The stages of building a house may vary depending on the complexity of the project. However, for any type of house, we can identify four basic stages. Initially, there are earthworks, where the plot is cleared and marked. Next, we have the concrete works, where the building’s structure is constructed. The third stage involves external and internal works, where walls and roofs are built, and the interior is formed. Finally, in the fourth phase, we complete the building. At this point, the building has taken shape, but additional work is required to make it livable.
Before Construction Begins
Before the construction of the house begins, a building permit must be issued. To obtain this permit, you submit an electronic application to the Building Authority, which then provides approval. At this stage, you also select the engineer who will supervise the construction.
Once the necessary approval has been obtained and the building permit is issued, it must be filed with the relevant police department. Next, you must get the plan and safety and health file approved. The plot where the house will be built is fenced off, with safety signage and a project sign displaying the building permit number. The sign must also include the names of the project designers and the contractor.
Learn more about the cost of building a house.
1st Construction Stage: Earthworks
The first stage of building a house involves earthworks. These tasks include clearing, marking, and conducting a geotechnical survey of the plot.
- Plot Clearing: To make the plot ready for house construction, it must be clean, accessible, and marked. Specialized machinery clears the plot, which is marked according to the topographic survey prepared by your engineer.
- Building Layout: After clearing and marking the plot, the building layout is established, determining the area where excavation will occur for the construction of the house.
- Retaining Walls: If neighboring houses are close by, excavations must be done carefully to avoid damaging nearby plumbing systems. In such cases, excavation is done in stages with retaining walls.
- Substrate Inspection: This inspection checks for underground water beneath the building site. If water is found, a geotechnical study is conducted to assess the water level.
- Excavations: Once the above steps are completed, the excavation machinery moves in to dig the area where the house will be built. Excavation is the most crucial step in the first phase.
2nd Construction Stage: Concrete Works
Concrete works form the second stage of house construction, focusing on building the structural framework of the house.
- Floor Preparation: After excavation, concrete is poured on the excavated floor to create a clean base.
- Basement Columns and Walls: Based on the design, columns and basement walls are placed on the clean concrete base.
- Foundation Concrete: Once the column and wall locations are marked, concrete is poured to form the foundation.
- Basement Insulation: The walls are insulated, and a seismic joint is installed for earthquake resistance.
- Basement Floor Backfill: A 10 cm layer of gravel is compacted with specialized machinery to form the basement’s foundation.
- Basement Floor Construction: The basement floor is laid over the compacted material, providing the primary surface for the house.
- Ducts, Spirals, Drains: Openings for electrical and plumbing systems are created to avoid drilling later.
- Basement Roof Concrete: After the basement is concreted, the roof is also constructed using concrete.
- Completion of Structural Framework: Reinforced concrete and metal materials are used to build the house’s structural framework.
- Foundation Grounding: Grounding for protection, low-voltage systems, and lightning protection is installed after the framework is complete.
3rd Construction Stage: Filling and Interior Layout
With the structural framework in place, the third stage of construction begins, focusing on external and internal works such as walls, roofs, doors, and windows.
- Wall Construction: All exterior and interior walls are built.
- Window and Door Frames: Metal or wooden frames are installed for windows, doors, and all internal openings.
- Electrical Installations: Wiring and electrical conduits are installed.
- Plumbing Works: The plumbing network for kitchens, bathrooms, and balconies is set up, including drainage, solar water heater connections, and heating pipes.
- Thermal Insulation: Exterior insulation is applied, followed by plastering.
- Flooring: The floors of the verandas are laid, and leveling is completed.
- Roof Construction: The roof framework is built, gutters are installed, and a waterproof membrane is applied before laying the tiles.
Read more about casings and leveling and how important they are in the construction of a house.
4th Construction Stage: Finishing
The final stage of building a house is the finishing stage. All tasks required to make the house habitable are completed in this phase.
- Flooring: Floors are installed throughout the house.
- Cooling Systems: Air conditioning ducts are installed.
- Electrical: Electrical panels, switches, and outlets are installed. The electrical diagram is finalized for power supply.
- Plumbing: Sinks, faucets, showers, bathtubs, and sanitary fixtures are installed.
- Carpentry: Kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, cupboards, and interior fittings are completed.
- Windows and Doors: Aluminum or PVC windows and doors are fitted into the frames.
- Painting: Walls are prepped, sanded, and painted, while metal surfaces are also coated.
- The House is Now Livable!
In summary, there are four stages in house construction. Starting with earthworks, the plot is prepared for building. Next, through concrete works, the house’s structural framework is created. In the third stage, the house is built both internally and externally. Finally, in the last stage, all necessary tasks are completed to move in and live in the house.
Trust Mecha for building your dream home. Explore our projects and contact us!