Digging In: How Buffum Turns a Patch of Dirt into Your Perfect Home

At Buffum Homes, we have developed a refined system for building custom and SPEC homes that ensures a smooth process from the moment we break ground to the final inspections and finishing touches. Our tried-and-true approach focuses on proper scheduling, coordination, and meticulous planning. Here’s a step-by-step look at what it takes to bring a Buffum home to life, from the first dig to the final walkthrough.

Step 1: Preparing the Site and Obtaining Permits

Before any construction begins, we handle all necessary permits and inspections to ensure compliance with local building codes. This step is crucial for avoiding delays later on. Once the permits are secured, we prepare the site for construction. This includes excavation, clearing the land, and setting up temporary utilities to support the building process. Whether it’s a SPEC home in one of our beautiful neighborhoods or a custom home on a client’s personal lot, we take care of all the prep work.

Step 2: Foundation and Footings

Once the site is prepared, the next step is laying the foundation. This involves pouring the footings and foundation walls to create a stable base for the home. At Buffum Homes, we understand that this phase sets the tone for the rest of the build, so we take extra care to ensure everything is level, solid, and built to last.

Step 3: Framing the Structure

With the foundation complete, we move on to framing. This includes constructing the walls, roof, and floors, essentially creating the skeleton of the home. Our team ensures every piece is securely fastened, following our efficient system that makes the best use of each square foot, maximizing the home’s layout and design.

Step 4: Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Rough-Ins

The next phase involves “roughing in” essential systems. This includes plumbing, electrical wiring, and HVAC ductwork. Our subcontractors work in coordination with our project managers to schedule these installations at the right times, ensuring the home stays on track for the next phase of construction.

Step 5: Insulation and Drywall

Once the rough-ins are complete, we add insulation to regulate the home’s temperature and ensure energy efficiency. Then, it’s time for drywall installation, which transforms the open-frame structure into a space that resembles actual rooms. After the drywall is up, we tape, mud, and sand the seams for a smooth finish.

Step 6: Interior and Exterior Finishes

The finishing phase is where the home starts to come together. We install flooring, cabinetry, and trim, along with exterior finishes like siding, brick, or stone. Our selection of quality vendors helps ensure that each element—from countertops to hardware—meets the Buffum Homes standard of quality. We also schedule the delivery and installation of appliances, coordinating the timing carefully so each piece arrives when needed without causing delays.

Step 7: Painting and Fixtures

Buffum Homes includes a paint walkthrough as part of the build process, helping clients select colors that fit their vision. We ensure all walls, ceilings, and trim receive the right finishing touches. This stage also includes installing lighting, plumbing fixtures, and other final details that bring the interior to life.

Step 8: Flooring and Exterior Landscaping (If Applicable)

With the majority of interior work complete, we finalize flooring installation. This may include hardwood, tile, carpet, or a combination, depending on the selections made earlier. While Buffum Homes does not offer landscaping for SPEC homes, custom builds may have exterior features like patios or driveways included, which are completed during this stage.

Step 9: Inspections and Touch-Ups

As the build nears completion, we conduct multiple inspections to ensure the home meets all code requirements and Buffum Homes’ quality standards. Change orders and adjustments may still be made throughout the process, but by this point, it’s mostly about the final touches. We address any minor issues, such as paint touch-ups or adjustments to fixtures, to make sure everything is perfect for move-in.

Step 10: Final Walkthrough and Move-In

Before handing over the keys, we conduct a final walkthrough with the client, ensuring every detail has been addressed. We take pride in delivering a home that’s not only move-in ready but also reflects the craftsmanship and quality Buffum Homes is known for. Our goal is for homeowners to feel confident and excited as they step into their new space, knowing that every stage of construction was handled with care.

The Buffum Advantage: Coordination and Scheduling

The success of our building process largely depends on precise scheduling and coordination. From the delivery of materials to the installation of systems, we make sure everything happens at the right time. This minimizes downtime and helps avoid the typical bottlenecks that can occur during a home build. Whether it’s a Buffum SPEC home or a custom build, our system is designed to keep things moving smoothly, ensuring a timely and successful completion.

Building a home is an exciting journey, and Buffum Homes is committed to making that journey as seamless as possible. Our refined process, paired with attention to detail and quality, ensures that every home we build is a place where clients can create lasting memories.