The 5 Stages of Construction 

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1. SLAB
Site Set Up
  • Temporary Fencing: Most councils now require 1.8m high fencing of sites.
  • Power supply: Originally a temporary box on a pole at the start.
  • Portable Toilet:
Excavation
  • Site Clearance: Removal of topsoil, vegetation and any rubbish.
  • Initial Peg Out: to provide enough information to allow excavation works.
  • Cut and Fill: Providing one or more level ‘platforms’ that the house will be built on.
  • Retaining Walls: Any major retaining walls that are required to either support or retain the building ‘platform’.
Drainage and Pipework
  • Building set out.
  • Site drainage.
  • Installation of under slab ducts and pipes
Slab Construction
  • Any below base foundations such as Concrete Piers.
  • Laying of sand/gravel slab base.
  • Waterproof Membrane.
  • Erect slab forms.
  • Install waffle pods and reinforcement.
  • Cast/Pour Slab.
 
2. FRAME
The overall frame is composed from a number of individual wall panels, which when fixed to the base, and fastened together, form a rigid box like structure.
Structural Loads
The frame carries several main structural loads:
  • It takes the load of the roof, and any upper floors, down to the foundation.
  • It resists the wind trying to push the whole building over.
  • It provides lateral support for the brick walls.
  • Holds the windows in place.
  • It gives a secure fixing point for the internal wall and ceiling lining boards.
  • In the case of weatherboard or lightweight render construction it supports the outer skin of the building.
Additional Functions
  • Provides a route and fixing points for cables and pipes.
  • Retains insulation.
  • Supports cupboards and shelves.
  • Fixing of building wrap.

3. LOCK UP 
  • Building Wrap: This wrap is used to protect the building, retain the insulation, prevent drafts, and allow moisture vapor to escape from the insulation.
  • Attach Windows: Normally the window frames are attached to the frame before the brickwork starts and the brickwork is then built against the frames and tied in.
  • Clad Roof: This may or may not include sarking under the tiles or roof steel.
  • Complete Walls: This will be the brickwork or the typical house. In the case of a rendered house it may be blocks or even an insulation system instead of bricks. The render is not applied until later in the construction process.
  • Attach Facia boards and Gutters: Once the external walls are finished the facia boards and soffiet boards if you have got eves, are fitted. Gutters are often fitted at this stage although the downpipes are frequently left until later.
  • Install Doors:
4. FIT OUT 
The fixing stage is moving from a very rough looking interior to something resembling the house you are expecting.
  • Install Insulation: This includes both roof and wall insulation Although the wall insulation will be installed before dry walling the ceiling insulation may be installed following ceiling board installation.
  • Plasterboard Installation: This will include ceiling boards, wall boards and cornices.
  • Air conditioning and/or Ducted Heating: If a large main unit is mounted in the roof space it may be installed before the ceiling boards are in place. The ductwork will follow ceiling installation.
  • Waterproofing Wet Areas: This is applied to floors and walls before tiling
  • Carpentry: Kitchen cupboards and bathroom vanities installed. Doors, drawers, and counter tops are often left off at this stage. Skirting boards and architraves and internal window sills are also installed.
  • Main Plumbing Fixtures: Baths, basins, sinks shower trays and laundry troughs are installed and connected to the drainage system. Taps, mixers and toilet bowls are usually left off until after tiling.
  • Tiling Both wall and floor tiling are normally completed at this stage.
  • LUG & Carports: The Garage door is left off until closer to completion of your project – To minimize dents and damage.
 
5. COMPLETION
  • Complete Plumbing: Internally install taps, mixers, shower fittings, shower screens, and toilets Externally finish downspouts and fix external taps.
  • Painting, Internal and External: Internal painting will be in at least two stages. The walls and ceiling will be done before fitting of electrical fittings while woodwork/doors may well be later in the process.
  • Complete Electrical: Fitting all the power points and batten fittings. If you are having a high level of home automation this might be quite complex and involve various stages. This stage also includes bringing a telecom line.
  • Paths and Driveways: 
  • Carpentry Final Fix: Room doors and cabinet doors and drawers.
  • Internal floor Finishes: Timber floating floors or carpets.
  • Clean Up: Outside all rubbish will be removed and the site left flat.
  •  Inside builders clean.
  • Install Appliances: This will normally include oven, hob and any other expensive appliances and the hot water service. 

OPAL