What are the main stages of construction projects?

 The concept of a project

 Design
 Pre-construction stage
 Procurement stage
 Construction stage
 Post-construction stage

For every stage of a construction project, from the simplest to the most complex, there are certain
steps and processes that need to be followed to ensure a successful outcome.

Projects in construction may vary based on their size, the number of stakeholders involved,
budget and delivery date. Regardless of the case, though, a construction project is always a long
and demanding process.

In a nutshell, here are the 6 stages of a construction project and what you should know about
them:

1. The conception of the project

Normally, the conception of the project starts with the client. This is where the dream begins as
well as the research for the right location and the specifications/standards that should be
followed.

Depending on the project, the conception stage might vary. It can take anywhere from a few days
to a few months or more, depending on how imminent is the need for the completion of the
project.

It goes without saying that construction workers usually don’t have much input during this stage,
as the ball is still in the hands of the project owner.

2. Design

Once the project is closer to fruition, it is time to sit down and talk design. This is still a
preliminary stage, which means that nothing is guaranteed at this point. Nevertheless, design is
the stage where usually the bidding process begins.

The team that is in charge of the design, led by an architect or an engineer, will need to make
sure that each of the state regulations and codes is met while respecting the vision of the project
owner as well as ensuring that the newly built structure will be usable.

There are normally four different steps within the design stage and they include programming
and feasibility, schematic design, design development, and contract documents.
During the programming and feasibility step, each of the objectives and goals of the project has
to be outlined. Numerous decisions are made at this stage, including how large the building will
be, how space will be used, and how many rooms will be needed.

The schematic design is a sketch that will show the space as well as materials, colours, and even
textures. That sketch will be used during the design development to research the equipment
needed, along with the cost for them and the materials being used.

Once the contract documents are drawn up, everything is close to being finalised, because they
contain the final drawings and specifications. These documents are used in the construction field
by those placing bids to work on the project.

3. The pre-construction stage

The next stage of a construction project begins when the bidding is completed and the contractor
has been chosen to do the work. As soon as the contractor is chosen, the project team is put
together.

Typically, a project team has the task to prepare the construction site before the work begins. As
a rule, it consists of the following specialties:

 Contract administrator
 Project manager
 Supervisor
 Field engineer
 Health and safety manager

In close collaboration with the contractor, the project team is responsible for visiting the field in
order to complete a site examination. The site examination will allow the project team to detect
or predict any environmental challenges that might emerge during the building process. Soil
testing is also an integral part of this step.

When all information is collected, all plans and findings should be reviewed by the city
authorities. This is usually a long procedure, as all concerns and opinions should be heard and
addressed.

4. The procurement stage

Now it’s time for the project team to order and obtain materials, equipment, and workforce. This
stage of the project can be more or less complex and challenging depending on how big the
project is, the available resources and the agreed start date.
Many of the big construction companies have their own procurement departments. In such cases,
it is common that the construction company will simultaneously order labourers, equipment and
materials for a number of projects. This process might vary a lot in smaller projects.
5. The construction stage

Before the construction work begins, a pre-construction meeting is done to ensure that everyone
is on the same page when the construction starts. This meeting normally includes information
about the following topics:

 how to access the job site

 the quality control of the project
 how and where to store all the materials
 the hours that everyone will be working

Each worker may be given their own schedule. It is also important to note that the schedule of
each project agent might vary depending on their role. This is especially true for subcontractors
who need certain parts of the job completed before they can begin their portion. It easily
becomes evident that bad planning at this point can lead to serious delays and budget overruns.

Once the meeting is over and there are no lingering questions, the very first step of the project
can begin. The goal at this point is to have planned everything so carefully that everything goes
off without a hitch. Of course, that rarely happens, as something always goes wrong during a
construction project.

To avoid pitfalls, while planning your construction project, you should use some kind of digital
solution.

6. The post-construction stage

Last but certainly not least, the post-construction stage. Now that all the work on the job site has
been completed, the project will soon come to a close.

Nonetheless, there are still a few steps that need to be done before the keys to the building can be
handed over.
In general, the final stage of the construction project is divided into three critical steps:
Construction Process

Site Clearance -- Before starting any construction work it becomes necessary to clear the place
from the unwanted grass, boulder etc. In case of any hill like appearance on the ground, that too
needs to be cleared of the excess earth and if there is a pit, it is required to be filled up. This total
job is called site clearance.

Break Ground & Excavation-- After the site clearance, the layout of the structure at the site
can be planned with respect to the given foundation plans. Begin earth excavation and take
trenches accordingly.

Foundation-- A foundation is the lower portion of building a structure that transfers its gravity
loads to the earth. Foundation work is done according to drawings provided by the Architect. i.e.
the size of foundation, depth, length and breadth etc.

Superstructure -- Super-structure is to provide support in the construction of the building as per

designed plan and various members of super-structure such as columns and beams are designed
to provide strength for carrying the dead load and live load expected to come on the various parts
of the structure in a safe and well-distributed manner. After casting the roofing slab
necessary waterproofing coatings shall be done.

Boundary Wall and Gates -- Compound walls should be built ideally just before beginning
major construction activities, it is to protect the site and the material stored in the storage shed,
from the outside environments and from thieves. Latest gate designs.

Roof / Heat Protective Coatings -- truss work roofing, Weather Resistant

Barrier, Waterproofing coatings, Rain screen, Green roof are some of the applications you can
implement to reduce heat.

Electrical And Lighting - works can be done after the masonry work has been completed.

Interior Design -- works can be executed according to the working drawing provided by the
architect.

Plastering Works can commence after the initial lighting and electrical plumbing work has
been completed. Cement plaster is generally used with 13 mm thickness and sometimes it can be
of 20 mm thickness. On completion of brickwork, plastering is to be done.

(a) to make the building structurally strong

(b) to protect it from the effect of weather

(c) to give it an attractive look.

Initial Plumbing Once plastering is done for bathroom walls, it is okay to start plumbing
works.
Painting Is done with cement primer once initial wiring work and plumbing works are done.

Flooring Works can commence after the initial wiring works and primer coat is done to the
interior walls. There are many types of floors according to their uses, economy and required the
level of finishing. Ceramic tiles, Vitrified tiles, Clay Tiles, Granite, Marble, Wood, Epoxy
flooring are some of the options you have in flooring.

Cabinets, Interior works, Crockery Shelves Interior works can commence after the initial
wiring works and primer coat is done to the interior walls. Cabinets, shelves and kitchen can be
done using a variety of materials which are currently available in the market such as Wood,
Multi-Wood, MDF, Plywood, Stainless steel..etc

Finishing Plumbing Works Can be done after tiling works are completed.

Finishing Electrical and Lighting works are done just before the application of final finishing
coat of paint.

Completion Certificate At this stage, one can apply for completion certificate from the
respective authorities. After completion of construction Architect/Licensee will have to apply for
a completion certificate in the prescribed format along with completed building drawings to the
Issuing Authorities. The local authority will check completion documents for compliance with
building rules and will assess building tax for the building. Once you have received the
completion /occupancy certificate you can apply for water connection.

Hardscaping and Landscaping Once your builder has completed your home, there’s still the
“hardscaping” to be done – the driveway, patio and walkways, and then the “landscaping”
plan can be put into action – the irrigation system, laying of grass bed and planting of trees, as
well as outdoor lighting, to be considered.

Final Cleanup There will always be debris left over from the construction process on the
interior and exterior of the home that you’ll want to have removed/cleaned.

Moving In This is the final step in construction industry where the project is totally finished
ready for the client to move in
Phases of Building Construction

A standard building construction project can be divided mainly into five phases. These phases of
building construction include: initiation (the start from initially buying and preparing the land),
planning the layout of the building, execution of the plan, monitoring and performing and the
completion of the project. These phases are explained further in detail below so that you’re able
to complete each phase of your project successfully.

Initiation Phase

When starting a building construction project, you will have to determine its feasibility by
evaluating its pros and cons. In this phase, you will have to consider the objective of your project
as it can be an opportunity or a problem.

Once the ideas are set, it’s time to begin implementing these into a plan. During this stage, a
manager to monitor and control this project has to be appointed, the work groups participating,
and the supplies required for completing the project are needed. The project manager then has to
develop a team to move on to the next phase of planning.

Planning Phase

In this phase, the project has to be developed in detail to meet its objectives. The project
manager’s team will define the work that needs to be done in order to start construction by
identifying the resources and strategies to obtain supplies. An outline of the construction plan
along with its timeframe and other activities has to be created in this phase for its execution.

Execution Phase

This phase is also known as the implementation phase, since this phase of the project is
practically put into performance mode. At each stage of implementation, it is necessary to
communicate with the project manager’s team to control its expenses. The heads of all the teams
executing the plan will submit their progress report to the project manager so that he can make
the necessary adjustments.
Monitoring Phase

In this phase, the performance and progress of the entire project is measured to ensure that the
project is running as per the schedule. All the finishing works including woodwork, metalwork
and painting, etc. are also monitored at this stage.

Completion Phase

The completion phase is when the project manager has to finalize many things including:
stopping the supplies, checking the final touches including planting and landscaping as well as
cleaning the surroundings and do final inspection of the project before handing over the building
to its owners.