The most popular method of residential construction in North America is wood-framed construction. Typical construction steps for a single-family or small multi-family house are:
Obtain an engineered soil test of lot where construction is planned
Develop floor plans and obtain a materials list for estimations (more recently performed with estimating software)
Obtain structural engineered plans for foundation (soil test report obtained earlier will be used by engineer to design foundation), floor plan, floor (if two story).
Obtain lot survey
Obtain government building approval if necessary
If required obtain approval from HOA (homeowners association) or ARC (architectural review committee)
Clear the building site (demolition of existing home if necessary)
Survey to stake out for the foundation
Excavate the foundation and dig footers (Scope of work is dependent of foundation designed by engineer)
Install plumbing grounds
Pour a foundation and footers with concrete
Build the main load-bearing structure out of thick pieces of wood and possibly metal I-beams for large spans with few supports. See framing (construction)
Add floor and ceiling joists and install subfloor panels
Cover outer walls and roof in OSB or plywood and a water-resistive barrier.
Install roof shingles or other covering for flat roof
Cover the walls with siding, typically vinyl, wood, or brick veneer but possibly stone or other materials
Install windows
Framing
Frame interior walls with wooden 2x4s
Add internal plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and natural gas utilities
Building inspector visits if necessary to approve utilities and framing
Install insulation and interior drywall panels (cementboard for wet areas) and to complete walls and ceilings
Install bathroom fixtures
Spackle, prime, and paint interior walls and ceilings
Additional tiling on top of cementboard for wet areas, such as the bathroom and kitchen backsplash
Install final floor covering, such as floor tile, carpet, or wood flooring
Install major appliances
Unless the original owners are building the house, at this point it is typically sold or rented.