What's your BuildIQ: Construction 101 - Stages of the Construction Process

Tackling a complex construction issue without understanding the basic process is like running a marathon without training. An understanding of the construction process can benefit everyone from sales representatives and the customer to the builders themselves. Before decisions can be made and ground can be broken, everyone needs to be working for the same goal from the same understanding.

Knowing that construction tasks are done in a certain sequence and becoming familiar with that sequence is critical to your understanding. Regardless of the size of the home being built and the builder, the sequence of events is basically the same. This sequence has been developed and refined over time and across the entire industry. Using this process has proved very beneficial for home builders because it enables construction to move on a predictable schedule, helps keep construction materials protected once they've been installed, and allows subcontractors to work more efficiently with each other.

Part of grasping this process involves knowing what factors or people can cause delays and knowing the features and benefits of the specific parts of a home. In addition, learning more about the other people involved in the process and the documents commonly used can open the lines of communication and ensure everyone is working as a team.

The stages of construction are:

Stage 1: Sales agreement
Stage 2: Pre-construction
Stage 3: Foundation
Stage 4: Framing
Stage 5: Exterior finishes
Stage 6: Mechanicals
Stage 7: Insulation and air sealing
Stage 8: Interior finishes
Stage 9: Landscaping
Stage 10: Pre-closing
Stage 11: Closing
Stage 12: Warranty period

While each stage can function as a progressive step in building a home, understanding the entire process will help you prepare and fully understand those steps.

For information on the stages of construction and to build your knowledge about the process, go to hz.buildiquniversity.com to enroll in Construction 101.