Homeowner guide What happens at each step of a Central Florida build.

Step 1

Lot preparation and site work

The build begins before the foundation is poured. The lot is cleared and prepared for construction, including grading, excavation, utility coordination and preparation of the building area. Depending on the site, this may also include drainage, fill placement, compaction and preparation for the foundation system.

Typical duration

Several days to a few weeks, depending on the lot and site conditions

Weather factor

High. Heavy rain affects grading, excavation, soil preparation, site access, and whether crews and equipment can work at all.

Step 2

Foundation preparation and slab

The foundation area is prepared for the concrete pour. Depending on the home and the foundation design, this includes footings, forms, reinforcement, plumbing penetrations, a vapor barrier and the other components that become part of the foundation system. Once preparation is complete and the required municipal inspections have been performed, the concrete is placed.

Typical duration

About 1 to 2 weeks for preparation and the pour, though the overall schedule varies

Weather factor

High. Rain affects excavation, soil conditions, access, form and reinforcement preparation, and the timing of the pour itself.

Where an inspection fits. The pre-slab inspection happens here, 2 to 3 days before concrete. Everything in this step disappears under the slab, so this is the only chance to look at it.

Step 3

Block and structural walls

For homes built with masonry, concrete block walls go up on the completed foundation. Reinforcement and structural components are installed as the walls rise, with concrete placed in the designated reinforced cells. Openings for doors, windows and other components are established as the walls are built.

Typical duration

About 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the size and design of the home

Weather factor

Moderate to high. Masonry can continue in many conditions, but heavy rain, storms and a saturated site slow production.

Step 4

Roof structure and framing

The roof structure is installed and the home's shape becomes clear. Roof trusses or other structural framing are positioned and secured, followed by roof decking. From this point the house starts to look like the drawing on the plans.

Typical duration

About 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the roof design and the construction schedule

Weather factor

High. Wind, lightning and heavy rain interrupt crane operations, framing and roof-deck installation.

Step 5

Windows, exterior doors and weather protection

Windows and exterior doors are installed as the structure moves toward being enclosed. Exterior components and weather-resistant materials go on as the construction system requires, protecting the interior while the remaining work continues.

Typical duration

Several days to about 2 weeks

Weather factor

Moderate. Weather still affects exterior installation and site access, though less so as the home closes in.

Step 6

Rough-in: plumbing, electrical and HVAC

With the structure in place and the interior accessible, the major systems take shape. Plumbing supply and drain lines, electrical wiring and boxes, HVAC ductwork and equipment connections, and the other required components are installed in the walls, ceilings and other spaces that will later be concealed. Most of what is installed in this step will never be visible again once the drywall goes up.

Typical duration

About 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the home and how the trades are coordinated

Weather factor

Low to moderate. Interior rough-in is largely protected once the home is enclosed. Severe weather can still affect deliveries, access and the overall schedule.

Step 7

Rough-in inspections and pre-drywall

Before the walls are covered, the required municipal inspections are performed and the builder's process moves toward insulation and drywall. This is an important point in the sequence: the plumbing, electrical, HVAC, structural and framing work is all still visible, and within days it will not be.

Typical duration

Generally several days to about a week for this transition, though scheduling varies

Weather factor

Low. Most of the work at this stage is inside the enclosed structure.

Where an inspection fits. The pre-drywall inspection happens here, after the rough-in inspections pass and before the insulation crew arrives. The gap between those two can be a few days, so tell us when framing tops out.

Step 8

Insulation and drywall

Insulation is installed, followed by drywall on the interior walls and ceilings. The home changes quickly in this step as the open framing and rough-in systems become enclosed rooms. Drywall finishing follows: taping, joint treatment, sanding and preparation for paint.

Typical duration

About 1 to 3 weeks

Weather factor

Low. Interior conditions become the main factor, though excessive humidity can affect scheduling and drying times.

Step 9

Interior and exterior finishes

The home transitions from a construction site to a finished residence. Depending on the builder and the plan, this step includes cabinets, countertops, flooring, tile, interior doors and trim, plumbing and electrical fixtures, appliances, paint, exterior finishes, landscaping and the other final components. Several trades are often working in the home at the same time.

Typical duration

Several weeks, depending heavily on the size of the home, the finishes selected and the builder's schedule

Weather factor

Low to moderate. Interior work is largely protected, while exterior finishes, landscaping, grading and other site work can still be delayed by rain and saturated ground.

Step 10

Final completion and closing

The builder works through the remaining construction items, completes the required inspections and approvals, and prepares the home for turnover. Final cleaning and site work are completed, and remaining deficiencies or incomplete items are addressed as the home approaches closing. A final walkthrough documents the home's condition before ownership changes hands.

Typical duration

Often 1 to 3 weeks from substantial completion to closing, though this varies significantly

Weather factor

Low to moderate. Interior completion is largely protected, while final exterior work, landscaping, grading and site access can still see delays.

Where an inspection fits. The pre-closing inspection happens here, 7 to 10 days before closing, so you arrive at your builder walkthrough with a written, photographed list rather than a clipboard. Eleven months after closing, the 11-month warranty inspection looks at the home again after a full year of settling and Florida weather, while the builder's first-year coverage is still open.

A note about construction timelines.

A new home does not move through these steps on a fixed schedule. Some overlap, while others cannot begin until the preceding work, inspections, materials or approvals are complete.

In Central Florida, weather is an especially important variable. Heavy rain slows site work, excavation, concrete, masonry, framing, roofing and exterior finishes, and periods of extreme heat, storms or saturated ground affect both productivity and site access.

The result is that two homes in the same community can move through construction at different speeds, even when they are built from similar plans.

The sequence is generally predictable. The calendar is not.

Because even a new home deserves a second set of eyes.