6 stages of a project in Construction

1. The conception of the project

Normally, the conception of the project starts with the client. This is where the dream begins as well as the research for the right location and the specifications/standards that should be followed. It can take from a few days to a few months or more, depending on how imminent is the need for the completion of the project. Construction workers generally don’t have much input during this step, as the ball is still in the hands of the project developer or owner.

2. Design

Once the project is closer to fruition, it is time to sit down and talk design. This is still a preliminary stage, which means that nothing is guaranteed at this point. Nevertheless, design is the stage where usually the bidding process begins. The team that is in charge of the design, led by an architect or an engineer, will need to make sure that each of the state regulations and codes is met while respecting the vision of the project owner as well as ensuring that the newly built structure will be usable.

3. The pre-construction stage

The next step of a construction project started when the bidding is completed and the contractor has been decided to do the work. When the contractor is
decided, the project team is put together. Normally, a project team has the task to make and prepare the construction site before the work begins. And it consists of the following specialties:
• Contract administrator
• Project manager
• Superintendent
• Field engineer
• Health and safety manager

4. The procurement stage

Now it is time for the project team to order and get materials, equipment, and workforce. This step of the project can be more or little complex and challenging depending on how big the project is, the availability of resources and the agreed starting date.

Many of the big construction companies have their procurement departments. In such cases, it is common that the construction company will simultaneously order laborers, equipment and materials for several projects. This process might vary alot in smaller projects.

5. The construction stage

Before the construction work starts, a pre-construction meeting is taken to ensure that everyone is on the same page when the construction starts. This meeting generally includes all information about the following topics:
• How to access the job site
• The quality control of the project
• How and where to store all the materials
• The hours that everyone will be working

6. The post-construction stage

Last but certainly not least, the post-construction stage. Now that all the work on the job site has been completed, the project will soon come to a close.
Nonetheless, there are still a few steps that need to be done before the keys to the building can be handed over. Normally in, the last stage of the construction project is divided into 3 most critical steps:

a. New construction building commissioning

First things first, an inspection of the whole building needs to be done. If everything is done correctly, these inspections are fairly simple to pass.

b. Owner occupancy

Now that the training is completed, the owner can take over the building. This is when the warranty period is on. In that way, the project owner can feel safe that there is enough time to examine all the different systems, equipment, and materials that have been installed.

c. Closure

This is the final step in the long run process of designing and completing a construction project. The project team has to overall contractual agreements and make sure that the project is free from any type of legal burden.

Final word

At the end of the day, every step of a construction project is a chain of multiple tasks, decisions, and numerous tools. Its complexity is vastly depended on its size and the type of the project but there are always some core steps that can’t be skipped.

Impeccable communication between the different stakeholders and fact-based decisions are two fundamental pillars in the effort of streamlining a construction project and making sure that all phases will be developed and completed within the agreed timeframe and budget.