The Construction Process

Building your new home is as exciting for us as it is for you. There are many phases of construction. Before we begin, we'd like to acquaint you with the manner in which we approach the construction of each Jacobs home. Over the next few months, you will be busy overseeing many details, making numerous decisions and finalizing your design selections. By having a general knowledge of the many phases that lie ahead, you'll be better informed which makes for a smoother, more relaxing experience

The construction of a Jacobs home is divided into multiple stages.

1st Phase:: Home site Preparation Stage
2nd Phase:: Foundation Stage
3rd Phase:: Frame Stage
4th Phase:: Exterior Trim Stage
5th Phase:: Mechanical Rough/Insulation Stage
6th Phase:: Sheetrock Stage
7th Phase:: Trim Stage
8th Phase:: Paint Stage
9th Phase:: Mechanical Trim
10th Phase:: Grading and Landscaping Stage
11th Phase:: Final Stage

1. Homesite Preparation

Just prior to preparing the home site for construction, the area is surveyed and marked with stakes typically 10 ft larger than the footprint of the house so the stakes will not be destroyed during the process of digging the hole. These markings show the final positioning of your home. The land is then cleared of trees and obstructions and the soil is prepared for the construction process. Trees may be removed to establish swales for proper drainage as necessary. We can now begin excavating the site for the foundation. This is commonly referred to as "breaking ground".

At this point, all selections or correlations and any changes need to be final. Because we build from the ground up, any changes in the basement or lower levels as additional bathrooms, need to be known as all utilities are placed underground and are installed first. In addition, all exterior selections should be finalized as the style of brick, paint colors, doors and windows. Electrical and plumbing requirements are necessary at this stage as well. At this juncture, Jacobs Homes has already secured all necessary local building approvals and permits for the home and home site improvements. All architectural drawings are finalized before any permits can be obtained.

2. The Foundation Stage

This is the first stage of construction and one of the most important. The footing is framed out and concrete is poured. Sleeves are installed for the drain tile. One of the most important sleeves is the one for the storm pit. The storm pit location is determined at this time. Upon the city or village approval, the foundation forms are set in place standing upright. Upon completion, they form the perimeter of the house and include a number of reinforcing steel rods that vary depending on the height and thickness of the walls. We then spray a damp proofing tar-like material to prevent and/or minimize moisture penetration. Unlike most builders, Jacobs installs 2" thick insulated foam panels (depending on the village requirement) around the perimeter for proper insulation of the basement walls. Anchor bolts are installed at the top of the foundation as concrete is being poured to secure the foundation walls and the wood framing of the house. If weather permits, we like to pour the basement slab concrete floor which will include all underground plumbing and electrical. Structural steel is installed such as I beams and steel columns. At this point sewer and water is now brought into the house.

3. The Frame Stage

After the foundation is back-filled, the first floor structure is ready for the framing process. Wood joist, whether they be engineered or structural, are spread to create the sub-floor and studs and rafters are used to create the skeletal structure or walls of the home.

At the frame stage, temporary bracing is installed as the next floor and/or roof is prepared to be installed. The framing for each floor plan is individually engineered. At this juncture, the entire house is wrapped with a house wrap, which is a vapor moisture barrier.

4. The Exterior Trim Stage

At this stage, many things occur. First, the exterior windows and doors are set in place. Fascia, soffits, frieze boards and corner boards are installed next. The final exterior material, whether it is siding or brick, stone or stucco is installed. It is important to understand that at this exterior trim stage, we are diligently working inside the house performing all rough framing for tub decks, shower niches, soffits, closet details, recessed medicine cabinets and door heights.

5. Mechanical Rough/Insulation Stage

Plumbing, HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) and final electrical pipe and wiring, low voltage wiring as the alarm system, telephone and cable are all installed. At this stage, it is critical to know the finished floor heights. Fire stop caulking is added at all penetration holes as a preventative measure. A rough mechanical inspection is secured with the village for all of the above mechanical and structural prior to insulation. Upon approval, Jacobs Homes will begin the installation of the fiberglass insulation that is placed between all exterior walls. Should a homebuyer want soundproofing in certain areas, additional insulation will be needed and an extra expense will be incurred.

6. The Sheetrock Stage

At this stage, the sheetrock or drywall is installed. This begins to separate rooms and the making of a home is now more visible. Water resistant drywall is installed at wet areas as tubs and showers. A finished coat of taping compound is installed to hide all seams and joints. Walls are primed before trim is installed. All finished surfaces are now installed as tile floors, walls, stone or wood.

7. The Trim Stage

All trim including exterior doors, garage doors, window casing, baseboards, cabinets, crown moldings and stairs should be delivered to the house for installation. At this stage, custom staircases are installed as well as rails (finished stain or paint colors need to be selected at this stage). All correlations must be complete at this stage as well. Skilled carpenters are brought in for the trim stage. All cabinetry is installed for the kitchen, bathrooms, mud rooms and laundry rooms. All moldings, baseboards and crown which were delivered are now installed. The interior doors are hung as well.

8. The Paint Stage

Here, the final interior painting, caulking and staining is done on all walls, stairs, doors and trim. At the end of this paint stage, all wood floors are stained and finished and carpet is installed.

9. The Mechanical Trim Stage

The plumbing fixtures (toilet, sink, faucets, shower trim) and the electrical fixtures are installed. Lights, plugs and switches including phone jacks, cable jacks, alarm keypads and control panels are mounted, speakers are installed as well as door knobs. All kitchen appliances are set in place. Kitchen countertops and bath vanity tops are installed, shower doors are installed. For a garage door opening option, a keyless pad is a great high-tech convenience. Standard location includes inside the garage door. Additional keypads, particularly in the master suite are extremely convenient.

10. Grading And Landscaping

As the interior of your home is nearing completion, it's time to begin the final grading of the property, landscaping and the installation of sidewalks, driveway and any patios. Standard landscaping is installed at this time as well as any changes to your landscape plan.

Your home is constantly inspected by the village building inspectors through various stages of construction. Jacobs Homes takes enormous pride knowing that we meet and often times exceed all code requirements. A new home construction site is exciting, but can also be dangerous. Many trip hazards are unfamiliar to the average person and can be in unexpected places. Homeowners should only visit the site with a member of the Jacobs staff to ensure optimal safety.

11. The Final Stage

At this point, the house is thoroughly cleaned. A few remaining cosmetic items will be completed as the mirrors will be hung and the closets are finished. A final inspection is performed for a certificate of occupancy. A homeowner can not move into their new home without a certificate of occupancy. A walk-through with the homeowner and construction personnel occurs at this time as well. Throughout this meeting, we walk the house together with the homeowner and show them the correct operation of all of their new appliances. In addition, we provide a quick technical overview of the entire house. Jacobs Homes provides each homeowner with all manufacture instruction manuals of each product installed and it is housed in a container for safe keeping and easy reference. At this juncture, homeowners need to confirm that the phone, electrical and gas transitions are set and ready for move-in. A final survey to close with the title company is required prior to closing.