Major steps of Amber Homes construction

1. Excavation
Dig the hole for the basement or crawl space. The hole must be inspected by a soils engineer before we can proceed and pour the foundation.

2. Foundation
Start the foundation by forming the "walls." A structural engineer must inspect the steel in the foundation before we can pour the cement. Once this inspection is passed, we pour the concrete walls and put anchor bolts in for framing. The excavator installs water and sewer lines. Waterproofing (black tar) is put on the foundation to protect the porous concrete. The interior drain on the floor of the basement is installed to prevent water from getting under the basement floor. This aids in seeking to prevent any expansive soils from heaving (any questions about the soils in your neighborhood should be directed to the sales person on site). The drain in the basement goes to a perimeter drain which takes the water and collects it in a sump pit. All underground plumbing and sewer is installed and inspected by the City. The basement floor is poured.

3. Framing
A pre-frame inspection is done by the City before framing starts. All lumber for the home is assembled. All interior and exterior walls are framed. The roof and roof covering are installed (minus the shingles). All windows and exterior doors are installed.

 

 

4. Exterior trim
Siding, gutters, exterior trim, soffit, and facia are installed.

 

 

 

5. Mechanical Systems
Heat system is run throughout house, all plumbing lines are installed, the gas line is installed, sewer and waste lines are installed, electrical wiring is installed.

 

 

 

6. Roof
The shingles and roof vents are installed. The City inspects all framing, electrical systems, heating systems, gas line, and plumbing and waste line. All lines will not pass until they are leak free.

 

7. Insulation
A non-flammable cellulose insulation is blown into all exterior walls of the house. Bat (roll) insulation is installed in all vaulted/roof line areas of the house (some ceilings, the attic). The city inspects all insulation.

8. Drywall
Drywall is nailed and screwed (as required) onto all the interior walls of the house. All drywall joints are taped. The City inspects drywall installation.

 

9. Flatwork
The driveway, porches, and any patios are poured.

 

 

 

10. Texture
2 coats of drywall mud are laid to smooth out the tape seam and nails and screws in the wall. Texture is sprayed onto the wall with a compressor and pulled down the wall with a squeegee to make it flat and even. The house is closed up, and the heat is turned on to dry and cure the texture and drywall.

11. Interior Trim
The finishes inside your house are done. These include interior doors and casings, baseboards, window sills, interior paint, flooring, cabinets, toilets, plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, switch and cover plates, breakers, floor registers, thermostats, a new furnace filter, and air conditioning. All of these systems are tested to make sure that they work.

12. Carpet and Tile
Carpeting and tile is laid and a final coat of finish is put on any hardwood floors. Door knobs are installed and screens are put up. Drywall and paint are touched up. All trades make any necessary repairs.

 

 

13. Final Inspection
The home is inspected by several different government entities before a Certificate of Occupancy is approved. The Building Department, the Planning and Zoning Department, and the Public Works Department all must approve the home. After all requirements are met, a Certificate of Occupancy is issued. This certifies that your home is safe, operable, and suitable for occupancy.

*Inspections are done by the governing body applicable to your area. Generally this is the City in which the construction is done. Inspections may also be done by county or state enitities.*

**not every item described above is available in every home, please check with your sales person as to the exact options for your home*