A Step-By-Step Guide to Building a House in Tennessee

During the first phase of your consultation, you’ll meet with our new construction representative to discuss everything you want and need within your semi-custom home. Our team will work closely with you to create and customize house plans, ensuring all your needs and preferences are considered. This collaborative process involves creating detailed house plans together, so your vision is accurately realized. This will include floor plan selection, must-have features, and more.

Once you have discussed your wish list with our team, our estimating department will assess all the features and modifications, providing you with a detailed cost breakdown, including all associated costs, to help you establish a realistic construction budget. Understanding your construction budget and associated costs is essential before signing the contract. We’ll include the information in a formal contract that will then need to be reviewed and signed.

Here’s where the fun starts: the planning stage! Typically, starting 30 days after the binding contract is signed, our residential CAD designer will meet with you to discuss any modifications or unique features your semi-custom home will have. This stage involves creating detailed blueprints and considering all factors that will influence your home’s design, such as materials, layout, and construction methods. It’s also the perfect time for dreaming—envisioning your ideal home and turning that vision into a concrete plan. This ensures the blueprints are correct and there aren’t any miscommunications once the construction begins.

The pre-construction phase is designed to guarantee that all site prep and site preparation, such as clearing the land and preparing for foundation work, is sorted out before breaking ground. Obtaining all the permits, including building permits and paying permit fees, is a crucial part of this phase to ensure legal authorization for your project. During site preparation, utility connections and sewer lines are also addressed, especially for properties not served by municipal systems. During this part of the building process, you’ll also meet with the builder on the property to visually survey and envision your future home on the land. Once site preparation and permitting are complete, the team is ready to start construction, including managing foundation costs.

Once we’ve broken ground, the construction process officially starts with the foundation and framing. At this stage, you’ll be prompted to schedule your meeting with our selection department. This is where you can make your house a home and put your personal touches on every square foot of the residence. Home construction involves managing material costs, labor costs, and material expenses, which can vary depending on the type of home construction and the finishes you select.

When making selections, consider interior finishes, premium materials, and energy efficiency, as these are important factors in new home construction. Selections may also include installing sinks and other fixtures as part of the process.

Additionally, you’ll have a series of walk-throughs scheduled with your builder to see for yourself the progress being made on your semi-custom home. These walk-throughs include:

• Framing (electrical, plumbing, door swings, etc.)
• Concrete (locations for patios, sidewalks, and parking)
• New home orientation (a preview of your completed home, where the builder will address any concerns and help acclimate you to your new home)

The cost to build a home in Tennessee can vary based on average costs per square foot, total cost, and construction costs, all of which are influenced by land costs, location (major cities vs. rural areas), and whether you choose standard or high-end custom homes. Be aware of hidden costs, such as utility connections, closing costs, and higher costs for building in certain areas or with premium materials. Working with reputable home builders, local builders, and a general contractor is essential for managing your home’s construction and ensuring quality.

The average price and cost breakdown for building single-family homes or a construction home in Tennessee may differ from other states, and the region—such as proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains—can impact costs. In rural areas without access to municipal sewer lines, a septic system may be required.

The only thing left to do now is pack up your belongings, receive your keys, and move into your beautifully executed semi-custom home. Welcome to the next stage of your life—we’re so thankful you chose Michael’s Homes to guide you through this process.