The construction industry is currently enjoying a period of growth. The diverse sectors of construction have faced significant challenges in recent years, most notably with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this period, many construction projects needed to be halted or put on hold, due to the restrictions that were placed on citizens and the need to keep to social distancing rules.
Thankfully, the worst effects of the virus seem to have passed, and the construction industry has begun to rebound from this period with growth forecast across the industry. All types of firms undertake construction projects ranging from road-building projects to building new commercial or residential properties.
In each project, there are key stages that need to be undertaken. In this article, the journey of a typical construction project is explored. Focus is placed on the initial planning and budgeting stage, undertaking site works, and laying the foundations before moving on to framing an external construction.
Planning and budgeting
Every construction project, regardless of size or scope, must be effectively planned and budgeted for. It is of paramount importance that an accurate budget is drawn up for the works. This will ensure that your firm has a realistic idea of its total costs for the project and can demonstrate that it will turn a profit. When planning and budgeting, it is vital to calculate the timescales for each stage of the project. This will give you a clear indication of the laboring costs that will be incurred during the project.
Remember that planning and budgeting go hand in hand. Every construction firm will want to spend time getting this vital stage of project preparation right as it reduces the risk of the project going over budget. Numerous large-scale projects have gone over budget in recent years, and this can be financially disastrous, potentially leading to the collapse of the construction firm in severe cases.
Siteworks and foundations
Once a robust budget has been set and the overall stages of the project have been planned, work can begin on the site works and foundations at the location. When preparing the ground for construction, soil screeners may be used. This machinery is used to separate high-quality materials from debris and other unwanted scrap.
It allows for the soil to be adequately prepared for the construction work that is to follow. The use of this equipment is vital when achieving the ideal surface across a range of construction projects. Foundations may be dug out, and the site will have access areas included to deliver the materials needed during the project.
Framing and external construction
Once the foundations have been laid, the construction work can begin to “go vertical”. The first stage of this is to undertake rough framing. Here, the steel structures are lifted into place by cranes and securely attached to the foundations of the building.
Once this structure is in place, concrete can begin to be poured into each level of the building for the flooring before the framing sub is constructed to give the building its overall structural integrity. With this stage complete, external construction can begin. This stage essentially seals the building to the outside elements, with windows, doors, roofing, and brickwork being constructed.
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