New Builds
Looking To Have a New Home Or Commercial Building Built?
A construction new build refers to the process of constructing a brand-new structure from the ground up. This can range from residential homes to commercial buildings, industrial facilities, or infrastructure projects.
The process is comprehensive, involving multiple stages, from planning and design to the final touches before occupancy. We call it from dirt to keys in hand. Below is an outline of the major stages involved in a typical new build construction project:
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1. Initial Planning and Conceptualization:
- Feasibility Study: Assessing whether the project is financially and technically viable.
- Land Acquisition: Securing a suitable plot of land for the new build.
- Zoning and Permitting: Ensuring the project complies with local zoning laws, land-use regulations, and obtaining necessary permits (building, environmental, utility, etc.).
- Project Budgeting: Developing a financial plan that includes construction costs, materials, labor, and contingency funds.
2. Design Phase:
- Architectural Design: Involves working with architects to create the layout, aesthetics, and functionality of the building. The architect produces sketches, floor plans, and 3D renderings to give a clear idea of the design.
- Structural Design: Engineers ensure the building is structurally sound, including considerations for load-bearing walls, beams, and foundations.
- Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP) Design: Specialists design the systems that provide essential services to the building, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, electrical wiring, and plumbing.
- Sustainability Considerations: Increasingly, new builds incorporate energy efficiency and environmental sustainability features, such as solar panels, water-efficient systems, and eco-friendly materials.
3. Pre-Construction Phase:
- Site Survey and Soil Testing: A geotechnical engineer assesses the site to understand soil conditions, which influence foundation design and construction methods.
- Finalizing Permits: Submit architectural and structural plans to local authorities for approval and finalizing any remaining permits.
- Contractor Selection: Depending on the scope of the project, general contractors or construction firms are selected through bidding. This contractor is responsible for overseeing the build.
- Material Procurement: Materials, machinery, and equipment are sourced and ordered based on the project plan.
4. Site Preparation:
- Clearing the Site: Vegetation, old structures, or debris is removed from the site.
- Excavation and Earthwork: Excavating the land to the depth required for the foundation, which involves leveling the site and possibly grading for drainage.
- Foundation Construction: The foundation is laid based on the soil condition and building design (e.g., shallow or deep foundation).
5. Construction Phase:
- Foundation Work: After excavation, the foundation is set, which may involve pouring concrete, installing footings, and placing reinforcements.
- Framing and Structure: Once the foundation is ready, the framework of the building (walls, beams, roof trusses) is constructed using materials like steel, wood, or concrete.
- Roof Installation: Roofing is installed to protect the interior of the building from weather. This step typically involves sheathing, waterproofing, and adding tiles, shingles, or metal panels.
- Exterior Work: This includes exterior walls, windows, doors, and any cladding, brickwork, or siding.
- Internal Systems Installation: Electrical wiring, plumbing, and HVAC systems are installed. This is also the stage for setting up communication systems, fire protection systems, and other utilities.
- Insulation and Drywall: Insulation is added to improve energy efficiency, followed by drywall installation to form the interior walls.
6. Finishing Work:
- Flooring and Wall Finishes: This includes installing tiles, hardwood, or carpeting, as well as painting or finishing the walls.
- Interior Fixtures: Includes the installation of lighting fixtures, cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and bathroom fittings.
- Landscaping: If the project includes outdoor spaces, landscaping like lawns, gardens, walkways, and patios is carried out.
- Final Inspections: Authorities and inspectors evaluate the safety, quality, and code compliance of the building systems, structure, and safety features.
7. Handover and Post-Construction:
- Handover: Once the project is completed and passed all inspections, the contractor hands over the keys to the owner.
- Punch List: A final walkthrough is done to identify any minor issues or touch-ups needed before handover. The contractor addresses these items before closing.
- Warranties and Documentation: The builder or contractor provides warranties for workmanship and materials and hands over relevant documents such as as-built drawings and operation manuals for installed systems.
- Occupancy Permit: The local government issues an occupancy permit, allowing the building to be legally occupied.