Everything You Need to Know About the Home Building Process

Fratantoni Luxury Estates • May 10, 2021

At Fratantoni Luxury Estates our top priority is to make the home building process seamless for you and the creation of your dream home. We will meet with you to provide all the information you need to ensure you are comfortable with your decision to build. With our experience and knowledge, your dream home will soon be a reality. Below we’ve provided a concise list of the home building process and timeline:

Establish Construction Site and Prepare Foundation

-Apply for and Secure Building Permits

-Level the Construction Site

-Position Wooden Forms for Temporary Foundation

-Install Footings

Before we can get started on the physical construction, we need to acquire certain permits from the local government regarding zoning, grading, septic systems, home construction, electrical work, and plumbing. After the permits are secured, we are ready to break ground. First, the site is cleared of any debris, including trees and rocks. Next up in the home building process, we need to level the construction site and place the wooden forms to stabilize the foundation. Finally, the footing can be installed, and we are on our way to the concrete slab being poured.

Inspection #1

During the home building process, there are several inspections that take place. In this first inspection, a city inspector will visit the construction site to ensure the foundation has been properly installed.

General Framing

-Floor System, Walls, Roof System

-Sheathing Fastened to Exterior Walls, Enclosed with Protective Wrap

Next up in the home building process, we will move forward with the framing of the home. This step of framing is often referred to as the skeleton of the house. Additionally, plywood or sheathing must be applied to all exterior walls to ensure that no mold or wood rot occurs. Once the shell of the house is set up, the siding and roofing can be installed.

General Plumbing

-Pipes and Wires

-Sewer Lines and Vents

-Water Supply Lines

-Bathtubs, Shower Units

As we move along in the home building process, the next item of business is all the home’s plumbing features. Your contractor will install pipes for the plumbing features on the interior walls.  A water supply line must be installed for each fixture. The sewer lines are also put in at this point. Any bathrooms that have been designed with a bathtub will be installed at this stage.

Electrical HVAC

-Ductwork for HVAC System

-HVAC Vent Pipes

After the general plumbing has been positioned, we move along to the electrical phase in the home building process. The HVAC system consists of ductwork for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. All HVAC pipes for the home will be installed through the roof.  A professional HVAC contractor makes sure the system is installed properly and meets safety standards. Next, your electrician will need to position receptacles for the outlets. Finally, they will run wires from the breaker panel to each receptacle. To ensure a seamless process when building your home, the HVAC and plumbing systems should be installed before the wiring.

Inspections #2, #3, #4

Now that the rough framing, plumbing, and electrical have been completed a city inspector must verify that the work complies with building codes. Generally, there will be 3 different inspections. Not to mention, the framing inspection will certainly be separate from the electrical inspection.

Insulation Installed

During the building process, insulation must be placed in the floors, walls, and ceilings of your home. This significant step will make a huge difference in the coziness of your home. The insulation works as a barrier to keep the indoor climate consistent and comfortable. As well as, substantially enhancing your home’s energy efficiency.

Drywall, Interior & Exterior Features

-Drywall is Hung and Taped

-Texturing Complete

-First Coat of Paint Applied

-Exterior Finishes (ex. Brick Stucco, Stone) Installed

Personally, we feel the most exciting part of the building process is hanging the drywall in your home. The home really begins to take shape and you can better visualize your family living there. During this process, the drywall is hung and taped at the joints. If applicable, the drywall will be textured and lastly, the primer coat of paint will be applied. Your contractor will also apply exterior finishes such as brick, stucco, and stone.

Interior Trim, Exterior Walkways and Driveway

-Doors, Windowsills, Decorative Trim

-Cabinets, Vanities, Fireplace Mantles

-Final Coat of Paint

Moving right along, we have the interior trim finishes, exterior walkways, and driveway up next in the home building process. At this point, all interior doors, door casings, baseboards, moldings, windowsills, cabinets, and vanities are installed. By now, most of the heavy lifting has been completed therefore builders can safely move forward with exterior finishes. Many builders wait until the end of the project to pour the driveway concrete. This practice ensures that the concrete won’t be damaged by heavy equipment.

Hard Surface Flooring, Countertops and Exterior Grading

During the home building process, when you see the floors being installed you know you’re near the finish line. Any hard surface flooring like ceramic tile, wood flooring, and vinyl will be installed next. Around the same time, the exterior grading needs to be set up to prepare the yard for landscaping. Also, this step will ensure proper drainage away from the home.

Mechanical Trim and Bathroom Fixtures

As we approach the final steps in the home building process, the electric panel is completed. A crucial step that makes the homes’ light fixtures accessible. This step also includes the installation of light switches and electrical outlets. Then your HVAC system will be installed with completed registers. As far as bathroom progress, the toilets, sinks, and faucets are put in their proper place.

Mirrors, Shower Doors, Finish Flooring, Exterior Landscaping

We have finally reached the finish line in the home building process. Finishing touches like mirrors, shower doors, and carpet are installed. Subsequently, the final cleanup takes place. On the exterior of the home, trees, shrubs, and grass are planted to complete the landscaping.

Inspections #5

The final inspection in the home building process should result in a certificate of occupancy. A building-code official must inspect the home and issue the certificate or a follow-up inspection if there are any defects found.

Final Walk-Through

You made it! The home building process can be a lengthy operation but with the right team , it will be a breeze. During the final walk-through, your custom home builder will show you the features of your new home. They will also help you get acquainted with the operation of various systems. This step is often referred to as the pre-settlement walk-through. This is your opportunity to examine the home for any corrections or adjustments.

Building Across the U.S.: How Fratantoni Luxury Estates Adapts to Regional Architecture and Climate

By Vince Fratantoni • October 22, 2025
Building a luxury custom home is not just about exceptional design and craftsmanship. When constructing estates across the country, it requires a deep understanding of regional architecture, lifestyle preferences, and climate conditions. Fratantoni Luxury Estates has successfully built luxury homes and estates in a wide range of locations throughout the United States, including Arizona, New Jersey, Texas, Florida, Hawaii, and even exclusive penthouse projects such as those in Kansas City. Each region comes with its own design influences, structural requirements, and environmental demands. With every build, our family-owned firm has demonstrated the ability to tailor each home to its unique setting while maintaining the level of luxury and perfection that defines the Fratantoni name.

Choosing the Right Builder for Your Luxury Estate

By Angelo Fratantoni • October 15, 2025
Building a custom luxury home is one of life’s most personal and rewarding journeys. It represents vision, artistry, and legacy brought together under one roof. Every decision, from the initial design to the final finishes, determines not only how a home looks but how it feels for generations to come. That is why choosing the right builder is the most important decision you will make. At Fratantoni Luxury Estates , we believe that a luxury home should be built with intention, precision, and heart. It is not only about design and construction but about understanding the lifestyle, traditions, and dreams of each client. For more than 40 years , our family has built the nation’s most exceptional estates, each one a timeless masterpiece. A great builder does more than construct walls. They build relationships, protect vision, and bring beauty and integrity into every detail.

Crafting a Residence That Reflects You: How Our Custom Luxury Home Building Process Works

By Vince Fratantoni • October 9, 2025
When you choose Fratantoni Luxury Estates as your custom luxury home builder you engage a partner committed to excellence, clarity, and artistry. Our design build process ensures that your vision is shaped at every stage by skilled professionals who bring architecture, design, and construction together seamlessly. In this blog we will go over one of our signature projects, the French Villa in Silverleaf, Scottsdale. This Villa exemplifies how we weave heritage, elegance, and precision into the custom luxury home building process.

Beyond the Blueprint: How We Customize Every Home to Fit Your Lifestyle

By Vince Fratantoni • October 3, 2025
Every family has a unique vision for their dream home, and at Fratantoni Luxury Estates, we believe that vision deserves to be brought to life in a way that’s completely personal. Our in-house architecture, design, and construction teams work together to create homes that reflect how you live, entertain, and relax. From the first meeting to the final walk-through, our design-build process ensures that every detail of your home is crafted with your lifestyle in mind.

Building Homes That Span Generations: Creating an Estate That Lasts a Lifetime and Beyond

By Vince Fratantoni • September 25, 2025
A true luxury estate is not built for the present moment. It is built for legacy. The finest homes are timeless creations that stand as a testament to craftsmanship, vision, and family heritage. They are built with intention, precision, and heart, designed to endure beautifully through the years. At Fratantoni Luxury Estates , we believe that a home should be more than a structure. It should be a living expression of family, comfort, and artistry. Every detail, from the materials chosen to the flow of natural light, contributes to a story that will continue long after the first family moves in.  When a home is designed and built to last, it becomes part of something much greater. It becomes the foundation of a legacy that future generations will cherish and continue to build upon.

Waterfront Estates: Maximizing Views While Preserving Privacy

By Angelo Fratantoni • September 16, 2025
 There is nothing more captivating than a home set against the beauty of water. From oceanside villas to lakefront retreats, waterfront estates represent the height of luxury living. At Fratantoni Luxury Estates , we specialize in building custom homes that embrace their surroundings, ensuring every horizon is framed in elegance while privacy and comfort remain uncompromised. Waterfront building requires far more than simply placing a home near the shore. It demands thoughtful planning, expert craftsmanship, and an understanding of how architecture, engineering, and environment intersect. With over 40 years of experience, our team has built waterfront estates that are both timeless and resilient, delivering not only spectacular views but also the security and exclusivity our clients expect.

From Study to Sanctuary: Creating Luxury Offices & Libraries in Your Estate

By Vince Fratantoni • September 8, 2025
In today’s world, luxury estates are designed not only for entertaining and relaxation but also for productivity, creativity, and reflection. The demand for custom home offices and private libraries has surged as affluent homeowners seek spaces that combine function with elegance. No longer simply places to work or read, these rooms have evolved into personal sanctuaries that inspire focus, sophistication, and comfort. At Fratantoni Luxury Estates, we believe that private spaces within the home deserve as much artistry and detail as grand staircases, gourmet kitchens, or resort-style backyards. Our team has over 40 years of experience designing and build ing luxury offices and libraries that merge productivity with timeless design, ensuring every space reflects the lifestyle and personali ty of its owner. 

Water Features That Elevate Your Luxury Estate

By Angelo Fratantoni • September 3, 2025
From ancient Roman fountains to modern infinity pools, water has always been a defining element of luxury architecture. It represents life, tranquility, and movement, qualities that transform estates from beautiful to extraordinary. Today, water features in luxury homes go far beyond simple pools; they include cascading waterfalls, reflecting ponds, spa grottos, and sculptural fountains that enhance both aesthetics and lifestyle. At Fratantoni Luxury Estates, we understand the power of water in design. With over 40 years of experience crafting custom estates, our team integrates water features that balance artistry, serenity, and entertainment. Whether indoors or outdoors, water elevates every estate i nto a private oasis of timeless luxury.

Luxury Bedrooms: Designing Master Suites & Private Retreats

By Vince Fratantoni • August 28, 2025
A home may feature grand staircases, gourmet kitchens, and resort-style backyards, but for most homeowners, the bedroom is the ultimate sanctuary. It is where days begin and end, where comfort meets elegance, and where privacy is treasured. In luxury estates, bedrooms- particularly the master suite, are more than sleeping spaces; they are private retreats designed for rest, rejuvenation, and intimacy. At Fratantoni Luxury Estates, we have over 40 years of experience designing and building custom homes where every bedroom reflects sophistication, comfort, and timeless style. From primary suites with fireplaces and spa-inspired bathrooms to guest retreats with bespoke details, we understand that bedrooms are the most personal expression of luxury.

Private Luxury Amenities: Building a Resort Experience at Home

By Angelo Fratantoni • August 20, 2025
In today’s fast-paced world, affluent homeowners are reimagining luxury living by bringing the resort lifestyle into their own estates. No longer reserved for high end hotels, private amenities such as spas, sport courts, and theaters are becoming integral to custom homes. These features provide convenience, privacy, and exclusivity, allowing families to enjoy the best of luxury hospitality without leaving their property. At Fratantoni Luxury Estates, we specialize in designing and building estates that deliver the ultimate private resort experience. From wine cellars and golf simulators to rooftop lounges and wellness spas, our homes are crafted to meet the highest expectations of comfort, sophistication, and entertainment.