Before starting construction, it is very important to define every detail of the construction phases. Only this way can you ensure that it is possible to move forward and make the work as predictable as possible.

Continue reading and check out everything about the construction phases: 

1. Conception and preliminary study

2. Architectural design 

3. Planning

4. Budgeting

5. Job site preparation

6. Construction execution and management

7. Finalization and delivery

1. Conception and preliminary study

The goal of construction is to complete the building. To do this, you need to define the project scope, which is nothing more than detailing all the activities that will be executed.

You will need to put in all the main data, such as: objective, description, limit, schedule, deliverables, who the responsible people are, budget values, etc. 

1.1. Technical and economic feasibility

After defining the scope, it is time to analyze the technical and economic feasibility of the project.

• Technical feasibility: analyze the land conditions and verify if everything is within legal norms and requirements. Project coordination is essential, especially in more complex works, where it is necessary to ensure that all systems will work well together. Soil bearing capacity, wind direction, and solar orientation are some of the factors that need to be well studied in this phase.

• Economic feasibility: it is necessary to make a preliminary budget with unit cost compositions and expected productivity. It is also important to consider different financial scenarios, such as: potential variations in material prices or delays in construction. 

- Read also: The role of the Technical and Legal Feasibility Study (EVTL) for expansion projects

1.2. Topographic surveys

Topographic surveys are essential to understand the terrain where the construction will take place. Even drones in civil construction can be used to capture site details.

This data is essential for geometric design and to define contour lines, which directly influence drainage and foundation planning.

1.3. Geotechnical investigations

Geotechnical investigations provide information about soil characteristics, which is crucial for foundation design. A poorly done investigation can compromise the stability of the entire project. 

Therefore, techniques like SPT (Standard Penetration Test) and CPT (Cone Penetration Test) are used to evaluate soil strength and identify the presence of groundwater tables. With this data, it is possible to design foundations that ensure the safety and durability of the structure, whether using piles, footings, or raft foundations, depending on the soil type.

- Read also: 4 indispensable tools for civil engineers

2. Architectural design 

Architectural design is the visual and functional heart of any building. In it, the layouts of the environments, aesthetics, openings, circulations, and the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces are defined. This design is not just about beauty or aesthetics, but also about functionality, accessibility, and thermal and acoustic comfort.

The architect needs to work in conjunction with the engineers to ensure that the proposed solutions are viable from a structural point of view and comply with technical standards and local regulations.

3. Planning

With the designs defined, it is time to prepare the construction planning and budget within this series of construction phases. 

The ideal approach is to use the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). It is a visual map, or diagram, that details all elements of the project. 

It also ensures that everyone involved has a common understanding of what needs to be done, how, and when.

3.1. Identification of activities

It is within this phase of the construction that you will list all necessary activities, such as excavation, foundation, masonry, electrical installation, painting, among others.

3.2. Definition of durations

Defining the durations of activities is an important step, as it directly impacts meeting deadlines, cost control, and the final quality of the project. It means calculating the time required to complete each activity identified in the schedule. 

The process requires a thorough analysis of available resources, the complexity of the tasks, and potential associated risks. 

You can do this in a few ways: 

• Construction schedule: provides detailed time for project activities, serving as an essential tool to visualize the workflow. It allows identifying potential overlaps or gaps in planned activities and establishes a solid foundation for monitoring and controlling project progress;

• Gantt chart: a tool with a visual representation of the schedule through horizontal bars. Each represents the duration of an activity over time, making it easier to understand the sequencing of tasks and identify activities that can be executed in parallel;

• Masterplan: a strategic document that encompasses the macro vision of the project, including important milestones, main phases, and critical deliverables. The estimated activity durations feed into the Masterplan, ensuring that the detailed schedule is aligned with strategic objectives and established deadlines.

3.3. Definition of precedence

Defining precedence among activities is not limited to establishing a logical sequence based on technical dependencies. This planning stage also involves strategic decisions that can impact the progress and success of the project.

When planning the sequence of tasks, it is important to consider not only which activities depend on others, but also how the chosen order can:

• Optimize resource use: allocate labor, equipment, and materials efficiently to avoid idle time or overload;

• Reduce costs and schedules: identify opportunities to execute activities in parallel or anticipate phases that can accelerate project completion;

• Minimize risks: plan the sequence to reduce potential delays or problems that may arise during execution;

• Meet specific constraints: consider factors such as weather conditions, vendor availability, or legal permits that may affect the schedule.

For example, although it is technically impossible to install the roof before building the walls, strategically it might be advantageous to simultaneously prepare the roof structures while the walls are being erected, as long as this does not compromise quality or safety.

3.4. Schedule generation

The construction schedule is a tool that distributes activities over time, showing when each task should start and finish. It not only helps keep the project organized but also allows for adjustments if unforeseen events occur. To help you in this part, you can use software such as: MS Project, Agilean, and Prevision. 

With Construct IN, it is possible to perform construction monitoring by comparing the activities planned in the schedule with updated images of the job site. This visual verification allows confirming if the planned activities were actually executed as scheduled.

With insights gained from this comparison, managers can identify deviations between planned and actual progress, allowing for an agile response. 

Learn more about our solution: 

- Read more: Construction scheduling in Excel: why this tool is not a good option?

4. Budgeting

The construction budget is essential to ensure that the project is completed within the expected cost and quality. 

4.1. Study of constraints

Analysis of factors that can influence costs, such as: land conditions, logistics of material transportation, and labor availability. 

4.2. Breakdown of direct and indirect costs

List of all items that will generate direct costs in the construction, such as: materials, labor, and equipment use. Each must be detailed based on unit cost compositions. You can use the SINAPI table to help you. 

Indirect costs, on the other hand, are expenses that are not directly associated with a specific construction activity, but are essential for the progress of the project. They include expenses such as: site administration, temporary installations (offices and warehouses), security, etc.

4.3. Takeoff of quantities

This is the process of measuring and quantifying all the materials and services required for the construction. For example, how many cubic yards of concrete will be used?

4.4. Price quotation

This means seeking suppliers for the purchase of materials and services required for the construction under the best price and term conditions.

4.5. Indirect expenses

It is applied to calculate the sale price of the construction. The BDI (Budget and Indirect Expenses) includes costs that are not directly linked to the execution of activities, such as: administration, taxes, insurance, and profit margin. 

5. Job site preparation

Proper preparation of the ground and temporary installations ensures that the work can proceed without interruptions, safely and efficiently. In addition, a well-organized job site facilitates the control of materials and access to different sectors of the construction, contributing to the workflow and compliance with the deadlines set in the schedule.

Mobilization is the moment when all resources — such as equipment, materials, and labor — are gathered at the site. In this phase, temporary installations are set up, which include: lodging, material warehouses, living areas, etc. 

Ground preparation is a critical part of these construction phases which includes earthmoving, drainage, and retaining structures.

6. Construction execution and management

Execution is the phase where the construction takes shape. This stage includes: foundation, structure, enclosure and roofing, installations (electrical, plumbing, sanitation), and finishes. To ensure everything goes well, you need to worry about doing a good job of construction management.  

One tool that can help you a lot with this is Construct IN. Our platform simplifies the life of the construction manager by gathering all information in a single place.  With it, you follow activities with total transparency, centralizing information from DWRs (Daily Work Reports), pending issues, and notes in an easier way. 

In addition, you monitor the site remotely with 360° images, reducing the need for in-person visits. The integration with BIM provides more precise management, helping to make the comparison between the BIM design and the construction execution in 360°.

See in the video everything this tool can do for you! 

- Read also: BIM BR Strategy: understand what it is and the main goals

7. Finalization and delivery

In the finalization phase, necessary inspections and tests are performed to ensure that the work meets the required quality standards. Leakage, electrical, and load tests are some of the procedures performed to verify the safety and functionality of the systems. After passing all inspections, the project is delivered to the client, with the guarantee that all requirements have been met.

Construct IN is the best choice for all stages of construction!

Schedule a free demo today and discover how Construct IN can transform your construction management.

- Read also: ERP for construction companies: main benefits and when to hire