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Building & Construction:

Building & Construction is an ancient human activity that involves techniques and industry in the assembly and erection of structures, primarily those used to provide shelter. A strategic and analytical decision-making is required for Building & Construction projects to achieve the targeted return on investment. Innovative services can be provided by the Building & Construction team to convert potential opportunities into viable development initiatives.

Construction typically refers more broadly to any project in the field such as constructing a road, whereas building typically refers to erecting a building such as a home or business. A building is always a closed structure with walls and a roof, whereas construction could be anything from a skyscraper to a parking lot. Construction is also used to mean the entire project from design to completion. Building refers only to the phase of actually erecting the structure in this framework.

Although, construction and building are often used interchangeably, construction is usually a broader term compared to building. Basic construction tools are essentially the same as building tools. But, a much wider range of tasks can be covered by more advanced items. Drafting, measurement and other tools are some construction tools those are involved in the overall project.

The common uses of building and construction in the field are different. Understanding the basics of building construction will help to construct a building project successfully.

Basic Steps in Starting a Building Project:

Building construction is the process of constructing buildings and the result of building construction is always a building or an addition to a building which may be in a residential or commercial setting. A building may be either residential, commercial, industrial, infrastructural, agricultural or specialty. Different methods of construction may be employed for each type.

Various techniques of construction are developed by the construction industry to improve structural integrity, reduce cost, lessen building time and ensure greater sustainability. Specialty construction tools are required in modern methods of construction. For example, premade parts and heavy equipment are required in precast flat-panel systems for placement.

It is very necessary to have an idea about the start and the end of the building project when there is a plan to develop a new building. Variations may be there in construction process as every project is unique and follows different design. The basic steps involved in a building project are Planning, Permits, Preparation of Construction Site, Foundation Construction, Superstructure Construction, Punch Lists and Building Warranty Period

Planning:

• Developing the Building Plan, Analyzing the Finance and Selecting the Construction Team are three major steps involved ihe planning in building construction.
• The expertise of engineers and architects are taken to develop the site and the building plan once the site where the building project is indented to construct is selected.
• Sometimes, site is selected after the building layout is prepared.
• The building plan is developed based on the requirements and budget of owner.
• The finance and total cost is estimated once the plan is in hand.
• Project cost estimate is determined by preparing structural design details and the material estimates.
• The material cost, The construction cost, The labor cost and Miscellaneous cost are included in the cost calculated.
• Either a bidding process is performed or the project is handover to a known contractor based on the estimated cost.
• The owner and the contractor must agree to contract based on which the project is implemented.
• The completion period and necessary guides, exclusions to remove claims are mentioned in the contract.

Permits and Insurance in Building Construction:

• It must be made sure by the owner that one has necessary permits taken to start the construction before starting a building construction.
• Permits and insurance can be obtained from different sources in cities and states.
• Project delay or project demolition or huge fines can result from a construction work conducted without permits.
• The owner and the contractor are saved by possessing insurance for the required parties.

Site Preparation:

• The actual construction process starts from site preparation.
• Necessary excavations, leveling, and filling can be undergone based on the site and building plan to prepare the site.
• The necessary excavation for power, water, utilities and sanitation lines, temporary storage facilities are prepared
• The works needed to set up the utilities are usually prepared which is followed by an inspection from the government officials.
• Inspections are performed at different stages on structural, building codes, HVAC, the utilities, electrical works etc.
• A final inspection is performed after the completion of the whole project.

Foundation / Substructure Construction:

• Generally, building structures are constructed on concrete foundations.
• The selected foundation can vary based on the soil type and water table level of the area.
• Soil testing is performed to check the bearing capacity if required.
• Shallow foundations are required for low-rise building, whereas pile foundation is employed for high-rise building.
• The soil is excavated to construct the foundation once the foundation is selected.
• Formworks are now placed in the foundation trenches and reinforcement is placed based on the foundation detailing design prepared in the planning stage.
• The engineer in charge periodically checks the reinforcement works performed by the contractor
• The concrete mix in required proportion is poured to formwork and is cured to form the finished foundation.

Superstructure Construction:

• Construction of Superstructure Construction starts once the substructure is complete.
• A framed structured usually is developed which is later finished with masonry walls.
• Adequate windows and exterior doors are placed at this stage based on the building plan.
• Construction of roofs or siding; Installation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning; Providing adequate electric and water lines connection line; Provide insulation works as required to protect from lighting; Provision of waterproofing to the walls; Plastering and finishing the walls and surfaces; Flooring works; Exterior and Interior Painting are other works done under this section.

Punch List:

• The whole work is inspected one by one by the contractor and a punch list is made once the project is complete.
• Structural units or areas that are not constructed properly or are below the quality level is listed in the punch list which is later corrected by the contractor in charge.

Warranty Period:

• The contractor specifies a warranty period once the project is complete and handover to the owner.
• Any defects found in building constructed must be fixed and replaced by the contractor in charge within this period.
• The warranty for materials and appliances should be obtained from manufacturers and suppliers.