What are the main stages of construction projects?
- The concept of a project
- Project
- Pre-construction stage
- Acquisition stage
- Construction stage
- Post-construction stage
For each 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 under construction can vary according to their size, number of stakeholders involved, budget and delivery date. Regardless of the case, however, a construction project is always a long and demanding process.
The good news is that with the continuous progress of digital solutions, managing the different phases of the project can now be done much easier and with greater precision. Furthermore, collecting valuable site data can play a decisive role in improving and, ideally, standardizing the construction process for future projects.
In summary, here are the 6 steps of a construction project and what you should know about them:
1. Project design
Typically, project design begins with the client. This is where the dream begins and also the search for the right location and the specifications/standards that must be followed.
Depending on the project, the design phase may vary. It can take anywhere from a few days to a few months or more, depending on how imminent the need to complete the project is.
It goes without saying that construction workers generally don't have much input at this stage, as the ball is still in the hands of the project owner.
2. Project
When the project is closer to completion, it's time to sit down and talk about design. This is still a preliminary phase, which means nothing is guaranteed at this point. However, design is the stage where the bidding process normally begins.
The team responsible for the project, led by an architect or engineer, will need to ensure that each of the state regulations and codes are met, respecting the project owner's vision, as well as ensuring that the newly constructed structure will be usable.
There are typically four different steps in the design phase and they include scheduling and feasibility, schematic design, design development, and contractual documents.
During the programming and feasibility stage, each of the project objectives and goals must be outlined. Numerous decisions are made at this stage, including the size of the building, how the space will be used and how many rooms will be needed.
The schematic drawing is a sketch that will show the space, as well as materials, colors and even textures. This sketch will be used during project development to research the equipment needed, along with their cost and materials used.
Once the contract documents have been drawn up, everything is close to being finalized, as they contain the final drawings and specifications. These documents are used in the construction industry by those bidding to work on the project.
3. The pre-construction phase
The next stage of a construction project begins when the bidding is completed and the contractor is chosen to carry out the work. Once the contractor is chosen, the project team is assembled.
Typically, a project team is tasked with preparing the construction site before work begins. As a rule, it consists of the following specialties:
- Contract Administrator
- Project Manager
- Superintendent
- Field engineer
- Health and safety manager
In close collaboration with the contractor, the project team is responsible for visiting the field to conduct a site survey. Examination of the site will allow the project team to detect or predict any environmental challenges that may arise during the construction process. Soil testing is also an integral part of this step.
When all information is collected, all plans and conclusions should be reviewed by municipal authorities. This is generally a long procedure as all concerns and opinions must be heard and addressed.
4. The acquisition phase
Now it’s time for the project team to request and obtain materials, equipment, and labor. This phase of the project can be more or less complex and challenging depending on the size of the project, available resources and the agreed start date.
Many large construction companies have their own purchasing departments. In these cases, it is common for the construction company to simultaneously order labor, equipment and materials for several works. This process can vary greatly on smaller projects.
All of this work is usually performed by the general contractor, however, there are times when subcontractors will be in charge of certain parts. Subcontractors may be responsible for hiring their own workers or obtaining their own materials so they know they have exactly what they need to complete their part of the work.
5. The construction phase
Before construction begins, a pre-construction meeting is held to ensure everyone is on the same page when construction begins. This meeting typically includes information on the following topics:
- how to access the workplace
- project quality control
- how and where to store all materials
- the time everyone will be working
Each worker can receive their own schedule. It's also important to note that each project agent's schedule can vary depending on their role. This is especially true for subcontractors who need certain parts of the work completed before they can begin their part. It becomes readily apparent that poor planning at this point can lead to serious delays and budget overruns.
Once the meeting is over and there are no questions left, the first stage of the project can begin. The goal at this point is to have everything planned so carefully that everything goes smoothly. Of course, this rarely happens, as something always goes wrong during a construction project.
To avoid pitfalls, when planning your construction project, you should utilize some type of digital solution.
6. The post-construction phase
Last but not least, the post-construction phase. Now that all works at the construction site have been completed, the project will be closed soon.
However, there are still a few steps that need to be taken before the keys to the building can be handed over.
In general, the final stage of the construction project is divided into three critical stages:
The. Commissioning of new construction building
First of all, it is necessary to carry out an inspection of the entire building. If everything is done correctly, these inspections will be quite simple to pass.
The reason is that other inspections should have already been carried out throughout the project. It is during these previous inspections that problems should have been found and corrected.
Once everything is verified, it is time for the project team to train the client on the operation and maintenance of the newly built structure. This is a step of considerable importance, as it will contribute to increasing the project life cycle.
B. Owner occupation
Now that the training has been completed, the owner can take over the building. This is when the warranty period begins. This way, the project owner can feel confident that they will have enough time to examine all of the different systems, equipment, and materials that have been installed.
There are three main types of construction warranties:
- Express warranty: This is usually included in the contract.
- Implied warranty: It is imposed by law.
- Legal guarantee: It is introduced in state regulations.
w. Close
This is the last step in the long process of designing and completing a construction project. The project team must comply with contractual agreements and ensure that the project is free from any type of legal encumbrance.
At this point, it is also good practice to carry out a post-project review that can help different actors detect any tasks that were not completed, analyze why this happened and put together a list of insights for the future.
A post-project review can also be the basis for creating a detailed project completion report.
Final word
Ultimately, each step of a construction project is a chain of tasks, decisions and countless tools. Its complexity largely depends on the size and type of the project, but there are always some main steps that cannot be ignored.
Impeccable communication between different stakeholders and fact-based decisions are two fundamental pillars in the effort to streamline a construction project and ensure that all phases will be developed and completed within the agreed deadline and budget.
