The construction process: an overview
Building a house is no small feat – it takes time, money, and effort. But, it can be an advantageous emotional and financial experience. If you’re considering taking on a construction project, it’s crucial to have a firm understanding of the construction process. We’ll give you an overview from start to finish.
Building construction creates a structure by assembling various materials, including wood, metal, brick, and concrete. It is the process of adding a structure to a site. This can include anything from erecting a new building to adding an extension to an existing one. It can also involve the construction of roads, bridges, tunnels, and other infrastructure.
The construction process is a complex and multi-faceted undertaking involving various activities and skills.
Building construction boasts a long and captivating history; our ancestors crafted these early structures from wood, stone, and mud, using them for shelter and protection from the elements.
Over time, the materials and methods used for building construction have evolved and become more sophisticated.
Today, the construction of structures can utilize various materials and techniques, encompassing traditional methods like brick and mortar and more contemporary approaches such as prefabrication and 3D printing.
The Types of Building Construction
There are various types of building construction, and classification can be based on the building’s end use or the structure’s method of assembling. Building construction ranges from simple designs like sheds and garages to complex projects like hospitals and skyscrapers.
The most common types are based on end-use.
1. Residential construction:
This type of construction includes houses, apartments, townhouses, and other structures that people live in. The benefits of residential construction include creating homes for people to live in, and the challenges include the high cost of materials and labour.
2. Commercial construction:
This type includes office buildings, retail stores, warehouses, and other structures used for business purposes. The benefits of commercial construction involve creating spaces for businesses to operate in, and the challenges include the need for a higher level of quality control.
3. Industrial construction:
This type includes factories, power plants, and other manufacturing or other industrial structures. The benefits of industrial building involve creating spaces for industry, and the challenges include the need for a higher level of safety.
4. Infrastructure construction:
This type includes roads, bridges, tunnels, and other structures used for transportation or other public purposes. The benefits of infrastructure construction include improving transportation and communication, and the challenges include the high cost of materials and labour.
The different types of building construction are determined by how the structure is assembled.
-Brick and mortar:
Brick-and-mortar construction is the most traditional type of construction. It involves laying bricks or other masonry units to create a structure.
-Prefabrication:
Prefabrication involves building parts of the structure in a factory and assembling them on-site. This can be faster and more efficient than traditional construction methods.
-3D printing:
3D printing is a relatively new type of construction that is becoming more popular. It involves using a 3D printer to create a structure from a digital file. This type of construction can be exact and used to create complex designs.
The Benefits of Building Construction
Building construction provides numerous benefits to society. Some of the most important benefits are:
- Economic development: Building construction is a significant driver of economic growth. It creates jobs for many workers, from construction workers to architects and engineers. It also substantially contributes to the economy, supporting millions of jobs and generating billions of Naira in revenue yearly.
- Improved infrastructure: Building construction helps to improve the quality of the infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and water and sewer systems.
- Housing: Building construction helps to provide housing for people. This is especially important in areas with high housing costs or limited options.
- Aesthetics – It can improve the appearance of an area, and it can add to the functionality of a space. In addition, construction projects often positively impact the environment, as they can lead to the development of green space and the use of sustainable materials.
- Building construction can be a source of great pride and satisfaction for those who build and use the buildings.
The Challenges of Building Construction:
Building construction can also pose challenges for society. Some of the most common challenges are:
- Cost: Building construction can be expensive, especially in areas with scarce land or high housing costs.
- Schedule: Building construction can take a long time to complete. Furthermore, the construction industry faces various regulations that create challenges in obtaining project approvals and ensuring timely completion. This can be a problem in areas with an urgent need for new housing or infrastructure.
- Disruption: Building construction can disrupt the surrounding community. This can include noise, traffic, and dust.
- Health and safety: Construction workers frequently encounter hazardous materials and conditions, leading to not uncommon accidents and instances of building collapse.
Building construction presents challenges such as expense, time consumption, and disruption to the surrounding area. This highlights the importance of having a professional team oversee the project.
Building Construction Process
The different stages of the building construction process. We’ve broken it down into a few simple steps to make it easier to understand.
1. The design phase/ pre-construction phase:
This is the phase where we develop the initial idea for the building and start putting together a plan. We decide on the overall look and feel of the project.
Step 1: Plan and design your home. This is the first and arguably the most essential step in the construction process. You must decide on your home’s size, layout, and style. Once you have a clear vision for your home, you can start working with an architect or designer to bring your vision to life.
Step 2: Obtain the necessary permits. Before starting any construction work, you must obtain the proper permits from your local building department. The permit process can be time-consuming, so factoring this into your timeline is essential.
Step 3: Hire a contractor. Once you have your permits, you can hire a contractor. Be sure to research and hire a reputable contractor with experience building the type of home you envision.
Step 4: Order materials. Once a contractor is on board, they will help you order all the materials needed for your project. This includes everything from sand, cement, blocks, and drywall to plumbing and light fixtures.
2. The construction phase:
This is the phase where we start construction. This is the exciting part! Once your job site receives all the materials, your contractor will commence the construction of your home.
The first step in building construction is to clear the site. This process may include demolishing existing structures, grading and levelling the land and excavating foundation trenches or utility lines requiring installation.
Construction begins with the preparation of a construction site and the erection of temporary structures, which may include the installation of utilities.
Next, the construction team pours the foundation of the structure. This could be a slab, basement, or crawlspace, depending on the design of the building. Once the foundation is in place, the framing can begin.
The framing is the skeleton of the building and includes the floor joists, walls, and roof trusses. Once the frame is complete, the exterior finishes include the siding, windows, and doors.
The construction team then finishes the interior of the building, including the installation of drywall, flooring, and any built-in cabinets or fixtures. The building is then ready for occupancy!
3. Post-construction phase/ The completion phase:
Essential tips you need to know when undergoing a construction process
This is the final phase, where we complete the project, finish construction, and move in. After months (or even years) of hard work, your construction project will finally be complete! You can now start enjoying your new home.
Building a house is a big undertaking, but you can do a few things to make the process easier. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Set a realistic budget. Before you start your project, you must have an accurate idea of how much it will cost. Work with your contractor to get a detailed estimate of all the materials and labour costs.
Create a timeline. Once you have a budget in place, you can start creating a timeline for your project. This will help you stay on track and avoid any costly delays. A construction schedule is a tool and a crucial component of the building construction process, as it promptly and efficiently completes necessary tasks. With a construction schedule, it would be easier to coordinate the efforts of all trades and workers involved in building construction.
Hire the right team. One of the most important decisions you’ll make during construction is who to hire. Be sure to do your research and employ reputable contractors and building professionals.
Use Construction management software. This tool is valuable for streamlining the building construction process. Construction management software can create and track construction schedules and manage the finances and resources associated with a construction project.
