Construction projects can vary in size, the number of parties engaged, budget, and delivery date. Regardless of the circumstances, a construction project is always a complex process. That’s why, to ensure a good outcome, specific steps and processes must be followed at each stage. The good news is that thanks to the continual advancement of digital technologies, managing the various project phases is now a lot easier and more precise.
Furthermore, gathering vital data from the field can play a critical role in improving, and ideally, standardizing, the construction process for future projects. Here are the general six stages of a building project and what you should know about them.
1. Creating a Concept
Typically, the client is the one that comes up with the idea for the project. This is when the dream, as well as the search for the ideal place and the specifications/standards that must be met, begins. The conception stage may differ depending on the project. It can take anywhere from a few days to a few months or more, depending on how urgent the job needs to be completed. This is where not only the general ideas but more detailed specifics need to be discussed, such as comparing the goal on paper with the real-time budget, location and other external factors.
2. Obtaining a Building Permit
Most construction projects and many home renovation jobs will require your company’s acquisition of a building permit. The procedure varies depending on where you live, but obtaining building permits generally consists of the following steps.
- Filling out an application
- Creating and submitting a construction site plan and building blueprint, sometimes with the assistance of an architect
- Scheduling a meeting with the city or county for building plan approval, which could take weeks or months if amendments are required
- Scheduling frequent construction inspections
- Obtaining final approval from local building officials
- While big residential or commercial construction activities would almost certainly necessitate the usage of building permits, trade workers such as house painters and carpet installers are unlikely to.
- Check your local laws before planning any construction project, as building regulations can change.
This is a precursory activity for any project. In this phase, you might need a team of professionals to get your building permits in order. They will help you gather all the necessary information for a proposed project, assess the development scope, and explore options for delivering the project.
3. Designing the Project
When the project details and all building approvals are nearing completion, it is time to sit down and discuss the design. Because this is still an early stage, nothing is guaranteed at this time. Nonetheless, the design stage is typically where the bidding process begins.
The design team, coordinated by an architect or engineer, will need to ensure that all state requirements and codes are satisfied while also honouring the project owner’s vision and guaranteeing that the newly built structure is useable. The design stage typically consists of four steps: programming and feasibility, schematic design, design development, and contract documentation.
Each of the project’s objectives and goals must be established during the programming and feasibility phase. Several decisions are made at this stage, including the size of the building, how space will be used, and other details connected to the floor plan itself.
4. The Pre-Construction Stage
When the bidding process is done, and a contractor has been selected to execute the work, the next stage of a construction project begins. The project team is formed as soon as the contractor is selected. Typically, a project team is tasked with preparing the construction site before the start of work. It usually comprises the following specialties:
- Administrator of contracts
- Project Manager
- Superintendent
- Field Engineer
- Manager of health and safety
The project team is responsible for visiting the field in close collaboration with the contractor to complete a site investigation. The site inspection will enable the project team to discover or foresee any environmental issues during the construction process. Soil testing is also an essential aspect of this process.
When all information has been gathered, the city authorities should assess all plans and findings. This is typically a lengthy process because all concerns and opinions must be heard and addressed and if necessary, fixed promptly.
5. The Stage of Procurement
It is now up to the project team to order and secure materials, equipment, and labour. Depending on the size of the project, the available resources, and the agreed-upon start date, this stage of the project might be more or less complex and challenging.
Many large construction firms have their procurement departments. In such instances, it is normal for the construction company to order labourers, equipment, and materials for several projects simultaneously. In smaller projects, this approach may vary significantly.
6. The Post-Construction Period
Last but not least, there is the post-construction stage. The project is nearing completion now that all of the work on the job site has been completed.
Nonetheless, a few formalities must be completed before the keys to the building can be given on.
The last stage of a building project is generally separated into three essential steps:
a. Building commissioning for new construction
b. Owner occupancy
c. Finishing
At this time, it is also a good idea to conduct a post-project evaluation, which might assist the various agents in detecting any tasks that were not done, analyzing why this occurred, and compiling a list of insights for the future.
