How does the construction of a building begin?

The process of how to start building a house is complex and requires coordination between multiple disciplines. In this article, we review each step from the conception of the project to the start of construction, with special attention to the critical milestones that must be met to ensure legality, technical feasibility, and safety.

In order for a building to be constructed correctly, it is first necessary to secure the architectural plans, obtain municipal permits, and prepare the site with earthworks. From there, the foundations and initial structures are built: this is the formal start of construction.

1. Initial idea and feasibility

Before building anything, the developer or owner must define the purpose of the building: use (residential, commercial, industrial), estimated volume, desired quality standards, deadlines, and budget.

In this phase, preliminary feasibility studies are carried out:

• Study of urban regulations: review the local urban development plan to find out what volume, uses, and heights are permitted.
• Market or demand study: to determine whether the project is economically viable.
• Initial financial estimates: analyze approximate costs for development, construction, licenses, and contingencies.

If these criteria are not met, the project is discarded or rethought.

2. Hiring technical equipment and architectural design

Once feasibility has been confirmed, the technical team that will develop the plans and documents is formed. Essential roles include:

• Architect (design, plans, technical report)
• Structural engineer / structural analyst
• Facilities engineer (electrical, sanitation, air conditioning)
• Surveyor
• Quantity surveyor / technical architect

These professionals collaborate to produce the basic project and then the executive project, which details dimensions, materials, installations, costs, and stages of construction. It is important that the technical design be complete to avoid modifications during construction that increase the cost of the process.

3. Municipal licenses and permits

Before the machinery enters the site, it is essential to obtain the relevant authorizations from the municipality:

• Major construction permit (or its local equivalent)
• Environmental permits, if applicable
• Approved and endorsed geotechnical study
• Payment of urban planning or impact fees

During this phase, local authorities review and approve the technical project to verify compliance with safety, accessibility, and land use regulations.

4. Preparing the ground

With the license in hand, the site preparation begins. It includes:

• Cleaning of the site (removal of debris, vegetation)
• Earthworks: excavations, backfilling, leveling
• Soil compaction
• Soil and geotechnical study: examine soil behavior and define how the foundations should be constructed.

Here, it is very important to have a reliable geotechnical report to guide the structural design.

5. Foundation and initial structure

Once the site is prepared, the initial structural stages can begin:

1. Foundation: footings, piles, foundation slabs according to the project
2. Layout and marking: marking the positions of walls, columns, and structural axes on the ground
3. Erection of structure (pillars, beams, first floor slabs)

In this phase, the start of the building is physically visible. Quality control must be strict: verification of concrete, steel, minimum coverings, levels, and verticality.

6. Basic facilities and temporary services

Before raising higher elevations, temporary services are installed to facilitate the work:

• Temporary water supply
• Temporary electricity
• Restrooms and storage areas, site offices
• Scaffolding and temporary ladders

The plans for installations (water, sanitation, electricity) must be coordinated with the structure so that there are no interferences.

7. Organization, logistics, and security

The start of construction also requires:

• Logistics flow design: access routes, material unloading, storage.
• Work plan: sequences, phases, deadlines.
• Health and safety coordinator: mandatory in Spain for major construction projects.
• Signage, construction fencing, evacuation routes for materials and workers.

 Roles involved in the start of construction

8. Formal start of construction: symbolic ceremony and mobilization

Although much of the technical effort is preliminary, the work is considered to be formally work formally begins when:

• The plot has been fenced off and marked.
• The access and work areas have been refurbished.
• The team, heavy machinery, and materials have already been mobilized to the site.
• The first excavation or foundation has been completed.

This act may be symbolic in nature (such as a minor inauguration), but legally it implies that construction has already begun.

9. Quality control and initial supervision

From the very first meters of structure, the most rigorous quality controls must be put in place:

• Concrete, steel, and mortar testing
• Dimensional and verticality checks
• Verification with working drawings
• Documentary records: construction logs, delivery notes, technical reports

Weak control at the outset can lead to costly structural failures.

10. Subsequent coordination between disciplines

The beginning is not independent of what will come. It is crucial that:

• Architecture, structure, and installations are coordinated to avoid changes to the work.
• Planning of successive phases should consider access, cranes, and provision of vertical services.
• Periodic reviews of the project in case of unforeseen terrain or weather conditions.