Building a custom home is an exciting journey, but it can also be a bit overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding the construction timeline. One of the most significant milestones in the building process is the installation of drywall. It marks the transition from raw construction to the finished product that will soon be a livable, beautiful home. However, many homeowners are left wondering: What happens after drywall? How long after drywall is a house complete? In this blog, we will walk you through the new construction timeline after drywall installation, provide a detailed breakdown of each step that follows, and answer the common question of how long after drywall is a house complete. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the final stages of your custom home build and be more prepared for the exciting day when you can move in.
The New Construction Timeline After Drywall: A Key Milestone
Drywall installation is a pivotal point in the home construction process. After the framing, rough plumbing, and electrical work are completed, drywall serves as the outer shell of your home, giving it structure and definition. It’s an essential part of the finishing process, but it’s just one part of the bigger picture. The question many homeowners ask is, what happens after drywall installation?
Once the drywall is up, the work is far from over. In fact, there are several crucial steps involved in finishing the interior and exterior of the house. Understanding the timeline after drywall can help set realistic expectations and prevent unnecessary stress. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key steps in the process:
1. Drywall Finishing: Taping, Mud, and Sanding
Drywall finishing is one of the first steps that follows drywall installation. This process involves taping the seams between drywall sheets, applying joint compound (mud) to the seams and nail/screw holes, and then sanding down the dried compound to create a smooth, seamless surface.
This phase is important for the final appearance of your home’s walls and ceilings. It often requires several rounds of mudding, drying, and sanding, as the joint compound can shrink as it dries. Depending on the size of the house, this step can take anywhere from a few days to a week.
If you’re planning to have textured walls or ceilings (like popcorn ceilings or knockdown textures), this will be done during the drywall finishing stage. After sanding, you may also notice areas that need a touch-up or re-sanding before the painting process begins. This stage must be completed thoroughly to ensure the best finish for the next steps.
2. Priming and Painting: The Touch of Color
Once the drywall finishing is completed, it’s time to move on to the priming and painting of your home’s interior. Priming is a critical step because it seals the drywall and ensures that the paint adheres well. It also provides a consistent base coat that helps the final paint color look smooth and uniform.
After the primer has dried, your painter will apply the first coat of paint, and depending on the desired finish and the type of paint, one or two additional coats may be required. Keep in mind that paint drying time varies depending on the climate in South Florida. Humid weather can slow drying, so this phase may take a bit longer than expected.
As a tip, if you’re focusing on energy efficiency and sustainable living, consider low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or zero-VOC paints. These environmentally friendly options improve indoor air quality while reducing harmful chemicals in your home.
3. Cabinet Installation and Flooring: A Functional Home Begins to Take Shape
After your walls have been painted, cabinet installation is the next major step. Cabinets are installed in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, and it’s crucial that this step is completed before flooring to avoid any potential damage to your floors.
At the same time, flooring installation can begin. Whether you’re opting for hardwood, tile, carpet, or even eco-friendly flooring materials, this step will significantly influence the overall look and feel of your home. The floor installation process usually takes a few days, depending on the type of material chosen. For example, hardwood floors often require time to acclimate to the environment, which can extend the timeline.
The combination of cabinets and flooring truly transforms the interior of your house, moving it from a construction site to a space that feels like home.
4. Lighting and Electrical Work: Creating the Right Atmosphere
After the cabinetry and flooring are installed, the lighting fixtures and electrical components are installed. This includes wiring for lighting, outlets, and switches, as well as installing ceiling fans and other electrical systems.
It’s essential that the final electrical inspection is completed to ensure everything complies with local building codes and safety standards. Once inspected, your electrical team will install light fixtures, outlet covers, and any remaining electrical items.
This step also includes the installation of your HVAC system and testing to ensure proper heating, ventilation, and air conditioning are fully functional. Proper HVAC installation is crucial for maintaining your home’s comfort, especially in a climate like South Florida’s.
5. Plumbing Fixtures and Final Touches: Completing the Living Space
At this point, your plumbing fixtures—including sinks, faucets, bathtubs, toilets, and showers—are installed. Any final plumbing inspections will be conducted, ensuring everything is working properly before you can move in.
Other final touches include the installation of door hardware, closet rods, and additional trim. This phase brings together the aesthetic details and functional elements that make your home unique.
6. Final Inspections and Punch List: A Thorough Review
Once the major components of the house are complete, a final inspection is scheduled. This ensures that the home complies with local building codes and that all systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC) are functioning properly.
During this phase, the builder may also create a punch list of any small repairs or finishing touches that need to be completed before closing. The punch list is an important part of ensuring your home is fully move-in ready.
7. Landscaping and Exterior Work: Enhancing Curb Appeal
In parallel with the interior work, the exterior of the home is also being completed. This includes grading the yard, planting shrubs, trees, and flowers, and finishing the driveway and walkways. Landscaping adds the final touches to your home’s curb appeal and contributes to the overall look and feel of the property.
Depending on the complexity of the landscaping, this stage can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. It’s important to schedule landscaping work according to the season to ensure proper plant growth.
How Long After Drywall Is House Complete?
So, how long after drywall is house complete? On average, after drywall installation, it typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to complete the home, though this can vary based on several factors like weather, the availability of materials, and the complexity of customizations.
Keep in mind that each step in the process—from painting and cabinetry to flooring installation and final inspections—can take time. The overall timeline will depend on the size of the house, the number of tradespeople involved, and whether any changes or adjustments are made along the way.
Though these final steps may seem like a lot, with a professional and experienced team like Synergy Homes, the process is streamlined and efficient, helping to ensure that your dream home is delivered on time.
Your Dream Home Is Just Around the Corner
In conclusion, understanding the new construction timeline after drywall helps you navigate the final stages of your homebuilding project with confidence. While drywall marks a significant milestone, it’s only one step in a longer process that involves painting, flooring, cabinetry, and other essential tasks that make your house a home.
If you’re in the process of building your custom home with Synergy Homes, we’re here to ensure that every detail is taken care of and that you’re fully informed every step of the way. Our energy-efficient, custom-built homes are designed to meet your specific needs and exceed your expectations.
If you want to learn more about our building process or get started on your dream home, contact us today. Let Synergy Homes help you create a sustainable, energy-efficient home that you’ll love for years to come.
Editors Note: This article was originally published in September of 2022 and updated for accuracy.
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