Construction services process

Construction services process by Lccl Construction

This is where we would carry out the construction of your loft conversion, home extension or new build.

We look at the different ways we carry out our construction project, the stages for the project and what they look like while in progress of construction.

The main projects we do are:

Loft conversions
Home extensions
Renovations
New builds

The construction of any house or structure can be split into three stages:

Pre construction
Construction
Post construction

To begin with construction phase you need to complete our design phase as without the design phase the construction phase can not begin. Please refer to our starting point in the process if you have not completed the design phase as of yet. Starting point link: Consultation call

As follows we will talk about our construction process for home extension, loft conversion, renovation and new build project. To start of with we take a look at home extension stages process. Home extensions and new build projects would have very similar process the difference is that new build projects don't have any load bearing walls to demolish or support or adjust existing services in the house and outside the house so it is easier to build a new build home and home extension is more complex to build.

Home extension and new build construction process

Home Extension Construction Process

Setting out

Setting out for the home extension

One of the most critical stages of the build is setting out the foundations, if these are not perfect the building that sits on top of these may not be the right size, in line with existing house or be unsafe. On larger projects a surveyor will set out the the site.

Dig and pouring of the foundations

Pouring of concrete into trench foundations

When the site setting out is completed and fully marked out, the excavation can begin. A digger would dig out a trench usually 1.4 meters deep(depending on specification in your structural drawings) and concrete is poured into the trench

Note: Building inspector has to approve the excavation before pouring the concrete.

Building blockwork up to DPC level

Forming a solid base for superstructures

After the concrete has been poured, depending on the grade of concrete, concrete would require curing time, it is recommended to have concrete cure for at least 28 days before commencing any further work.

After curing of the concrete, block wall is built up to the damp proof course DPC, this is a layer of a plastic material that stops water rising up through brickwork.

Note: Reaching this stage a building inspector would want to see the work before continuing with the work.

Walls and scaffolding

Construction of superstructures and temp services

The walls can now be built and scaffolding will need to be erected in order for bricklayers to be able to work safely and effectively.

Open plan formations and removals of existing structures

Carrier walls installations and restructuring

Open plan formations and restructuring of the existing building in order to create open plan living areas, this is a critical part of the build where you would connect the existing with new and for an open plan living space.

Waterproofing of the home extension or the new build home

Adding a roof on top of the house

Once you have the windows installed and the roof completed the house is than sealed and watertight. This means that the work can begin internally and various trades can start the work from inside the house. At this point the progress speeds up of the overall build.

Note building control inspector will be required to check the work.

First and Second Fix

Carpentry, electrical and plumbing

Soon the building is waterproof and sealed the internal work will begin, starting with electricals fisr fixes and piping done by plumbers, carpentry work such as stud walls, and room formations or staircases, door installations, after walls are plastered plumbers, electricians and carpenters would come back to finish off the and complete the work .

Note: building control inspectors would want to verify the work before plasterboarding, they need to check all the insulation and structures, this would need to be signed off.

Paint and decorate

Painting and decorating of the project

Painters and decorators are normally one of the last trades to come into the house, it take few days to paint the house.

Snagging

Carpentry, electrical and plumbing

There should be snagging period this normally is 2 or so months, so client has a chance to find problems that are not evident right away, such as light fitting that does not work or door that is not even,

Note: building inspectors would need to sign off the work meaning they would require gas certificate, electrical certificate and any other relevant certificate in order to finalise the build and sign off.

Loft conversion construction process

Scaffolding Installations

Total scaffolding protection over the roof

For finishing of the loft conversion to be perfect and for continues work progress on site you would require to totally cover your entire house with temporary scaffolding roof called "tin roof" not only that your project will be delivered on time and budget but also the quality of the finish is superior and this allows constant work as the trades are than dry and your internal areas too meaning you can live in the property while to work goes on.

Loft_conversion_construction_process.HEI

Removing the existing roof tiles and preparation work

Preparation work

Once required scaffolding has been installed the work can be under way. The first stop is to remove the existing roof tiles and cut the timbers to where the loft conversion is going to be.

Steel Installation and supports

Installation of the steels and supports

The installation of the steels will determine your loft conversion height, stairs opening and finishing of the loft conversion

The steels are a vital part of you loft conversion and they have to be installed correctly

Note: Building control must attend and sign this stage off

Carcassing of the loft conversion

Timber frame installations

Once you have installed the steels we would than focus on the carcassing of the loft conversion framing out the walls, flat roof, rafters, floor joists.

It is important to have quality structural drawings that will guide the carcassing of the loft conversion

Note Building control has to approve before moving ahead with the project.

Waterproofing the roof

Weather tight stage

When you have framed out the loft and passed the building control inspection, the next stage is to weather tight the loft conversion and make sure it is waterproof

This includes roof tiling, flat roof GRP installations, fascias and guttering, lead work, rendering is required and window installation including Velux windows installation to the front of the roof

Staircase Installation

Stairs supply and installation

We use quality stairs and we supply and install the stairs

This stage is when we would enter the area in the first floor and form a opening for the staircase to be installed

This process takes typically 1 day if all goes to plan, otherwise can take two days to prepare the area where the new stairs will be and install the staircase to loft conversion

The loft conversion finishing

Once you have waterproofed the loft conversion and stairs have been installed the trades like electricians and plumbers can conduct the first fix, the insulation can be installed and the loft conversion can be plasterboarded, Once the plaster skim is finished the finishing touches can be completed.

Tiling in the bathroom, and installation of the sanitarywares, installing of the doors and finishing of the electricals and plumbing,

To totally finishing the new loft is painted.

Note building control has to sign of every stage.