In most cases, site preparation and the foundation are done by the same group of persons.

The foundation is one of the most important parts of the construction process. Any mistakes you make in the foundation will only get worse as you go up. As such, it is very important that the foundation is well prepared, using the right steel and concrete materials.

The minimum depth below the ground surface at which the bottom of the foundation should be founded is 300mm. Under no circumstances should the foundation be placed on the topsoil.

The concrete grade for footings should be C25 (25N/mm2) or higher. Concrete should be kept moist for a minimum period of 7 days to allow curing and development to design strength to occur. During this period, there should be no activity on the construction site.

The steel for primary reinforcement should be high yield bars with a minimum size of 12mm. For secondary reinforcement, mild steel bars with a minimum size of 10mm shall be used.

Reference made to the Guyana National Bureau of Standards Code of Practice for Buildings. For a copy of the entire document, kindly visit the GNBS at the National Exhibition Centre.

Homebuilder Tips

• You should have a representative who would represent you in technical matters from time to time. This person should be introduced to the contractor. He will inspect all reinforcement and formwork before casting is done among other things. He should check the foundation walls by sighting down from one end. Look for areas that bulge or lean which can indicate uneven load on the foundation. Both the foundation walls and home walls should be flush and level. Also, look for any potential water damage or cracks in concrete. You may have to pay for this service. It will be worth the while and end up saving both owner and contractor down the road.
• You may want to do a single storey house now and build an upper floor later. It is advisable to build a foundation that can accommodate two floors in advance to prevent any future issues or constraints.

The floor systems, walls and roof systems are completed (collectively known as the shell or skeleton of the house). If it is a wooden house then sheathing is applied to the exterior walls and roof and windows and exterior doors are installed. The sheathing is then covered with a protective barrier known as a house wrap; it prevents liquid water from infiltrating the structure while allowing water vapor to escape. This reduces the likelihood of mold and wood rot.

If it is a concrete house, then the columns and beams are set up (whether it’s a one storey or two storey house), and then the hollow blocks are run up around the house and plastering of the interior and exterior can also be done at this time but that’s optional. The interior flooring is then done usually using wood or solid concrete.

The steps are also constructed at this point in time. For exterior steps, a front and back step is usually constructed but some houses can also be constructed with an interior front step and an exterior back step.

Homebuilder Tips

• The consumer along with a technical person should ensure that beams and columns are properly constructed. Check properly to ensure that they are of the right size according to what was requested and also inspect to ensure that there are no cracks or other damages.
• Inspect steps to ensure that they are not too steep and that the stair treads are evenly spaced out.
• If framing is being constructed with hollow cement blocks, for sturdier walls ensure that they are cavity filled (Cement is poured into each block when they are being laid). N.B. this is optional
• If the flooring is being done with wood, ensure that the wood has been cured before putting it down because the less moisture in the wood, the better.

Once the shell is finished, siding and roofing can be installed. At the same time, the electrical and plumbing contractors start running pipes and wires through the interior walls, ceilings and floors. Septic tank lines and vents, as well as water supply lines for each fixture, are installed. Bathtubs and one-piece shower/tub units are put in place at this point because there’s more room to maneuver large, heavy objects.

After the roofing goes on, the house is considered to be Dried In (imperious to rain and other elements of the weather). An electrician then installs receptacles for outlets, lights and switches and runs wires from the breaker panel to each receptacle. 

N.B. Plumbing should be installed before wiring since it would be easier to run wires around pipes.

Homebuilder Tips

• Plumbing- Before moving into a new home, note the location of the main shut-off valve and drain (in some cases, the shut-off will be located outside the house). You should also get acquainted with sewer line access points; in the event you need to conduct periodic cleanouts.
• Electrical- Have an Inspector from The Government Electrical Inspectorate, inspect electrical works while being conducted to avoid any issues in the future. Ensure that you’re using the correct wattage in all your fixtures and appliances. Using the right bulbs can prevent electrical problems, so check all lamps, fixtures and appliances to ensure you’re using the correct wattage. If a light fixture has no wattage listed, use 60-watt bulbs or less. For unmarked ceiling fixtures, choose 25-watt bulbs.
  N.B. LED bulbs consume less power and reduce the risk of fixtures overheating.

For wooden structures, drywall (optional) is hung and taped so the seams between the boards aren’t visible, and drywall texturing (if applicable) is completed. The primer coat of paint is also applied after taping is complete.

For concrete structures, plastering can be done at this stage if it hasn’t been done already and contractors begin installing exterior finishes such as brick, stucco, stone and Trowel Tex.

Homebuilder Tip –

• If you are using a design professional you should ask for a written confirmation of your choices to make sure you fully understand how much you’re spending. Go over the price information carefully and ask for more advice before you make your final decisions.

Interior doors, baseboards, door casings, window sills, moldings, stair balusters and other decorative trim are installed, along with cabinets and vanities. Walls then get a finish coat of paint.

Homebuilder Tip

• Create a Plan for each room
• Certain finishes, like flooring and the colours you choose, will affect the design of a whole floor but most finishes will be specific to a room. Concentrate on one room at a time.

Your choice of Ceramic tile, vinyl and wood flooring are installed as well as countertops. Exterior finish grading is completed to ensure proper drainage away from the home and prepare the yard for landscaping.

Consumer Tip

• The exterior grade should slope away from the walls of the home so that water does not lodge on the land but rather run-off to the sides into the drains.

Light fixtures, outlets and switches are installed and the electrical panel is completed. Sinks, toilets and faucets are put in place.

Homebuilder Tip

• Bathrooms, Outdoors, Kitchens & Laundry Rooms require GFCI outlets if outlets are within 6 feet from sink or any other water source.

Mirrors, shower doors are installed and final cleanup takes place.

Homebuilder Tips

• Check to ensure that all mirrors are installed at the points requested. Inspect them for any cracks or breaks.
• Ensure your shower doors are functioning properly whether it is a sliding door (glass or other) or a regular door with a lock.

This is where you spot items that need to be corrected or adjusted.

Your contractor will walk you through your new home to acquaint you with its features and the operation of various systems and components and explain your responsibilities for maintenance and upkeep, as well as warranty coverage and procedures. This is often referred to as a pre-settlement walk-through. It’s also an opportunity to spot items that need to be corrected or adjusted, so be attentive and observant. Examine the surfaces of countertops, fixtures, floors and walls for possible damage. Sometimes disputes arise because the homeowner discovers a gouge in a countertop after move-in and there’s no way to prove whether it was caused by the contractor’s crew or the homeowner’s movers.

Homebuilder Tips

1. PAY WISELY

• Don’t make the final payment or sign an affidavit of final release until you’re satisfied.

           Besides being satisfied with the work, you also need to know that specialty subcontractors and suppliers have been paid.

• Know the limit for the final bill

2. USE A SIGN-OFF CHECKLIST

• Before you sign off and make the final payment, check that:
• All work meets the standards spelt out in the contract.
• You have written warranties for materials and workmanship.
• You have proof that all specialty sub-contractors and suppliers have been paid.
• The job site has been cleaned up and cleared of excess materials, tools, and equipment.
• You have inspected and approved the completed work.