After the framing is complete, your custom home reaches a major milestone: the lock up stage. This is when your home goes from a structural shell to a fully enclosed, weather-protected building. For homeowners excited about their first custom home, it’s a stage that brings security, weather protection, and a sense of progress. Here’s what you can expect when your home reaches this stage:
- Exterior doors are installed and lockable
- Windows are installed and sealed
- Roof is completed and waterproof
- Exterior sheathing and weather barriers are in place
Where The Lock Up Stage Fits In Your Building Timeline
Lock up happens after the framing stage and before work begins on insulation, drywall, and interior finishes. By this point, the foundation, framing, and roof structure are already complete. Once your home is locked up, the focus shifts to mechanical systems, interior walls, and exterior siding.
In Prince George and northern BC, reaching lock up before winter weather begins is an important milestone. It keeps your build on schedule and protects your investment from weather-related delays.
Read on for a step-by-step breakdown of the lock up stage.
Step By Step Breakdown Of The Lock Up Stage
- Install The Roof Finish. After framing the room and applying the sheathing, the next steps involve adding underlayment, then your shingles or metal roofing, depending on the materials you selected for your custom home. Lastly, we seal the vents and flashings as needed. This ensures your roof is weather-tight.
- Install The Windows. We will position your windows as per our architectural plans. They will be verified for the correct sizing and operation, and sealed and flashed to prevent leaks. At Lithium One Homes, we use energy-efficient windows which play a large role in your home’s energy performance especially considering Prince George’s cold winters!
- Install Exterior Doors. We hang and align all your home’s front, side, and patio doors. All doors are then provided with weather-stripping and fitted with locks and thresholds. This provides both insulation and security for your custom home.
- Weatherproof The Exterior. Our team will apply a weather barrier such as house wrap over the exterior sheathing. This step protects the walls from moisture and prepares the house for exterior siding.
Why The Lock Up Stage Matters
Reaching lock-up means your home is protected from the elements. There will be no more weather delays! It means the job site is now secure. Doors and windows can be locked. It means the timelines are more predictable, since our trades can work inside regardless of the weather. Finally, the lock up stage can be an important one emotionally for homeowners because the house looks and feels real at last. Our clients often feel a huge sense of relief and excitement at this point! When walking inside your custom build, you’ll finally be able to start to imagine your life in your new custom home.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Lock Up Stage
Yes, but changes to window or door placement become more complex and costly. Interior changes are still possible. In general, any changes you make to your plans can impact your budget so it’s best to call a meeting with our designer to see what options are possible.
No, there are still many steps before you can move in, including insulation, drywall, finishes, and final inspections. Review our building process to see what’s left on your custom home!
Absolutely. In fact, it’s a great time for a walk-through to confirm layouts and design details. Get in touch with our designer to see when might be a good time to experience your custom build.
Discuss Your Building Plans With Lithium One
At Lithium One Homes, we guide you through every stage: from the first meeting to the lock up stage to move-in day. If you’re planning to build in Prince George or the regional district, let’s talk about your vision. Contact us today to start the conversation.
