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PHASE A: Client Requirement and Project Definition
1. Client need identification
The client explains why the project is needed: expanding capacity starting a business providing public service or getting a return on investment. The need is described in a document that includes the purpose, size, quality expected budget range and the date the project should be done.
2. Project brief and requirements document
The brief is turned into a document called the Owners Project Requirements. This list includes what the project needs to do how well it should perform, the standards it must meet goals for sustainability and any limits that must be followed.
3. Feasibility study
Checking if the project can be done technically (looking at the site, ground, utilities and access)
Checking if the project can be done financially (looking at costs, returns and where money will come from)
Checking if the project follows rules and is good for the environment
Looking at the market to see if there is a need for the project
4. Go/no-go decision and funding
The client agrees to the project in general sets the budget and finds money to pay for it (using their money, loans, government money or a public-private partnership).
PHASE B: Planning and Team Appointment
5. Hiring a project management consultant or project manager
The client picks someone to manage the project. This person is in charge of the work the cost and the time schedule.
6. Site acquisition and investigation
Buying land and checking the ownership of the land
Making a map of the land and its boundaries
Testing the soil and water under the ground
Checking the utilities and the environment around the site
7. Master. Project execution plan
A big plan is made that includes the schedule, the budget, a list of risks how to buy materials and services and how the project will be built (using design-bid-build design-build, EPC or construction management).
8. Hiring the design team
The client brings in people like an architect, an engineer, a mechanical and electrical engineer and other experts, like a fire safety expert, a facade designer, an acoustics expert, a landscape designer and a traffic expert.
PHASE C: Design
9. Concept design
shape, layout and functional zoning are checked against the client brief and budget.
10. Schematic design
Structural system, space planning and main services are chosen. Cost estimate is updated.
11. Design development
Detailed coordination of architecture, structure and MEP including material and finish selection takes place. BIM clash detection is carried out.
12. Construction documents
drawings, specifications and the bill of quantities (BOQ) are produced and approved by the client.
PHASE D: Approvals
13. Statutory approvals and permits
Building plan sanction
Zoning and land‑use clearance
Environmental clearance
Fire safety approval
Utility connection permissions
These often run in parallel, with late‑stage design and must be tracked as path items.
PHASE E: Procurement and Contracting
14. Tender documentation
Technical specs, commercial terms, drawings and BOQ are packaged.
15. Tendering, bid evaluation and negotiation
Contractors are prequalified bids are. Bids are evaluated on price, experience, capacity and safety record.
16. Contract award
The main contractor and key specialist subcontractors are. Agreements are signed.
17. Early procurement of items
Structural steel, elevators, transformers, chillers, switchgear and facade systems are ordered early.
PHASE F: Pre-Construction and Mobilization
18. Contractor planning
A construction schedule, method statements, quality plan, safety plan and material approval submittals are prepared and approved by the contractor.
19. Site mobilization
Fencing and security are set up.
Temporary offices, stores, labor camps and utilities are established.
Access roads and cranes are installed.
20. Site preparation
Clearing, demolition and levelling are performed.
A surveyor sets out the building positions and levels.
PHASE G: Execution (Construction)
21. Substructure
Excavation and shoring are carried out.
Foundations such as footings, piles or raft are constructed.
Basement work, waterproofing and backfilling follow.
22. Superstructure
Columns, beams, slabs, shear walls and lift cores are built in concrete or steel.
Staircases, roof structure and masonry work follow.
23. Building envelope
Roofing, facades, curtain walls, windows and external doors are installed, making the building weather‑tight.
24. MEP and services installation
Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fire protection and low‑voltage systems are installed.
Rough‑in is inspected before walls and ceilings are closed.
25. Interior finishing
Plastering, screeding, flooring, false ceilings, painting, joinery and fixtures are finished.
26. External works
Roads, paving, landscaping, boundary walls, drainage and external utility connections are completed.
PHASE H: Testing, Completion and Handover
27. Testing and commissioning
Each system is tested on its own then the whole system is tested, with inspection.
28. Snagging (punch list)
Defects are listed, fixed and re‑inspected until all are closed.
29. Completion certification
Final inspections are carried out followed by a completion or occupancy certificate, from authorities.
30. Handover to client
drawings, O&M manuals, warranties, test certificates, keys and staff training are handed over.
31. Project closeout
Final accounts are settled claims are. Documentation is archived.
PHASE I: Post‑Execution
32. Defects liability period
six to twelve months during which the contractor fixes defects.
Retention money is released at the end.
33. Lessons. Operations
The team reviews performance and the client begins long‑term operation and maintenance.