Understanding the construction process when moving house
30th September 2022 - By Jason Clemmit
Are you considering building and moving into your dream home? This is an exciting prospect, especially when you understand how the construction process works.
Understanding the construction process behind a new build helps you put a realistic timeline in place for when moving house. This blog outlines the stages involved in house construction.
Stages in the construction process
There are six stages in the construction process and these include:
1. The project conception phase
This is the planning and development stage and involves collaborating with architects and designers to communicate your home vision. You can use this stage to brainstorm ideas and debate things you’re unsure about. If you haven’t done so already, this stage also involves finding a property to build on and choosing a general contractor to carry out the work.
2. The design phase
The design phase is where contractors determine what’s possible to achieve and set realistic expectations for your new home. They can show you how your home will look when it’s finished using preliminary designs.
Contractors also use this stage to address certain regulations or restrictions you set. For instance, they may seek green certification standards for a green building. They then collate all necessary information to form contractor documents which are used by construction companies to bid on projects.
3. The preconstruction phase
Once you’ve accepted a bid and given the construction company the go-ahead, the general contractor begins to formulate their team. This includes field engineers, project managers, contract administrators, and other professionals.
Also in this phase, the construction site is prepared and the foundation is poured. Contractors may also complete rough framing to set construction parameters.
4. The procurement phase
This stage involves buying or renting all the materials necessary to create your home. It involves sourcing labourers, building materials, machinery and equipment. Contractors keep track of delivery schedules to create a project timeline and negotiate with various vendors to secure the best deals.
5. The construction phase
This is where the actual construction takes place – once all necessary materials have been procured. Tasks overseen during the construction phase include:
- Plumbing, electrical and HVAC installations
- Insulation installation
- Drywall and interior fixture installations
- Interior trims and exterior finishes
- Hard surface flooring and countertop installations
- Finishing mechanical trims and bathroom fixtures
Construction teams rely heavily on CAD drawings to conduct these tasks according to predetermined specifications.
6. The post-construction phase
This stage involves inspecting everything to make sure everything is ready for you to move in. Once everyone is happy, the architect issues a certificate of substantial completion. A government inspection is also completed to ensure the new build complies with industry standards. For more on building regulations approval, click here.
Once completing all six stages, you’re ready to move into your new home!