Construction projects must have certain steps and processes followed in order to achieve the desired outcome. It is crucial for these processes to be split into stages as constructing a structure can be a huge undertaking, sometimes taking many months to complete. If a step or process is missed, it can cause serious delays in the construction project. So without further ado, here are the crucial stages of every construction project!

Inception Stage:

This is the stage where it is still largely in the hands of the client and the project owners. The conception of a project can take weeks to months, depending on how urgent the deadline is. During this stage there is a lot of research done and many things are decided, such as the construction location, the specification, the final design and standards of the project, as well as deciding who will be involved, such as contractors.

Concept Design Stage:

This phase is perhaps the most crucial of them all, with a lot of heavy decisions made. Construction project design is influenced by the scope of the project, its individual budget and requirements. Once parameters have been established in the inception stage, logistics are figured out such as how big the structure will be, the number of rooms and how to utilise the space.

Pre-Construction Stage:

Before construction can begin, a project team must be put together. This usually consists of a health and safety manager, an architect, a field engineer, construction project manager and designers. A project can remain in this stage for a while because the project team must examine the site to detect and predict environmental challenges, as well as testing the soil and putting the results forward for reviewal. Once everything has been signed off, the next stage can begin.

Procuring Materials, Equipment and Workforce:

During this integral stage, all the necessary materials, equipment and workforce (including contractors) are procured. Depending on resources and on how big the project is, this stage can be quite challenging and intricate. Materials such as concrete, plaster, cement and mortar, as well as cables, mesh, lighting and metals for fabrication, are procured – this list is not exhaustive and what is procured is largely dependant on each individual project! It is also typical for construction companies to simultaneously order materials and equipment for multiple projects, as well as construction workers working on several projects at once. This stage can also be a major expense in construction, so it’s crucial for this to be planned, executed and controlled accordingly, to minimise costs.

Construction Stage:

Now this is the stage where the construction begins! Lots of initial meetings are held at the beginning of this stage to ensure that everyone involved is on the same page, and knows their role in the project, including timings, deadlines and the location of materials. A lot of employees, contractors and subcontractors will be unable to begin their portion of the project such as installing lighting, architectural rigging and balustrades, until certain aspects are completed. The consequences of poor planning and delays will become evident during this stage.

Post-Construction Stage:

When construction is completed, there needs to be a final inspection of the building. This step is paramount for safety reasons and to ensure that every step and process was followed through accordingly to meet the exact specifications given by the client. Usually, no issues are found at this point as regular inspections will have been conducted throughout the construction stage. The client will also be trained to operate and maintain the newly-built structure, which will also still be under warranty. Contractual agreements and a post-project review usually occurs during this stage as well.

In sum, no matter how big or small a construction project is, there are crucial steps and stages that cannot be skipped. A large part of a project in construction successfully coming to fruition boils down to careful planning and execution. Each phase in a construction project needs to be streamlined in order to meet the pre-agreed time constraints and budgets – it is not a straightforward task!

Byline:

Laura Driver is a Brit working abroad. She works in outreach and has dabbled in copywriting, SEO, Outreach and Digital PR for a wide range of industries. Laura is especially experienced in writing for construction, architectural rigging and fabrication.