A perfect understanding of the basics of building construction is the first step to a

successful construction project.

Constructing a building is puzzling regardless of the type of building. Aside from the time,
efforts, and investment involved, care should be taken in planning the purpose of
construction and its use.

Hence, it is agreeable that the process of constructing a building starts with its plan.

We’ve laid out a step by step process of constructing a building from start to finish in this
article. They’re important steps to use in planning your housing project efficiently and in
a better way.

We aim to provide you with a better understanding of construction in a simplified manner.

And have categorized them into two parts; the pre-construction stage and the construction
stage.

Building Construction Process Step by Step

The Pre-Construction Stage

Building plan

Budget estimation

Land acquisition

Documentation
The Construction Stage

Site clearing

Foundation

Plinth beam or slab

Superstructure

Brick masonry work

The lintel

Roofing coating

Electrical and plumbing

Exterior and interior finishing

Flooring

Painting

The Pre-Construction Stage

1. Building plan

Your building plan is the most crucial aspect of building construction. When you are about
to embark on a large-scale project such as constructing a building, it is vital that you lay
out a plan for your building.

The reason is that it helps you to anticipate the features and functions of different parts of
your construction process. You need a team of professionals to carry out this task to
achieve the best results. Architects, civil engineers, electricians, and plumbers play an
essential role in planning a successful building construction project.

2. Budget estimation

Constructing a building is a considerable investment, which involves setting aside a

specific budget. After planning is done, the details are given to a building estimator to
carry out a survey and estimate the cost of materials, types of machinery, and labor
required to complete the building project.

The cost of materials will be determined by the quantity and quality of fabric needed. At
this stage, if the financial capability is limited, it is advised not to proceed further or get a
loan from financial firms. Otherwise, there might be a cash crunch situation

3. Land acquisition

Another essential requirement in setting up a building is to acquire a piece of land. Since

science and evolution haven’t innovated ways to defy gravity and build houses and
factories on air, we stick to the old ways of constructing a building on the land.

It’s important to put several factors in mind; the size of the building, location, and so on.
The size will determine how large the required piece of land should be. As for the location,
it is important to build a factory or industry closer to where its raw materials are
available – to save the cost of production.

4. Documentation

Thousands of buildings are demolished every day due to a lack of appropriate evidence
and documents as proof of ownership. To avoid circumstances like this, secure the
authorities' permission and get registered when you’re about to embark on a building
construction project.
Ensure that you obtain a document showing the transfer/purchase of the acquired piece of
land acquired adequately appended by the transferor and legal authorities in your locale.

Documents required might include but are not limited to, land survey report, land soil test
report, land purchase/transfer document, architecture drawings, structural report, and
certificate of undertaking by a civil engineer.

The Construction Stage

1. Site clearing

building construction process from start to finish

The designated land area meant for constructing a particular building is known as a ‘site.’
In situations where the piece of land has been abandoned for a long time, it’s likely to
have trees, weeds, and debris on the land. The first thing to do here is to get rid of such
items that might obstruct construction.

On a large piece of land that cannot be cleared using crude implements, you can hire
companies in charge to operate bulldozers, excavators, or land mowers to do the job.

2. Foundation

building construction process from start to finish

The foundation is the lowermost part of the building where the building meets the soil. It
constitutes part of the building's invisible structure. There’s no underestimating the
importance of erecting a solid foundation for a building.
It is the most crucial part of building structure because the other parts of the building rely
on the foundation's strength to hold. If the foundation is weak, it will collapse someday no
matter the quality and quantity of materials used to erect the building.

Construction engineers understand this aspect. Hence, they put in their best effort in terms
of material and human resources to ensure that the foundation is strengthened to the peak.

3. Plinth beam and slab

Upon successfully constructing the foundation, another reinforcement known as the “plinth
beam and slab” is added to the top. The purpose of reinforcing the foundation with the
plinth beam and slab is to protect the foundation from dampness and prevent its cracks
from reaching the wall. It will help the foundation to remain strong in the event of an
earthquake.

4. Superstructure

A superstructure provides support for the beam and slab. Members of the superstructure
include the column designed to strengthen the load mounted upon the building's foundation.
The columns are constructed up to the slab level and frame for further construction. A
waterproof coating is added to stop water from entering the slab and casting.

5. Bricklaying

building construction process from start to finish

This is where the visible portion of the building is constructed. Depending on the owner's
choice, different kinds of blocks or bricks can erect the building walls. Materials such as
concrete blocks and fly ash bricks are used according to the structure laid down by the
architect in the building plan.

The cement mortar mixer is used to mix cement and sand used to hold the bricks together
as they are arranged by the masonry. The structure of the windows and doors are carved
out by the masonry when erecting the building wall.

7. Roof coating

The load that the lintel supports is the roofing structure. Roof refers to the framing of the
uppermost layer of the house to shape covering, protection from harsh weather, and
decoration and beautification.

The building is taking shape at this level, and you can tell what dimension the building
will look like. Different types of roofing materials can add decoration to your home.

8. Electrical and plumbing

building construction process from start to finish

Modern homes have their wires and pipes hidden away from sight. This is because they
were installed at this stage of building construction and hidden between the walls and
slabs; only the endpoint of the pipes and sockets are visible.

9. Exterior and interior finishing

Plastering work commences after electrical and plumbing work has been completed. A
mixture of cement and sand is used to plaster the exterior part of the building. It is coated
with a thickness of 13 mm and sometimes about 20 mm thickness.

Plastering can make the building structurally strong, protect it from the effect of weather,
and make it look attractive. The interior design is done by experts according to the
procedure laid by the architect.
10. Flooring

At this point, the building construction is coming to an end. Flooring works begin after the
exterior and interior décor is completed. There are various types of flooring according to
their uses, economy, and required level of finishing. Ceramic tiles, vitrified tiles, clay tiles,
granite, marble, wood, and epoxy flooring are some of the best options.

11. Painting

building construction process from start to finish

This is the final work on a building. Painting is used to beautify the building and protect is
from the effects of water and sun.

Latex paints are highly water-resistant. Hence, they are favorites for painting the exterior
wall of homes. For decoration, a perfect mixture of different colors while painting can
magnify the beauty of a building.

Conclusion

Constructing a building is a large-scale and lifetime investment. This is why the real
estate business is one of the most significant investments ever. The demand for housing
will continue to increase as the population of a given area increases. Therefore, it is
crucial to meet this demand with an equilibrium amount of supply of housing facilities.

This guide has provided an insight into what it takes to construct a building. Whether it’s a
home, office, company, event and tourist center, or shopping mall, most buildings pass
through the construction processes mentioned in this article.