Realtor Candis Carmichael

Your Trusted, Dedicated Real Estate Expert

New Home Construction – How It’s Made

new home construction hard hat 1 candiscarmichael-comNew home construction is one of the most misunderstood options of your home search. It can be quite intimidating or you may think you could never afford it. Well, I’m here to tell you: it’s always worth considering.

As a New Homes Specialist, it’s important for me to understand the new home construction process. It’s also critical that I know how to best partner with the builder sales team to be 100% sure your best interests and your family’s needs are being covered.

What’s most important to me in the whole new home construction process? That you know and understand what to expect! When it comes to your new home construction, you don’t want any surprises. I like my buyers to feel comfortable. That comfort comes from you knowing what to expect and “what’s next” when your home is being built. I find that your knowing the steps of new home construction helps put your mind at ease.

The best way to explain is to just walk through the new home construction process step-by-step. I know is to walk you through the 15-steps of building a new home. My clients find photos and videos super helpful, so I included some to help you see what each phase looks like (…well, wherever there’s something to see, of course).

So if you want to get in on this new home construction bandwagon and start building the home of your dreams, contact me at 727.888.3292. You can also start your search here to see what these fabulous communities around Tampa Bay have to offer! And what’s best? Don’t want to wait 6-12 months? There are options for quick move-in homes where they pick everything and you just move in to your brand spankin’ new home without the fuss-n-muss!

Here is what you can expect when you decide to undertake new home construction to build your dream home (note, the photos and videos are from my tour of the DR Horton East Pointe at Lake Jovita in Dade City, FL.

A Look at New Home Construction

Step 1 – Permitting & Pre-construction

This is arguably the longest phase of the process. This is when they pull the permits to build on your home site and approve the building plans. This phase usually takes a few months (up to six in some cases).

Step 2 – Scrape, Grade, Form Board

new-home-construction-form-board-2-candiscarmichael-comDuring this stage, the team prepares the site to build your new home. The land is cleared, leveled and the form boards are laid, outlining where your home will live on your site. It’s where you’re first able to start seeing your future home (well, its footprint, anyway!).

Step 3 – Pre-Plumbing

Did you know there is plumbing within the foundation of your home? No? Well, there is. And it all needs to be marked and laid out at this stage.

Step 4 – Slab

Most homes being built in the Tampa Bay area sit on a concrete slab. Usually, they do a single-pour or monolithic slab. This means that the whole slab is poured into the form board frame at the same time. Then it’s allowed to set and cure so the rest of the house can go on top.

Step 5 – Block

It’s pretty common in new home construction in Florida to be concrete block. It’s best for sturdy construction as it’s resistant to the humid climate and wood destroying organisms (WDOs), like termites and carpenter ants. The block is reinforced with re-bar supports to provide additional structural support.

Step 6 – Lintel

The lintel is a step… and a thing. The lintel step is where your new home construction has the larger concrete support added. This includes the headers over the window and door openings along your home’s perimeter. It also is the time that concrete is often poured in vertical columns (into certain blocks, forming a column of concrete) for added structural support.

Step 7 – Frame

Every masterpiece needs a frame. So does your new home construction. Though this is a little different because this is the internal bones that hold up the inside of your house, not the outline to make it pretty. The frame stage is when they outline what your inside floor plan looks like. When it’s complete, you can finally see your new home taking shape. You can tell where little Timmy’s bedroom is. You can see your new walk-in closet take shape. For a buyer of a new home construction, this is arguably the step where everyone is the most excited! Wanna know how it feels? Check out this video I shot while I was on location at DR Horton’s East Pointe at Lake Jovita!

Step 8 – Dry-In & Shingle

In the dry-in and shingle phase, your new home construction gets its topper (i.e. the roof goes on). this is the phase where your trusses have been “flown” (thanks to a crane) and the liner is put on the roof to keep it – you guessed it – DRY-IN(SIDE)! 🙂

Step 9 – Pre-Drywall/Frame Walk/Customer Walk

This is what is usually considered “the point of no return” in many ways. All your ductwork, electrical, plumbing and “trade craft” is in. This is when you’ll go for a walk through of your new home construction site to check your list – do you have wiring in for the kitchen island? It’s the last chance for any (minor) tweaks if needed. Granted, a total overhaul at this phase isn’t likely, but this is the time to add any additional outlets before they put up the drywall!

Step 10 – Drywall

Not as glamorous as many of the other steps in the new home construction building process, the drywall phase truly separates the spaces. When the drywall goes up, you no longer see the ducts in the attic, or the electrical in the walls. This is when you can really visualize your home because the drywall is put up, secured, taped and ready for paint. This is one of the last “raw” phases of your new home construction.

Step 11 – Trim

Trim phase is what I consider to be the first layer of cosmetic. Literally the trim goes up. No more exposed casing or raw edges. This is where the home starts to show a little personality of its own.

Step 12 – Final Inspection

If all goes well along the way, this step should be a piece of cake! The building inspector must sign off that the home is correctly built. They will check that issues have been fixed and that the home is safe and solid for you and your family. The last of the structural work is being evaluated now before the cosmetic (a.k.a. “fun”) stuff begins!

Step 13 – First Punch & Customer Walkthrough

No no no. We’re not actually punching anything here. After the inspector signs off and gives their seal of approval, and after the design team has installed all counters, fixtures and décor, it’s time you’ll see your new home construction again. Remember: the last time you saw it, there was nothing but a roof, block walls and some framing inside. Exciting enough, but now it feels like HOME! This is also the time that you get to walk around with your little roll of colored tape (or dots, or whatever they give you) and you point out what’s not right – nicks in the paint, chips in the cabinet, gouges in the floors – whatever you find that’s not as it should be. Then, they fix it.

Note: this is not the time to make changes – only too find and correct ERRORS.

Step 14 – Second Punch & Closing

Sadly, we’ve officially reached the end of your new home construction build process. You’ll check that everything is complete in this last phase. Now is the time to “oooo” and “aaaahhhhh” over all of the bells and whistles. Yeah, you’ll check that there’s no dings in the doors (final chance to call it out, people!). But more importantly, this is your official Welcome Home moment. Your sales team will introduce you to your brand-new home, how it works, what everything does and, before you leave, you’ll officially transfer ownership from them to you by closing and handing you your keys.

Complete the form below or give me a call at 727.888.3292 and
Let’s get your search started today!

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Client Testimonials

Jeff & Susie B.
Jeff & Susie B.
Clearwater, FL
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Candis is a real go-getter! She stayed on top of the listing and sale of our home. She was very quick to respond to questions and had up-to-date info on any details we had our attention on. We don't know how she could have done her job any better! She was really good when it came to negotiations and closing our sale. She did what it took to get our sale completed. You will be pleased with her personality and performance handling your transaction.
Jason P.
Jason P.
St. Pete, FL
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Candis was honestly a great Realtor! We were moving from out of state, and she gave us virtual tours of each property. She paid attention to details like the smell of each home. She was always punctual and even sent us helpful reminders to guide us through the move-in process. It would have been impossible for us to make the move without her help!
Bonnie B.
Bonnie B.
Port Richey & Pinellas Park, FL
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Candis went beyond my expectations. She was cheerful and found a place for me to move to within my tight budget in less than a month. She really cares about her clients - she even helped me find a place overnight to stay and provided transportation as I don't drive. I was so grateful to have Candis as my Realtor.
Ryan L.
Ryan L.
St. Pete, FL
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Candis worked so hard for us. She was always on time, prepared, and knowledgeable. She was also kind and patient with her reminders and support. I can't recommend her highly enough! I had an ideal experience!
Tiffanie R.
Tiffanie R.
Largo, FL
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Candis is a highly experienced and knowledgeable realtor. She prides herself on knowing the market, neighborhoods, and the larger view of real estate trends across the country. Her insights, professionalism, and excellent communication skills translate to an interaction that is easy, streamlined, efficient, and effective. I recommend Candis 100%!
Michelle F.
Michelle F.
Largo, FL
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Absolutely amazing. Was very helpful and willing to answer all my questions to the best of her knowledge. Came back to me with more information if she didn’t have the best answers available.
Janet D.
Janet D.
Largo, FL
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Candis was very hands on and always available. She got our home sold and was a huge help in my relocation. We had lived in the same house for 29 years and were unsure how to proceed in our sale. Candis knew what she was doing and steered us in the right direction. She was always thorough in explaining each and every step.
W. Pope
W. Pope
Clearwater, FL
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My buying experience started rough with an agent who did nothing for me. Then I found Candis. I could tell the difference! She immediately began working hard for me. She is a very educated, helpful Realtor who was always a step ahead! She has a great personality and I recommend her to everyone! Even in a tough market, she made my dream of buying my first home a reality and we closed within 30 days!
Joe C.
Joe C.
St. Petersburg, FL
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Thanks to Candis for helping me find a place to call home. In what can be a very stressful experience, Candis always kept things positive and stayed on track towards accomplishing the goal. I highly recommend her for anyone trying to find the right property. I appreciated all of her market insight and creative ideas for making this property more of a home!
Ashleigh & James
Ashleigh & James
Largo, FL
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Candis helped my boyfriend and I purchase our first home. She made the process so efficient and easy that we never stressed about a thing! She is extremely knowledgeable and was always available to answer my questions. She is very responsive and willing to assist whenever needed. The entire process from Pre-approval to Closing was seamless and I wouldn’t want to go through it with any other REALTOR!
Tasha Z.
Tasha Z.
Largo, FL
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Candis went above and beyond to help me secure my new home purchase. There were many hiccups we encountered (at no fault of Candis). She worked hard to be an advocate for me through the entire process, even after closing. 10/10 would highly recommend. Working with Candis was like house shopping with a good friend!
Kim C.
Kim C.
Holiday, FL
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It was great working with Candis. She really cares about her clients and what they want in a home. Her professionalism is top notch.
Tina P.
Tina P.
Clearwater, FL
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Candis has a very happy personality that is so refreshing! If we had questions, she was there to answer. And she worked well with our loan team! In this extremely difficult housing market, Candis kept us positive and patient and we finally got an offer accepted on our first home! If you are looking for a realtor, Candis is the perfect one!
T. Reynolds
T. Reynolds
Largo, FL
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Candis will exceed your expectations. She is personally committed to helping people with extreme professionalism. This combination results in a realtor who anticipates your needs and provides solutions, goes 'above and beyond' normal communication, and executes on your behalf with diligence, care, and expediency. I couldn't recommend her more!
Charlotte B.
Charlotte B.
Largo, FL
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We were moving from CA to FL and Candis made house search over the next year so easy. All we had to do was tell her what we were looking for and she did all the work! She made us feel like family and went above and beyond to help find our perfect house. Candis truly is an upbeat agent who listened to our needs and wants while her fun and positive attitude made her a joy to work with. And her honesty is refreshing.
Paul & Barb L.
Paul & Barb L.
Largo, FL
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We connected with Candis when we visited open house. It was our lucky break! She never made us a feel like just a commission, nor was she impatient as we dragged out the process. She took the time to understand our wants and provided insight, opinion and reassurance throughout the process. Her experience and knowledge were very helpful and she was patient with our many changes in direction. She exceeded our expectations!
Vicki & Daryl H.
Vicki & Daryl H.
Harbor Bluffs, FL
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Candis Carmichael is a fantastic realtor. Her positive outlook paired with her professionalism is a great combination! She is smart, experienced and knowledgeable. She was in constant contact with us and always returned emails, text messages or phone calls in a prompt manner. My husband and I would recommend Candis whether you are buying or selling your home.
Ron & Charlotte VB
Ron & Charlotte VB
Largo, FL
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REALTOR Candis is a true professional Realtor. She listens to your wants and needs, then goes out to find what you asked for. She has local knowledge of all areas (which helped with our relocation from out of State). Candis responds to all phone call and text messages within a short amount of time.
Melody H.
Melody H.
Pinellas Park, FL
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REALTOR Candis is a consummate professional who guides you every step of the way and beyond the sale. She is detailed, personable and always your champion. I can't say enough about REALTOR Candis and would whole-heartedly recommend her to anyone seeking to sell or buy a home.
Kim & Ray L.
Kim & Ray L.
Largo, FL
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She is a great realtor! She listens and truly wants to help people find their forever homes. She's smart and a go-getter and we greatly appreciate everything she did to help us quickly find and buy our new home. She thoroughly explained everything during the process, answered our questions and gave great suggestions. If you want someone who cares and will truly work for you, Candis is who you need! She really is awesome!
Theresa & Sean O.
Theresa & Sean O.
Pinellas Park, FL
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Candis was a such joy to work with! She found us our perfect vacation home and worked hard to get everything finalized. Thank you for your dedication and constant updates during this long distance purchase.
Jane & Dave H.
Jane & Dave H.
St. Petersburg, FL
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We appreciate that REALTOR Candis was genuinely concerned with helping us find a home. We had been blown off by other agents, owners and managers who who kept stringing us along only to tell us they sold or rented out the house. Thank you!
Daryl H.
Daryl H.
Spring Hill, FL
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Candis was recommended and after meeting with her, we were quickly impressed with her professional manner and knowledge of the areas where we were looking to buy.
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