advises you, and defends you if necessary. The CMO will have the advantage of sometimes being more competitive for custom homes.

Estimate the cost of construction

Depending on the area, layout, and materials you determined earlier, you can estimate a fairly wide price range for your project. Be aware that some construction options such as choosing a two-story house or a flat roof can increase the price per square meter.

Design your house

Choose a construction professional

When you want to build your home, it is strongly recommended that you call on a professional in the sector, whether a home builder, architect, or project manager. If your house is more than 150 m², the law requires the presence of an architect for the rest of the project.

You can check the manufacturer's notoriety on the internet, social networks, or more simply word of mouth from professionals and individuals. Or even get in touch directly with those who interest you to learn more about their working methods, their homes' overall quality, and the materials they use. If possible, compare the constructions already carried out by the builder, both in terms of quantity and quality of buildings.

The "top builder" of the AAMOI (Association of Assistance to Individual Project Owners) can help you. It identifies home builders who are often pinned down for irregularities in the construction contract.

Please note, there can be big differences between works supervisors of the same construction group. Also, manufacturers sometimes have their information sites on the web. We must therefore be wary of their bias.

Small artisans can be as serious in monitoring their sites as large builders. And this even if some sales representatives of these large entities sometimes claim the opposite.

Before finally choosing your builder, we strongly advise you to ask for quotes and compare them to determine which professional is best suited to your budget. If several are, the craftsmanship and construction materials can help you make the best choice.

The site

Site monitoring

When you choose a builder for your home, several site meetings are scheduled and take place at each bill payment according to a schedule defined by law:

·         15% at the start of the work

·         25% at the end of the foundations

·         40% after the walls are raised

·         60% when put out of water

·         75% when the air is taken out

·         95% upon completion of equipment, plumbing, carpentry, and heating work

·         The remaining 5% is paid upon receipt of the works.

These site meetings are important. They allow you to check the progress of the work and to ensure that the site conforms to what was initially planned.

The shell

Earthworks and foundations

Earthwork consists of leveling the ground and making the trenches to set up the connection with the water, electricity, gas, and telecommunications networks. These works last longer or shorter depending on the type of soil. They are carried out more easily in dry periods and are easier when the soil is compact.

The foundations allow the house to be perfectly stable on the ground. Different foundation techniques are used depending on the nature of the soil, the materials, and the construction's heaviness.

The frame and the roof

The frame supports the roof's weight and must withstand any additional loads in bad weather (rain, ice, snow). There are three frames: the traditional frame, the industrial frame (or truss) and the frame for a flat roof.

Once the frame is finished, the roof is placed, which can be of different types depending on the local urban plan, regions, or utility. One can also, for example, consider green roofs or solar roofs made up of thermal or photovoltaic panels. Once this step is done, the house is considered to be out of water. Union complex provides the best luxury apartments in Lahore.

Joinery

The installation of joinery (windows, French windows, and doors) allows putting the house out of air. This stage generally announces the end of the shell and the finishing work aimed at making the house habitable.

Handing over the keys

The moment of handing over the keys allows you to verify that all the work ordered has been completed.

In the event of non-compliance, you can report it in the acceptance report. If everything is in order and accept your home as-is, you will have eight days left to pay the remaining 5% to your home builder. Even after signing and handing over the keys, you will have eight days left to report a reservation regarding the work.

You can be accompanied by a construction professional when handing over the keys to identify certain defects more easily. We recommend never accepting the presence of the expert chosen by the manufacturer because they are sometimes in cahoots with each other. Instead, be assisted by a bailiff. And, to make an inventory of the possible elements to correct, you can ask an architect. It is often better to pay the fees of these experts to have peace of mind. However, be aware that if you are accompanied by one of these professionals, you will not be able to benefit from the eight days delay to make your possible reservations.

Remember that a second RT 2012 certificate is necessary to prove that your finished construction meets these standards. The declaration attesting to the work's completion and conformity is also compulsory to notify the town hall of the end of your work.

Finishes

Once at home, the finishes are your responsibility and allow you to personalize and decorate your interior as you see fit. You will generally have to perform certain work not supported by the manufacturer, such as installing the kitchen or that of the roller shutters.

Remember that the layout of the outdoor spaces is also your responsibility and can be done by a craftsman or by yourself depending on the remaining budget.

Manufacturers omit to mention that a certain number of works remain the responsibility of the purchaser upon delivery. What remains to be done can be costly. Read the notice of your contract carefully; the arrangements that are not specified to be at your expense and those for which the expense is not quantified are the manufacturer's responsibility.