When you look at the inside of a newly built townhome everything is shiny and new. The sheetrock is freshly painted, the flooring is pristine, and the cabinets and fixtures are all perfectly installed. There is nothing better than the smell of a new home, not even new car smell! What a lot of homeowners don’t realize is that there is more than meets the eye in their new home! They see the beauty of the completed home, but usually have no idea what’s behind the walls. But the space between the walls contain the very important major systems of a home. The first building at The Brownstones at New Visions is framed, so what comes next? We’re excited to say that all the home’s major systems will start to be installed soon!
During the construction of a new home there are certain materials that are installed at different times. One of the most important phases after the foundation and framing are complete is what’s known in the industry as “roughs”. Roughs include rough plumbing, rough electrical, and HVAC. This is when all of your major mechanical systems are installed. This phase comes after the building has been framed, sheathed, and the roof is complete.
Rough plumbing includes installation of all the plumbing lines and pipes for the sinks, tubs and toilets, as well as the appliances that need water like the dishwasher and washing machine. This is the time that any tubs for bathrooms are installed. There are two kinds of plumbing pipes installed: supply pipes and waste pipes. Rough electrical includes the installation of all the wiring for things like outlets, appliances, switches, fixture mounts for lighting and fans, the breaker panel, and sub panels. Mechanicals for the rough HVAC installation include the furnace, ducting and air returns, exhaust ducts and units, vents, fireplace, air conditioning components, and hot water heater components. It’s very possible that the electricians, plumbers, and HVAC contractors are working side by side during the rough stage. In addition, all of these mechanicals installed must pass local municipal inspections before construction of the building can proceed.
Of course, there is a lot more to the rough installation process than we are able to cover in this article. There is also a lot more work that goes into the construction after the roughs before the final hookups and finishes can be completed. We recommend you review all construction questions with our sales and construction team.
Purchasing a new townhome is a very different experience than buying a resale. With new construction your sales team will keep you updated on the progress of your home at every phase. The Brownstones at New Visions is excited to help you find your perfect new home. Contact us today for an appointment to learn more about this beautiful neighborhood of townhomes in Brick.
