A step-by-step guide to prefabricated construction
Building a new house is one of the biggest life projects and investments. Not only does it take plenty of our precious time and money – it also calls for a thorough reflection before making the final decision on whom to trust with the construction of your new home.
Today, one of the most popular guiding principles is “I want it here and I want it now.” This iw why prefabricated wooden houses are considered one of the more sought after construction choices, and the question “When can I move into my new house?” remains one of the most frequently asked questions in the initial decision-making stages.
Speed is considered the greatest advantage of prefabricated construction. The pre-manufacturing and preparation of building elements in production allows for faster and more precise assembly, as all parts are pre-adapted for assembly at the construction site. The entire process, from order to move-in, depends on several factors, with the time frame typically ranging from 6 to 12 months from the start of assembly.
The process from order to final move-in is divided into four steps, each requiring its own time that depends on the complexity and size of the construction, weather conditions terrain complexity and other factors.
1. Order and planning
Ordering and planning are the first step in the construction process. They constitute is one of the more important steps, where the intended building and its design are defined and the construction elements determined. Lasting from a few weeks to several months, the duration of this phase depends on the complexity of the project and the length of the process for obtaining the necessary permits.
2. Preparations for construction
The first interventions in the space begin at this stage, which includes excavation, the construction of the foundation slab or basement, preparation of the construction site and delivery of construction elements to the location. This step usually takes a few weeks, depending on the scale of the construction.
3. Assembly
Once the elements of the building are delivered to the construction site, assembly begins. As it involves wooden prefabricated construction with pre-manufactured elements, this step is known for its speed because the elements are quickly connected and assembled. Such assembly of the building itself can take only a few days and represents the biggest visual shift throughout the entire project – the house is erected and covered with roofing. When weather conditions allow, the wall assembly is also constructed and the building is completed from the outside.
4. Installations
After the assembly is finished, works on the interior can begin, such as the installation of electrical wiring, plumbing, heating, ventilation, flooring, interior doors, staircases, paintings and bathroom elements. This phase can last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the scope of work.
Read more about the process of wooden construction on the subpage Steps to a new home.