The building construction process is essential to the success of any construction project. It consumes a lot of time and resources but ensures no stone is left unturned. The building construction process can be split into three main phases, pre-construction, construction, and post-construction, irrespective of whether it's a residential or commercial project.
The three main phases of construction involve many systematic activities. The building construction process is a series of routine tasks completed by skilled persons. It involves a lot of time and tedious work and must be managed carefully.
1. PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Vital Steps:
i. Online Application
ii. Land Acquisition (if not already available)
iii. Mandatory Preconstruction Checks
iv. Preconstruction Meetings
v. First-Time Site Visit
vi. Cost Estimations
vii. Schedule
i. Online Application
There are no paper forms with us. All applications are done via online forms on this website and not via phone or whatsapp or email.
ii. Land Acquisition
You're required to have land before you apply or be ready to buy one via our Land Purchase Assistance Programme when completing the form online, as details of your litigation-free land must be provided.
iii. Mandatory Preconstruction Checks
This is the phase where we complete all Mandatory Preconstruction Checks, Do our architectural and structural drawings (if not available), procure valid building permit (if not available), procure all required building materials, carry out series of Preconstruction Meetings, etc.
iv. Preconstruction Meetings
Before a project begins, the client work closely with the design team and contractor (or subcontractor) to develop the project plan. We (contractor and the design team) develop detailed drawings, budgets, schedules AFTER COMPLETING all Mandatory Preconstruction Checks.
The core team defines the project and prepares cost estimates depending on the verified client’s net regular monthly income and/or budget. The team also identify potential risks and develop solutions to ensure optimal use of resources, at this stage.
The pre-construction phase is characterized by deliberate thoroughness to ensure that all potential needs are identified and addressed early. Regular communication between the core project team and the client is vital during pre-construction.
v. First-Time Site Visit
Once the initial meeting is completed, we (or the contractor) can visit the site and develop a design and layout. Building construction involves a considerable quantity of material and budget, and it is easy for costs to overrun. Once the planning and structural detailing is done, the construction estimator shares the details.
vi. Cost Estimations
The construction estimator estimates the quantity and quality of materials needed. We will then develop a budget that includes estimated costs of labor, materials, machinery, and other requirements. The budget will depend on the quality and quantity of materials needed, within the limits of the client's verified regular net income.
vii. Schedule
Once the project scope is laid out and the contractor has done a site visit, it is time to develop a project schedule. The schedule defines when certain aspects of the work will start and end. The schedule is typically updated during the project lifecycle to paint a clearer picture of construction timelines. Project scheduling is crucial as it affects overall project costs and profit margins.
2. CONSTRUCTION PHASE
With the project plan and team in place, it is time to clear the site and start building. The building construction phase is where the project comes to life. It is a critical step because it involves multiple working parts and deadlines. Each contractor and subcontractor must now execute the plan, from site preparation to construction.
The construction phase involves site preparation, excavation, foundation, framing, masonry work, roofing, interior finishes, and exterior finishes.
Steps involved:
i. Site preparation
ii. Excavation
iii. Foundation Construction
iv. Framing & Structural Work (including Masonry, Roofing, etc)
v. Electrical & Plumbing Installation
vi. Interior Finishes (including woodwork, fixture fittings, waterproofing, painting, etc)
vii. Exterior Finishes
i. Site Preparation
Site preparation is the clearing of the site in readiness for construction. Site preparation clears the way for other remedial or demolition work required before workers start constructing the building.
Site clearing involves removing rubbish, machinery, equipment, and unwanted materials. Some site preparation activities may require approvals. The workers must take care not to destroy any trees that are meant to be protected.
A site waste management plan (SWMP) is essential to ensure materials are managed and disposed of efficiently and legally. The SWMP also outlines the reuse and recycling of materials where possible. Only professional disposal experts should handle hazardous substances like asbestos and contaminated waste.
Site preparation is typically carried out under the main construction contract but can be carried out in advance. Site preparation can also be part of a wider enabling works contract, including soil stabilization, demolition, construction of access roads, and services diversion.
ii. Excavation
The construction process begins at excavation and ends once the interior and exterior finishes are complete.
Once the site is cleared, it is time for excavation. Excavation refers to the removal of earth to form a cavity in the ground. Small sites may do excavation manually using shovels, picks, and wheelbarrows. However, heavy plant machinery is used in large-scale excavations.
Excavation can be classified according to the material being removed, for instance, topsoil, muck, earth, and rock excavation. It can also be classified according to the purpose: trench, road, basement, and bridge excavation.
iii. Foundation Construction
The cleared and excavated site is now ready for construction, and the foundation can be poured. The foundation is the lower part of the substructure. It transfers the building’s loads to the ground.
The foundation is built according to the architect’s drawings. The drawings determine the foundation's length, width, depth, size, and type.
Concrete foundations are widely used for building structures. However, the choice of foundation can vary depending on the water table level and soil composition of the location. Soil testing is crucial to determine the bearing capacity of the soil.
Shallow foundations may be adequate for low-rise buildings. However, pile foundations are best for high-rise buildings. Builders will place formworks and reinforcements in the excavated trenches to construct the foundation. The Engineer must monitor the reinforcement works.
iv. Framing Structural Work (including Masonry, Roofing, etc)
Framing is the installation of wood frames and steel beams to support the building. It is a time-consuming but crucial part of building construction as it sets the groundwork for the rest of the building.
After the framing is complete, it is time to begin the masonry work. The architect’s drawings will determine the material used: ash brick, concrete blocks, or bricks. The masons bind the building materials using a cement mortar mix, leaving gaps for the doors, windows, and doorways.
Once the basic structure is done, roofing is installed. Roofing protects the interior from the weather elements, preventing damage and disruptions. The contractors should be brought in to start working on the exterior of the building at this stage. Note that roofing can sometimes come after the electrical works, depending on the plan, schedule, and other factors.
v. Electrical & Plumbing Installation
The specialty contractors are brought in to complete the rough plumbing and electrical work. This process involves installing pipes and wires under the floors, ceilings, and walls.
The electrical and plumbing work is not completed at this stage; only the rough work is done to enable drywall, insulation, and ceiling installation. The point and pipe ends must be left out and finished later with plumbing fixtures and electrical fittings.
This step is important to ensure that electrical and plumbing work is not visible after finishing.
vi. Interior Finishing (including woodwork, fixture fittings, waterproofing, painting, etc)
The next step is to plaster the internal walls for a smooth finish and install tiles on the floor. Interior finishing also includes installing drywall, ceiling, and insulation. The electrician can also come in and finish the outlets and install the light fixtures.
The construction is almost complete now, and it is time to complete the plumbing fittings in the kitchen and bathrooms. Toilets, cabinets, windows, and doors are fitted too.
Waterproofing is the process of preventing water from penetrating the building. Waterproofing is done to reduce humidity and keep the house dry.
Painting gives the house a beautiful finish and protects it from exposure to rain, dirt, sunlight, and stains. A good paint job can give a building 5 to 10 extra years of life.
3. POST-CONSTRUCTION
Finally, post-construction involves the final walkthrough and the handover of the completed building.
The post-construction phase is the final process before the building is handed over to the client or owner. The post-construction phase includes completing the punch list items and the final walk-through.
Steps involved:
- Final Walkthrough
- Handover
Walkthrough
Once the construction is complete, the team must walk through the building to confirm that all the project specifications have been met. The contractor and the architect must certify that the building is fully functional.
If the architect is satisfied, they will issue a certificate of satisfactory completion. The relevant supervisors must confirm that the building meets the local authorities' requirements, and the local government will issue a certificate of occupancy.
Handover
We can now hand over the building to the owner. The owner is given substantial time to confirm that they are comfortable operating every aspect of the new building. We can provide training and support as necessary. We also hand over all the blueprints and operation manuals to the owner.
Post Move-in Events
Like the pre-construction phase, the post-construction phase protects you should any situations come up after the build is complete.
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