Tidal Homes works with appointed officials to pull all permits required to proceed with building your new home. This process can take anywhere from one to four weeks depending on which city the home site is located in. Until all permits are in place, we cannot proceed to the foundation stage.

During the permit process, your in-house selections, such as paint colors, brick, shutters, carpet, tile, cabinetry and granite countertops, are made. Our 5,500 square foot Design Center and our design professional make this an easy and enjoyable process.

Once the permits are in place, the ground is cleared and excavated. The foundation of the house is laid and the footings are dug, inspected, and poured. Foundation blocks are laid, backfilled with dirt, and compacted. Under-slab plumbing is installed and inspected. Slab is prepped, waterproofed, and poured.

Now, your exterior and interior walls will be framed, during which time wall sheathing is added to enclose the house, including windows and doors. House wrap and felt paper are installed to reduce the possibility of water or air penetration. Then the roof is added. Shingles, soffits, and exterior finishes are installed.

At the mechanical stage, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems are roughed in and pipes, wiring, and ductwork are installed. Bathtubs, shower units, furnace(s), and other large items are also installed. Before we can proceed to the insulation stage, the framing and rough mechanicals must pass inspection.

Spray foam insulation (open cell polyurethane) is added between studs in all exterior walls and on underside of roofing in the attic. Gaps between framing members and around windows are then insulated to reduce potential air leaks. Spray foam insulation will save you substantial amounts compared to the traditional fiberglass batts or blown-in cellulose insulation.

Drywall is installed and finished. Hardwood floors, interior doors, cabinets, and trim are installed and then painted. Other materials such as tile, countertops, mirrors and flooring are installed. The HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work are also finished. This includes, but is not limited to, installing the air conditioner, water heater, light fixtures, faucets, and appliances. Finally, initial drywall and paint touchup are done, and the home is cleaned.

Since all exterior finish items are completed as weather permits, there is no set schedule to when they will be done. At some point after drywall is installed, you can expect to see the stucco, brick, stone, and/or siding of your choice installed where applicable. Driveways, sidewalks, and patios are poured. Once these items are complete, the exterior of the home will be painted as needed.

Your yard is graded next. Deck, fence, and sprinklers are installed if these options have been added to the home, and then the yard is landscaped, sodded, or seeded.

The final walk-through is typically scheduled approximately one week prior to closing. The Tidal Homes building superintendent will explain the mechanical functions of the home, describe how to initiate warranty service, and give you tips on how to maintain your home. You will also be given a Homeowner Reference Guide that explains these topics in greater detail and for future reference. During the walk-through, your superintendent will assist you in making a “punch list” of any cosmetic or mechanical defects that need attention.

A city official will conduct a final inspection of the home to ensure that it meets all current building codes. Once the interior and exterior items are found to be satisfactory, a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued.

At closing, you will sign papers officially transferring ownership of the home into your name. This is typically done at a title company or at your designated lender. Once you have closed on your home, you will be given the keys to your home. Please be sure to have all utilities (electric, gas, and water) transferred into your name effective the date of closing.

Warranty service may be initiated at two months and again at eleven months after closing. If you wish to initiate this service, please do so by submitting a list to Tidal Homes via facsimile, e-mail, or mail. Make your list as detailed as possible, including complete descriptions of the items needing attention. Upon receipt of your warranty service request, the Tidal Homes warranty representative will contact you to schedule an appointment to make repairs covered under the warranty. Some work may require the attention of a subcontractor, in which case they will contact you directly to schedule the work. You may enroll in the 2-10 Homeowners Warranty program via our website, www.tidalhomes.com.