Features

The 5 Stages of Construction

The main stages of a construction project.

Updated on

July 7, 2021

A construction project is typically segmented into five phases namely conception, design, pre-construction, procurement, construction – and a sixth post-construction stage.

Each of the above stages of construction must be properly executed to establish the strategic framework for the project and to guarantee the overall success of the venture.

Stages of Construction Project

1. Conception Stage

A prospective homeowner comes up with the idea of building a home. He then embarks on a mission to research on the location, and type of house to be constructed.

The project owner also comes up with a tentative budget of the amount to be spent on the project, based on the available funds. This budget may include the cost of buying land.

2. Design Stage

Once the project has been conceptualised, the owner now moves to design the house. This is the first bidding job and it involves sitting down with an architect to discuss the project.

There are four steps to be followed within the design stage. These include programming and feasibility, schematic design, design development, and contract documents.

In the course of programming and feasibility step, all the goals of the project are tabled.

It is at this stage that decisions are made regarding the size of the building, number of rooms, and how space will be utilised.

During the schematic design stage, a sketch is made showing the space as well as other important features of the building such as colours and materials.

The sketch is used later during the design development stage to research the apparatus needed along with their costs as well as the materials to be used.

As the name suggests, the contract documents stage involves drawing the contracts that contain the final drawings and specifications.

These papers are used on site by those bidding for the project.

3. Pre-Construction Stage

This is easily the most demanding of all the stages of construction. It begins as soon as the project owner selects a contractor to undertake the project.

It involves putting together a project team that includes the following professionals: contract administrator, project manager, supervisor, field engineer, and health and safety manager.

The project team, in close cooperation with the contractor, moves to the field to perform a site inspection – including soil testing.

The discoveries will allow the team to detect or predict any ecological challenges that might arise during the construction process.

Afterwards, all the plans and findings are forwarded to the local authorities for approval. This is a lengthy process since all the issues raised by the authority must be addressed.

4. Procurement Stage

Once the approval has been granted, the project team now moves to procure materials, equipment, and workforce.

Depending on the magnitude of the project, this stage can be very complex and challenging.

Most large construction companies have their in-house procurement teams that enable them to simultaneously procure workforce, equipment and materials for several projects.

Although this task is performed by the main contractor, subcontractors can be assigned certain tasks such as hiring their own workers or sourcing for their own materials.

5. Construction Stage

Just before construction begins, a pre-construction meeting is conducted to ensure that any contentious issues are resolved.

This meeting usually tackles issues such as access to the job site, quality control of the project, storage of materials, and the working schedule for every team member.

After the meeting is concluded and all the contentious issues are ironed out, the project team can now move on site to embark on the actual construction journey.

Post-Construction

When all the work on site has been completed, there are a few steps that must be followed before the building is handed over to the client.

First, an inspection of the whole building must be done to ensure everything was done according to the plans.

Once the inspection team is satisfied with the outcome, the project team now moves to train the client on how to operate and maintain the new building.

This helps to increase the lifecycle of the structure.

Soon afterwards, the owner can take over the building. It is advisable to perform a post-project review to uncover any tasks that were not completed to avoid shocks in the future.