top of page

OUR PROCESS

Building a house may seem intimidating if you've never done it before. Our goal is make the building process smooth, fun, and stress free by providing guidance and constant communication. ​Check out this step-by-step guide to learn a little more about what you can expect from start to finish.

Exterior blueprints for a new construction house

Initial Consultation

In the initial phase, we will meet to discuss important project details such as site location, floor plan, estimated timeline, and budget. There's no worries if you don't know the answer to these questions. Most of our clients have never built a home before so we are familiar with the common questions and concerns you may have. 

blueprints inside the Apex Life office

INVESTMENT

After we have finalized our budget we will sign a contract for you to take to the bank that includes details like pricing and plans. After you are approved of your construction loan, we can begin laying the ground work for your site.

Construction contract

PERMITS

Before we start doing anything on the property we will need to secure a few permits such as construction, grading, and zoning. This process can take a few days to a couple weeks. Once we obtain the proper permits, we will begin grading to prepare for the foundation.

City of Asheville building permit

GRADING

Grading land before building a house involves reshaping and leveling the terrain to ensure proper drainage and foundation stability. This process addresses slope, soil quality, and water runoff, laying the groundwork for a stable and well-prepared building site.

An excavator grading land in the mountains of western north carolina at a new home construction site

FOUNDATION

To start, footers will be dug out and poured with concrete for block to be laid. Once block is finished, framing can begin (if a crawl space) or the area inside the block will be leveled with gravel before pouring concrete for a slab foundation.

Construction workers doing block work on a foundation

FRAMING

Framing a house means building its structural skeleton with walls, floors, and roofs using wood or metal. This creates the foundation for subsequent construction stages like insulation, wiring, and plumbing.

interior framing of a new home construction job site

ROUGH INS

Rough-ins in a house involve installing essential systems like wiring, plumbing, and HVAC before final finishes. They lay the foundation for functional aspects of the home before insulation and final touches.

HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical inside a new home construction job site during rough-ins

INSULATION

Insulating a house entails adding spray foam or fiberglass to walls, floors, and roofs to regulate temperature and enhance energy efficiency. This process creates a thermal barrier, reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, thus optimizing indoor comfort and reducing energy costs.

Insulation inside new construction

DRYWALL

Next, the drywall panels are cut to fit the dimensions of the walls and ceilings and then fastened to the framing. Once the panels are in place, joint compound is applied along the seams and joints, and fiberglass tape is embedded to create a seamless surface. After drying, the compound is sanded down for a smooth finish. Finally, the finished drywall is ready for painting

man mudding drywall

INTERIOR

After drywall, interior elements are meticulously integrated for both aesthetics and functionality. Flooring, trim, cabinets, tile, doors, and paint shape living spaces, while countertops and bathroom fixtures provide practicality and elegance. This meticulous attention to detail transforms a house into a distinguished home.

a carpenter installing hardwood floors

SIDING

Siding is the process of covering a house's exterior walls with protective and appealing materials like wood, vinyl, or metal. This shields the structure from weather and enhances its appearance & durability.

siding on a new contemporary home

PAINTING

Painting involves prep, primer, and layering for a polished finish. The right choices can significantly elevate a home's appeal and value.

paint brush on house siding

LANDSCAPE & DRIVEWAY

Landscaping incorporates a harmonious mix of plants, hardscape, and outdoor elements, while driveway installation guarantees a robust and aesthetically pleasing property entrance, collectively elevating both its beauty and functionality.

grass sod being rolled out at a new home

FINALS

During this phase, the HVAC, Plumbers, and Electricians will come back to finish what they started in the rough ins, ensuring all things in the house are operable. This includes lighting fixtures, HVAC units, water heaters, appliances, as well as connecting the house to a permanent water and power supply. From installing fixtures and finishes to perfecting paint and trim, these finishing touches bring the house to life. The final inspection guarantees that everything meets the highest standards of quality and safety. As the last step before a house becomes a home, the finals mark the moment when the dream of a perfect living space is finally realized.

luxury modern home interior

WALKTHROUGH

After everything is move-in ready, a final walkthrough will be conducted to ensure that nothing needs to be changed or fixed. The homeowner will then be asked to sign necessary documents, proceed with the move-in, and commence the process of making the house their own. Once settled in, we kindly ask that you leave a review on our Google or BBB profile!

high-end custom bathroom

Let's start the conversion...

Reaching out is the first step.

Get your free consultation today.

bottom of page