House construction phases

File:Siporex-house-under-building.jpg

House-building in Kuopio, Finland

House construction phases are the phases a house goes through during its construction.

Overview

The process often starts with a planning stage in which plans are prepared by an architect and approved by the client and any regulatory authority. Then the site is cleared, foundations are laid and trenches for connection to services such as sewerage, water, and electricity are established. If the house is wooden-framed, a framework is constructed to support the boards, siding and roof. If the house is of brick construction, then courses of bricks are laid to construct the walls. Floors, beams and internal walls are constructed as the building develops, with plumbing and wiring for water and electricity being installed as appropriate. Once the main structure is complete, internal fitting with lights and other fitments is done, and the house may be decorated and furnished with furniture, cupboards, carpets, curtains and other fittings.

Phases

• Architectural design
• Floor Layout
• Building Code

External construction

• Shallow foundation
• Light-frame construction
• Domestic water system
• Electrical wiring
• Building envelope
• Retaining walls

Internal construction

• Ventilation
• Plumbing
• Air conditioning
• Electrical wiring
• Telephone wiring
• Cable wiring
• Ethernet wiring
• Insulation
• Flooring
• Wall
• Ceilings

Finishing construction

• Cabinetry
• Furnishings
• Interior decorating
• Painting
• Fixtures
• Appliances
• Toiletry

Criticism

Some have criticized the house-building industry. Mass house-builders can be risk averse, preferring cost-efficient building methods rather than adopting new technologies for improved building performance. Traditional vernacular building methods that suit local conditions and climates can be dispensed with in favour of a generic 'cookie cutter' housing type.

See also

• Home portal
• Home construction
• List of house types

Further reading

• Wellings, Fred British Housebuilders: History & Analysis (2006) Blackwell Publishing ISBN 978-1-4051-4918-1