Why Trusting the Process and Construction Order go Hand in Hand

You might be wondering, what is construction order, and why is it important to trust the process? What could these things possibly have in common?

Well, whether you’re building new or renovating, unexpected issues can throw your whole project into a tailspin. It’s going to happen no matter how much you plan, so you have to trust the process! Remember, the sequence of tasks critically impacts the project timeline and final quality.

Recognizing and trusting the process ensures successful project completion. While we've discussed the PreConstruction phase and planning in previous blog posts, we haven't fully explored the various stages of the construction order and why following the proper sequence is SOOO important! In addition, we do a deep dive on all these topics in our Deconstructionism eBooks you can find HERE.

So, what does construction order look like, you might ask?

Well, it starts in the PreConstruction phase which we explore further in our previous post “PreConstruction Phase: The Groundwork to Success.”

Once you finish PreConstruction, you’re ready to start construction and this is where construction order comes into play!

First up is site work, which includes clearing the land, excavating for foundations, and preparing the site for construction. Proper site preparation ensures a solid foundation for the building, crucial for its longevity and safety. It also involves laying down essential utility lines such as water, sewage, and electrical systems. It’s an exciting feeling getting started!

From site work, you move into any concrete or masonry needed, such as concrete walls, slabs, footings, and piers.

Then the project moves into framing. This is when the project visibly starts to take shape, involving constructing the building's frame. This structure must be robust and well-designed to support walls, roofs, and floors added in subsequent phases. Framing moves quickly and is a thrilling part of any project!

Mechanicals get roughed in next, involving HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. This needs to be completed before moving into the best part of any project which is putting everything together! A lot of homeowners have trouble envisioning their project during this phase. It’s slow and requires a ton of attention to detail. Your contractor answers a TON of questions during this phase based on your PreConstruction plan. For example, if you don’t know what appliances you’re using then the electricians are not going to know how to run wiring (voltage, locations) or if you haven’t specified plumbing fixtures (shower head, hand shower, wall mount faucet, etc.) then the plumbers won’t rough in for this correctly.

Following mechanicals, the exterior and interior construction begins. This includes exterior work such as roofing, windows, and doors, which protect the interior from the elements. It can also include but not limited to masonry stonework such as brick work or stonework or pavers Once the building is weatherproof, interior work begins. Interior work includes insulation, drywall, tile, trim, cabinetry, painting and so much more!!! This is a BIG part of any project and is one of the most rewarding. It’s where the PreConstruction planning really shines as everything comes together!

The final phase involves the finishing touches, which includes paint touch-ups, electrical fixtures, installing cabinet hardware and door hardware. This stage adds character to the space, where attention to detail is key. It’s also a rewarding phase for everyone on your team knowing all the hard work that has been poured into the project is coming to a close.

Why is Trusting the Process Crucial?

Each phase builds upon the previous one, and errors in early stages can lead to costly fixes later. Trusting the process also involves relying on the professionals you've hired, whose expertise ensures each phase is completed correctly and efficiently.

Construction is complex and requires patience and trust. By understanding the importance of each phase and ensuring they are completed in the correct order, your project is set up for success. Remember, good things take time!

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Essential Do’s and Don’ts of Budgeting

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Riding the Renovation Rollercoaster: How to Not Lose Your Sanity