Homeowners build new homes for many reasons: to customize the design, choose features that preexisting homes cannot provide, or maybe to live in a specific location.  Craig Miller Builders is Greater Bangor’s and Coastal Maine’s home building experts.  Looking to have your perfect home built?  Let us build you not just a house… but build you a home.

At Craig Miller Builders of Bangor, Maine we have laid out a step-by-step plan, that will take each customer from the first construction phase to the final inspection where they are given the keys to their new home. For each phase of construction there is are quality checkpoint that must be passed in order to move on to the next phase. Read the chart below to get more information on each phase.

Pre-Construction

At the preconstruction meeting, you are invited to sit down with your sales person, superintendent and possibly a customer service representative for a final review of your dream home package. Together, you’ll verify the placement of the house, review the blueprints, and find out what to expect during the building process. When city and county permits are cleared, construction can begin.

Quality Checkpoint:

• Pre-pour checkpoint includes a thorough review of the homesite prior to beginning any construction.

Foundation

The first step to building a quality home is laying the foundation. Craig Miller Builders analyzes soil conditions, ground integrity, government requirements, wind patterns and home size to ensure that a quality structural system is built for your home. Craig Miller Builders engineers your home to ensure the stability and integrity of each foundation.

Quality Checkpoint:

• Before construction begins, the foundation and post-tension engineering are checked for proper squareness and size.

Lumber Drop and Framing

The frame is the skeleton of your home. Frames can be wooden, cement block or other materials based on specific conditions. The framing stage usually takes one to four weeks, and consists of the following:

• The walls start going up on the first day of frame start, as the first floor is constructed.
• Once the first-floor walls are up, work starts on the second-floor system (if applicable), using engineered floor joists.
• Roof trusses arrive at the homesite just as work is finished on the second floor.
• Once the roof trusses are in place, the entire roof is installed.

Quality Checkpoint:

• During the framing stage, there are three separate checkpoints: the frame of the house is checked for correct sizing, squareness and workmanship.

Plumbing and Electrical

During this one-to-three week phase, air conditioning, heating, ventilation, plumbing and electrical wiring are installed.

• Once the roof is installed, the exterior detail work begins, including trim, windows and doors.
• HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) and plumbing systems are “roughed-in” as exterior trim is completed.
• The electrical system is “roughed-in” during two days.
• Exterior trim is painted as activity continues inside.
• Roofing and the installation of phone, cable and other electrical systems occur simultaneously.

Quality Checkpoint:

• All mechanical systems are inspected for quality of installation and proper functioning.

Drywall

Drywall is stocked in the home while insulation, gas meters and permanent power connections are installed. It frequently takes two full days to hang interior drywall. Next, drywall taping and finishing are scheduled to take five days and blown insulation is installed. After the interior walls are touched up, the walls and ceiling are textured.

Quality Checkpoint:

• There are two checkpoints before drywall begins and after its completion: Upon cleaning up any drywall debris, FCMs check all walls and ceilings for finish and consistency.

Trim and Finish Details

Now the fun really starts. All the browsing you did at the Home Studio Stores is starting to pay off. During this two-week phase, you will begin to recognize the home you dreamed of and imagine the future you’ll create.

• Walls are prime-painted and prepared for final finish, while interior trim, cabinets, counters and sinks are installed.
• Completion of electrical systems occurs as wire shelving, bath accessories and mirrors are installed.
• Ceramic tile and any vinyl and/or wood flooring are installed.
• Any necessary grading occurs outside (weather permitting) as hardware fixtures, shoe molding and carpeting are installed.
• Final touches (gutters, mailboxes, garage door openers, etc.) are completed as the entire home is cleaned.

Quality Checkpoint:

Three quality checkpoints, trim, pre-carpeting, and pre-final are conducted during this phase:

• Interior trim is examined for fit and quality of installation.
• HVAC systems are finished as a pre-final quality check focuses on all completed areas of the home.
• Pre-final quality review of entire home.

Final 3rd Party Inspection

Workers wait until this final week to install the flooring, in the interest of protecting your carpets and hardwood from boots, nails and dust. Any minor adjustments take place now.

• Appliances are installed.
• Door and window screens are installed.
• Carpeting is installed.
• Various final inspections (bank, city, etc.), garage cleaning and paint touch-ups take place.

Quality Checkpoint:

• Upon completion of the finals, one last quality check is conducted prior to scheduling the homeowner orientation.

Homeowner Orientation

The Homeowner Orientation provides buyers with the opportunity to become acquainted with their new home prior to moving in. During the orientation, Craig Miller Builders provides a thorough demonstration of the completed home (e.g., mechanical components, appliances, etc.) and reviews items covered by the warranty.