Although many projects differ in complexity, size, and scope, all construction projects involve the same building completion process: the construction phase.
We will explore the ins and outs of what is involved in the most well-known phase of a project and walk you through the earliest phases through construction project closeout.
Table of contents:
The construction phase is the physical process of building and all other associated activities such as landscaping, refurbishing, site clearance, and demolition.
The contractor typically performs the construction work. However, it is not uncommon for a contractor to split the project into smaller phases to achieve the milestones. In this case, the contractor tenders the individual stages to subcontractors and suppliers.
The construction phase is the industry’s backbone, but contracts have to be awarded through a competitive bidding process before construction. Due to the bidding process’s competitive nature, mastering these bids is crucial for bringing business to your company.
The necessary bidding procedure consists of four steps, namely:
All these steps take place before the construction phase, and we will expand on these points below.
After the awarding of the contract, the construction process commences. The process, according to construction management, is divided essentially into four phases. These are:
The proper execution of these progressive stages of construction planning is the foundation that ensures success for a project.
The planning phase is the first stage of any significant project. It is where the owner, architect, and construction manager discuss the project. They evaluate the feasibility of the project, as each project has its own unique set of variables. The planning phase only accounts for a tiny percentage of the total cost, but it has a tremendous impact on the construction phase. It is here where we discover the importance of estimation in construction. Poor planning will lead to the misappropriation of resources in the construction phase, where over 90% of the liability and costs lie.
During the preconstruction phase, the architect and the engineers begin with the construction documents and the contract documents that will be submitted to the relevant authorities for the issuance of building permits. The architect issues the drawings to the contractor to precisely define what is being built. It is crucial to engage the contractor on this stage for pre-construction services to provide constructability expertise with evolving design. The contractor also gives input on preconstruction costs, which should be included in the total construction budget. This approach is critical in managing the budget, as there will be fewer opportunities for budget increases.
The construction stage is the hub of the project. It is the phase where the planning takes off. The whole professional team involving architects, consultants, and engineers are engaged in this phase. The experienced team has to perform quality control inspections, check and approve the technical submittals and ensure that the contractor generally delivers the project as designed.
It is here that the contractor divides the work into smaller phases and, in many cases, tenders the smaller stages to subcontractors. However, the main contractor always retains responsibility for the overall project.
During this stage, there are very many important things to consider. Some of them are as follows:
The activities during this phase can be quite numerous. As a result, it's is essential to be strategic on the sequencing, lead times, and any legislative or time-sensitive compliance issues. Apart from the granular issues covering construction, there are other vital components of this phase that you should consider.
If you carry out a risk analysis on the construction phases, the highest risk is the construction phase. Here is where the construction manager comes in to mitigate the risks. Through comprehensive planning, the construction manager can identify the threat and counter it before it happens. There are some risks, such as weather, that are, however, beyond anyone’s control.
Apart from risk mitigation, the construction manager must be very vigilant to keep the project on track. Their services may include monitoring the contractor’s safety program, monitoring the scope, time and budget, and any other insurance and risk management controls.
The post-construction phase is where the physical construction happens, but it has not yet been handed over to the owner. It includes activities such as demobilization, a punch list, and document closeout.
The burden for the preparation of the construction phase plan lies on the principal contractor of a project. In the construction regulations (2015), it states,
“12.—(1) During the pre-construction phase, and before setting up a construction site, the principal contractor must draw up a construction phase plan, or make arrangements for a construction phase plan to be drawn up.”
The project manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the project, from planning, actual construction, monitoring, and closure. They also ensure targets on budget and cost are met.
In previous construction regulations (2007), the construction phase plan was required only for notable projects. However, the new version of the regulations in 2015 requires a construction phase plan on all projects.
Construction projects are complex and can be a headache for someone unfamiliar with them. Following the right steps in the construction, phases play an essential role in guiding the process from inception to completing a project.
