New purchase guide
Construction Explained
Click on the section headers below to expand
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Foundation
This is the beginning of the Construction process. The site is cleared and digging commences to prepare for the drainage and foundations.
This stage covers all ground works up to the damp proof course level of the property.
It encompasses the installation of all appropriate services such as drains, water, gas and mains electricity and the construction of the concrete floor.
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Superstructure
Superstructure refers to all the construction works which occur after the completion of the foundations and sub-structure works to damp proof course level.
This stage includes the construction of the walls, installation of the external doors and windows, the creation of the upper floors and the roof.
At the completion of this phase the property will be weather tight.
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First Fix
This is the term which refers to the stage where non load bearing walls (and staircases where applicable) are installed in the property.
This stage also includes the installation of plumbing and heating as well as all the wiring for the electrics.
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Plastering and Dry Lining
This is the stage when our team of dry liners and plasterers prepare the walls, ceilings and any other surfaces for decoration and other forms of finishing e.g. tiling.
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Second Fix
At this second fix stage the Kitchen is installed. Also all sockets, light fittings and switches are fitted to complete the electrical installation.
The Plumbers will also install bathroom suites and other sanitary ware together with the central heating system. Internal joinery work; doors, skirting, coving etc. are also finalised at this time. All ceramic tiling to floors and walls is also completed at this stage.
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Decoration
This stage includes painting to walls ceilings and woodwork. If you have either bought your home off plan or early in the construction cycle, you will have the opportunity to customise some of these items by choosing from a range of colours.
Please ask your Halbren selling agent for further details about colour options.
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Finals
At the Finals stage all door furniture is installed together with the installation of kitchen appliances, light bulbs etc.
In addition, final checks are carried out to the Electrics and Plumbing.
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External Works
This includes laying the driveway, footpaths and patio areas to the property where appropriate.
It also includes landscaping of the front gardens including lawns, trees & shrubs.
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Quality Control
The property will be inspected by the Site Manager.
This is the final inspection in a series of inspections undertaken to ensure the quality inherent in a Halbren Home is present in your new home.
Any issues noted during this final inspection will be resolved prior to formal handover of the property.
There is also a final inspection by NHBC as each new Halbren home has the benefit of a 10 year NHBC Warranty
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Handover
At the formal handover of the property the site manager will guide you through your new Halbren Home.
This will include a run through of all the services including the positioning and operation of kitchen appliances, the central heating system, location of electric points and all meters etc.
The handover meeting also gives the buyer an opportunity to ask any other questions about the property.
