The WoW Style

Building and construction projects are difficult to plan and execute due to the extensive number of steps involved. From project planning to execution to completion, each step is as crucial as the next.

Your first project demonstrates how your future projects will be structured. The success of your first project can give you the confidence to take on any foreseeable risks and challenges.

Construction managers are frequently advised to look at the big picture rather than focusing on the project’s immediate results. But they’re also accountable for minor but important tasks, such as hiring welfare trailers to meet site welfare requirements and finding storage containers for on-site operations.

Before you take control of your construction project, take a look at our guide, which highlights the essential steps for any project.

Site Location Search

Choosing the ideal location for your construction project is the very first step. Consult real estate agents and property experts to pick the best possible project location. 

Here are some questions to consider for better site selection:

• Will this location give a timely return on investment, maximise capital gain, and benefit from local development?
• Does the site fall under the council planning zone?
• Is the location suitable for the organisation’s workforce and customers?
• Are there any noise limitations for the location?
• Will factors like land topography and size affect the construction costs?

While making a choice, also consider factors such as the nature of the soil, water supply, ease of access, proximity to residential areas, and market demand. Ensure you have enough space available for the project and dedicated areas for your workforce. Ensure you can accommodate your storage, workshop, or office needs. For instance, if your project is located in Newcastle, look for shipping containers for sale in Newcastle to make things easier.

Planning and Development

The planning and development stage hold a lot of influence on the outcome of the project. That’s why, you need to make sure it’s as detailed oriented as possible.

This step is where you begin your search for contractors and sub-contractors. Develop and shape your project plan by collaborating with general contractors, architects, land developers, and other managers, making sure everyone’s on the same page. 

At this stage, a construction plan is drawn with the estimated expenses, contracts, payment processes, timelines, and designs. Here you define the budget by outlining the hard and soft costs. 

Factor in the total construction costs including the materials, machinery, equipment, labour, and other costs. Whether you’re looking for heavy plant hiring contractors in Newcastle or aggregate suppliers in Norfolk, search for the best local project contractors who are ready to align with your project’s budget and timelines.

Finance Sources

After you have defined your budget, you must now source funds. Project owners can invest money, but this may not be possible at all times. One way is to apply for a construction loan from banks, credit unions, private lenders, or other financial institutions. A loan can cover the costs of the land, workforce hiring, materials and equipment, and other major costs. Alternatively, you can also approach investors and partner with them to gain funds. 

Pre-design

Once your funding sources are set, start focusing on the project’s pre-design stage.

Team up with the architect to develop a rough outline of the building or structure. The pre-design stage covers four key aspects:

Feasibility Testing

The planning team conducts a feasibility study to check the project’s viability. This test assesses whether amenities and requirements such as the size, use of space, number of rooms, and functions are aligned with the building orientation and utility connections.

Schematic Design

Under schematic design, the team ticks off the allocation and design of components like natural lighting, doors, windows, common areas, and private spaces. You can visualise the space with the help of colourful illustrations.

Design Development

Research on the types of materials and equipment needed for the construction is carried out.

Final Design

The final drawings and specifications are finalised. 

Design

Next, the design team is tasked with coming up with a full set of drawings after the pre-design stage. During this phase, architects and designers draw up the official blueprints and models.

Your construction team is incomplete without the contribution of engineers. Make sure you hire the right team.

Bidding

The bidding phase takes place in tandem with the design phase. At this stage, you invite bids from interested vendors and contractors. Floating a construction tender well in advance allows contractors and vendors enough time to respond. You’ll be able to determine the project’s total cost based on the received price quotes.

For a successful bidding process, ensure you receive exact information, including building plans, requirements, timelines, and quantity lists. Go through the quotes and information meticulously during the contractor shortlisting process. Review their track records and experience, and count on referrals before signing the contract.

Pre-construction

Before the pre-construction phase, ensure you have your project team in place. Your construction team must include superintendents, project managers, contract administrators, and field engineers. The successful execution of your project is highly dependent on the cooperation and collaboration of this team.

In the pre-construction phase, your assembled project team along with the primary contractor will visit the site for an inspection. After a thorough inspection, the report is shared with the relevant authorities before the commencement of the project. 

You may also need to submit plans and designs for approval from the building department. Get unsured to safeguard all stakeholders from any unpredictable circumstances. 

Procurement

This stage involves the gathering of materials, equipment, services, and labour. The simplicity or complexity of the procurement process is determined by size, design, availability and functionalities. Ensure the procured materials are supplied timely and comply with the project quality standards and budget. 

Construction

This is the stage where all the real action takes place. The first step is to prepare the site for construction by excavating, removing vegetation, setting up drainage, and arranging power, water and sanitation. 

Post inspection, the foundation is laid, followed by concrete pouring, steel erection, building roofs and frames, and exterior and interior works. Minor processes follow until the end stage.

Post-construction

The post-construction stage involves heavy-duty tests, to identify incomplete tasks and unsatisfactory work. A walkthrough with the project team, contractors and designers can pinpoint the issues. 

This marks the end of the project. You would now focus on identifying and rectifying errors, meeting quality standards and passing the final inspection. The local authority is contacted to inspect and issue an occupancy certificate, finally signalling the end of the construction process.

In Conclusion

From beginning to end, every construction project requires a large number of detailed steps. Understanding the finer details involved in the construction process and getting them right holds the key to making the entire project a rousing success. Each step of the project process is crucial and needs to be done meticulously and uncompromisingly.

Moreover, communicate, collaborate and synchronise all tasks for flawless project execution. Your project’s success can set the tone for your future project successes in the construction industry.