Essential Steps to Building a House in Lincoln, NE

Building a house is one of the most exciting and rewarding projects you can undertake. In Lincoln, Nebraska, the construction process follows specific guidelines and local regulations. Understanding the steps to building a house ensures everything goes smoothly and efficiently. 

If you're dreaming of a custom-built home or a ready-made floor plan, knowing what to expect can ease some of the stress and help you plan better. Here’s a detailed look at the steps to building a house in Lincoln, Nebraska.

1. Prepare the Home’s Site

Before you can break ground, you need to prepare the site where your future home will stand. This is a critical stage and sets the tone for the rest of the project. In Lincoln, you'll need to follow local zoning regulations and obtain permits before you start with the steps to building a house.

Surveying the Land

The first step in preparing your homesite is surveying the land. This ensures the property boundaries are accurate and confirms the correct placement for your home. A surveyor will mark out the property lines and pinpoint where your home should sit. In Lincoln, ensuring the correct boundaries is vital to avoid legal or zoning issues down the road.

Clearing and Grading the Land

Once the land is surveyed, the lot must be cleared of trees, rocks, and debris. Heavy machinery is typically used to remove any obstructions that could interfere with the building process. 

After clearing, the land is graded. Grading is the process of leveling the land to promote proper water drainage. Poor grading can lead to water pooling, which can cause foundational problems in the future. Make sure your lot is correctly prepared for the climate in Lincoln, which experiences both heavy rains and dry periods.

Utility Setup

Before construction begins, utility access needs to be established. The utilities include water, gas, and electrical connections. In Lincoln, this involves working with the local utility companies to ensure that your lot has the necessary connections in place. Utility setup can sometimes take longer than expected, so have this done early to avoid delays.

2. Lay the Home’s Foundation

The foundation of your home provides the structural base, so it must be done with precision. In Lincoln, the type of foundation you choose may depend on the local climate and soil conditions.

One popular option in Lincoln is a basement foundation. This adds an entire level of living or storage space beneath your home. Basements are often chosen in colder climates like Lincoln because they provide extra insulation and protection against harsh winter temperatures. While basement foundations require time and money to construct, they add significant value to your home. 

3. Frame the House

Framing is where your house begins to take shape. It involves constructing the skeleton of the home, using wooden beams and supports.

Installing the Frame

In this step, the construction team will build the basic structure of your house. Wooden beams and posts form the framework for walls, floors, and the roof. Floor joists are installed to create the subfloor, which will support the surface materials later on. 

Wall studs are placed to form the interior and exterior walls, and roof trusses are added to support the roof. This is an exciting time, as you can start to visualize the shape and layout of your home.

Installing Doors and Windows

After the frame is erected, doors and windows are installed. This provides the first step in enclosing the house and protecting it from the elements. You can now see how each room will flow and get a sense of the natural light that will enter the space.

House Wrapping

To protect the home from moisture and air leaks, a house wrap is applied to the exterior walls. This material acts as a barrier, keeping rain and moisture out while improving energy efficiency. 

In a climate like Lincoln’s, where temperatures fluctuate throughout the year, this step helps maintain comfortable indoor conditions by regulating heat and cooling. Properly wrapped homes tend to have lower energy costs, making it a valuable investment.

4. Install the HVAC, Plumbing, & Electrical Components

Once the frame is in place and the house is dried-in, meaning it’s protected from the weather, the installation of key systems begins. These systems include HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), plumbing, and electrical wiring.

HVAC Installation

In Lincoln, having a reliable HVAC system is essential due to the cold winters and hot summers. The HVAC system is installed with ductwork running throughout the house, ensuring proper air circulation. 

Ducts are placed behind walls and above ceilings to remain hidden but functional. This system will keep your home at a comfortable temperature year-round and improve indoor air quality.

Plumbing Installation

Next, the plumbing system is installed. Pipes are placed in the walls, floors, and ceilings to provide water to your kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room, and other areas. Proper installation ensures that water flows efficiently throughout the home and that drainage systems work correctly. This includes connections for sinks, showers, toilets, and appliances like washing machines.

Electrical Wiring

Finally, the electrical system is wired throughout the house. Electricians will install wiring for outlets, switches, and light fixtures. This process also includes preparing circuits for major appliances and setting up the home’s electrical panel. Each system must be inspected by city officials in Lincoln to make sure they meet safety codes and regulations.

5. Add the Home’s Insulation

With the major systems installed, it’s time to insulate the home. Insulation is key to maintaining energy efficiency and keeping your home comfortable during Nebraska's seasonal extremes.

Types of Insulation

There are several types of insulation to choose from, including fiberglass, spray foam, and blown-in insulation. Each offers different levels of soundproofing and energy efficiency. The right choice depends on your budget and specific needs.

Where Insulation is Applied

Insulation is applied to the exterior walls, attic, and floors. Properly insulating these areas ensures your home will retain heat during the winter and stay cool during the summer. In Lincoln, where temperatures can drop drastically in the winter, having a well-insulated home can significantly reduce your energy costs.

6. Place the Home’s Drywall

With insulation in place, the walls and ceilings are ready for drywall. This step transforms the interior space and gives your home a more finished look.

Hanging the Drywall

Large sheets of drywall are measured, cut, and screwed into the framing to create the walls and ceilings. These panels form the smooth surfaces that will eventually be painted or covered with other finishes.

Taping and Sealing the Drywall

Once the drywall is in place, seams between the panels are taped and covered with joint compound. This step ensures the walls and ceilings are smooth and seamless. The construction team will then sand the compound down to create a perfect finish.

Priming the Drywall

Finally, the drywall is primed with a special sealer. This helps the paint adhere to the surface and ensures an even, long-lasting finish. Now, the interior of your home is ready for painting and other finishing touches.

7. Add the Interior and Exterior Finishes 

Now that the walls are up and the systems are in place, it’s time to add the interior and exterior finishes. This stage brings your personal style to life.

Interior Finishes

Inside the home, flooring, cabinetry, and countertops are installed. Whether you choose hardwood, tile, or carpet, the floors will be laid to match your design choices. 

Cabinets and countertops are added to the kitchen and bathrooms. Appliances such as ovens, dishwashers, and refrigerators are also installed during this phase. Light fixtures, faucets, and other details help bring the interior together, making the house feel like a home.

Exterior Finishes

The exterior is also completed during this phase. Siding, brick, or stone is applied to the outside walls. Your driveway is paved, and landscaping is added to enhance the curb appeal of your new home. In Lincoln, outdoor spaces are often designed with the region's weather in mind, including lawns, shrubs, and other greenery that can thrive in Nebraska’s climate.

8. Conduct the Final Inspection and Walkthrough

After months of hard work, your new home is almost ready for you to move in. Before you can start enjoying it, though, the house must pass a final inspection.

Walkthrough with the Construction Manager

Once the inspection is complete, you will do a walkthrough of the home with the construction manager. This is your chance to see the finished product and check for any issues. If something needs adjustment, the construction team will address it before you move in. This step ensures the home is built to your satisfaction.

Build a House with Murray Custom Homes

Building a house in Lincoln, Nebraska is a rewarding endeavor that involves a meticulous and structured process. From preparing the homesite to completing the final inspection and walkthrough, understanding the detailed steps to building a house is necessary for a successful and efficient project. This thorough understanding can alleviate stress and aid in effective planning.

At Murray Custom Homes, we understand that building a house is a big investment. We strive to make the process and steps to building a house as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our team in Lincoln, NE, is committed to providing you with the highest quality workmanship and personalized service every step of the way.

If you're building your first home or your dream home, we're here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today at (402) 594-0410 to start your home-building journey. Let us turn your vision into reality!