13 Construction

The construction phase involves the transformation of the design on paper into a full-scale building. As numerous tradespeople move in and set to work, the construction site comes to life. Naturally, the type and the scale of work determines the number of trades involved, the volume of noise to be expected and the duration of the project. For neighbours and surrounding properties, a very wearing period commences.

Some of the most important trades on site are:

• Concrete work involves preparing the formwork, installing the reinforcement and pouring the concrete. Once the concrete has set, the formwork must be removed.
• Bricks are layered with mortar using a trowel to form walls. This work is performed by a mason.
• Carpentry involves structural timberwork. In some cases, this may only be the roof; in others, it could even be the whole building.
• Dry construction work is usually performed inside the building. Most partition, non-load-bearing walls are made of a framework and plasterboard.
• Plumbers are responsible for installing all the services involving water, e.g. heating, waste water.
• Electricians install all the power and communication cables in a building, including all the other necessary electrical equipment.

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