Facades and site
This stage covers external work to protect and finish the building exterior and manage water on the site. It typically includes installation of facade systems and finishes, plinth protection, surface drainage and stormwater routing, formation of site slopes away from the building, preparation for landscape finishes, and external lighting and conduits. The objective is to prevent water ingress, ensure durable external surfaces, and eliminate standing-water zones. Implementation depends on envelope type, site access and climate exposure; sequencing and coordination with structural and MEP trades are common practice.
Use this stage across the product
The same stage should connect the budget model, control checklist, and cost-of-error review.
Overview
This stage focuses on delivering weather-resilient and maintainable external surfaces while controlling surface water around the building. Work typically spans facade cladding systems, plinth detailing, surface and sub-surface drainage, grading to shed water away from the foundation, preparatory works for paving and planting, and installation of site lighting and cabling. Quality depends on continuous waterproofing layers, compatible finish materials, correct slope gradients and reliable outlet arrangements. Coordination with the building envelope and glazing selections is important to avoid thermal bridging and moisture traps. Site access and local climate exposure affect methods, sequencing and temporary protections. Testing and inspections commonly include visual checks of finishes, drainage flow tests, adhesion and seal continuity verification, and electrical commissioning for lighting. Early engagement between architect, structural, civil and landscape teams reduces rework and long-term maintenance liabilities.
What this stage typically includes
- Facade systems: cladding, insulation, air/vapour control and external finishes (measured per m2).
- Plinth and lower facade protection and detailing at building base (measured per lm).
- Site drainage and stormwater routing, including channels, pipes and connections (lump sum scope).
- Formation of site slopes and grading to direct runoff from the building (measured per m2).
- Preparation for landscape finishes: soil profiling, sub-bases and interfaces (measured per m2).
- External lighting supply, conduit routing and electrical commissioning (lump sum scope).
Common cost drivers
- Facade system type and finish complexity—rainscreen, render or specialty cladding affects effort and detailing.
- Extent of plinth protection and required robust materials for impact and splash resistance.
- Drainage complexity, number of outlets and requirement to connect to public networks or detention systems.
- Amount of earthwork and accuracy required to achieve consistent slopes and finished levels.
- Site access and logistics for delivery, lifting and temporary protections influence productivity.
- Climate exposure and local regulations that may require enhanced materials or additional protective measures.
Risks and common mistakes
- Insufficient slope or blocked outlets resulting in ponding adjacent to the foundation.
- Discontinuous waterproofing or poorly detailed junctions at windows and the plinth causing moisture ingress.
- Incompatible finish materials leading to premature deterioration or staining.
- Failure to coordinate drainage outlets with landscape levels, causing trapped water or erosion.
- Poor routing or protection of electrical conduits that are later damaged by landscaping works.
- Neglecting maintenance access and inspection paths for drainage and lighting assets.
QA checklist — key checks before handover
- Visual verification of facade finishes, fixings and joint workmanship for continuity and adhesion.
- Confirm waterproofing membranes and damp-proof courses are continuous and sealed at junctions.
- Verify finished ground levels and slopes away from the building relative to plinth and outlet levels.
- Flow test drainage inlets and confirm unobstructed routes to outlets or connections.
- Inspect interfaces between paving, topsoil and plinth to ensure clearance and protection.
- Electrical commissioning: functional checks for luminaires, controls, earthing and protective devices.
Sub-stages
Facade systems and finishes cover the external cladding, substrate interfaces, insulation continuity and exterior coatings. Typical tasks include attachment of rainscreen or render systems, air and vapour control detailing, detailing at openings, and final finish application. Success depends on compatibility of layers, competent detailing around windows and penetrations, and adherence to manufacturer instructions. Coordination with glazing selection and the overall building envelope strategy is common practice to meet durability and moisture management objectives.
Common issues
- Poor detailing at window and service penetrations causing leaks.
- Thermal bridging due to interrupted insulation or improper fixings.
- Incompatible finishes causing staining or accelerated deterioration.
- Insufficient edge protection during site works damaging finishes.
Quality checks
- Check continuity of air and vapour control layers and insulation.
- Inspect fixings, flashings and overlaps for correct installation.
- Verify substrate preparation and adhesion of applied finishes.
- Confirm interface and movement joint installation per details.
Plinth and lower facade works protect the vulnerable base of the building from splash, ground moisture and impact. Tasks typically include the application of durable finishes or cladding to the plinth, robust waterproofing at the junction with the wall, and proper capping or drainage at grade. Material selection and detailing must resist local climate exposure and pedestrian or vehicle contact. Inspections focus on continuity of damp-proof layers and clean transitions to external paving and drainage.
Common issues
- Ground levels finished too high, reducing clearance to cladding.
- Incomplete waterproofing at wall-to-plinth junctions.
- Damage to plinth finishes during subsequent site operations.
- Blocked or ineffective cappings and scuppers.
Quality checks
- Verify plinth waterproofing continuity and proper laps with wall membranes.
- Check finished ground clearance against drawings and specifications.
- Inspect capping, flashing and overflow paths for correct function.
- Confirm impact-resistant finishes and fixings where required.
Site drainage and stormwater works establish routes and outlets to collect and remove rainfall from the property. Typical scope includes surface channels, sub-surface piping, connection to private or public storm systems, and provision of outlets or detention where required. Design depends on site topography, soil permeability and local drainage regulations. Practical implementation typically requires verification of flow paths, avoidance of ponding near the foundation, and coordination with landscaping and utilities to maintain access for maintenance.
Common issues
- Inadequate provision for peak flows leading to localized flooding.
- Incorrect invert levels preventing positive drainage.
- Interference between drainage routes and other underground services.
- Insufficient access for cleaning and maintenance of inlets.
Quality checks
- Check invert and outlet levels against design and finished levels.
- Perform flow or drainage tests to confirm unobstructed paths.
- Verify connections to public systems meet authority requirements.
- Confirm access points and covers are correctly located and secure.
Grading shapes the site to direct water away from the building and towards designed outlets. Work typically includes forming finished ground levels, compacting subgrades, creating swales or berms and establishing clear surface falls from the facade. Achieving consistent slopes depends on competent earthworks, accurate setting out and temporary protection during wet weather. Verification commonly involves spot checks of falls and cross-sections, confirmation of outlet levels and ensuring landscaping build-up does not reduce design clearances.
Common issues
- Inaccurate setting out leading to flat areas and ponding.
- Loss of design fall due to poor compaction or settlement.
- Failure to protect graded areas during construction causing erosion.
- Mismatch between final paved levels and adjacent finishes.
Quality checks
- Confirm finished falls with spot levels and string lines.
- Check compaction and subgrade preparation before paving.
- Verify transitions to drainage inlets and outlet kerbs.
- Inspect protection measures for graded surfaces during wet periods.
Preparation for landscape covers final soil profiling, sub-base for paved areas, topsoil placement and interface detailing with the building edge. Typical activities include removal of spoil, minor earthworks, provision of planting soils and installation of separation or geotextile layers under paving. Success depends on preserving drainage routes and preventing contamination of topsoil. Coordination with planting designers and landscape contractors is common practice to confirm finished levels and to schedule works to avoid damage to newly completed facades.
Common issues
- Contamination of topsoil by construction debris reducing planting success.
- Topsoil placed at incorrect depths affecting drainage and root growth.
- Interference with drainage inlets during soil placement.
- Damage to paving sub-base from late deliveries or plant traffic.
Quality checks
- Verify topsoil quality and depth prior to planting.
- Confirm sub-base levels and compaction under paving areas.
- Check interfaces at plinths and paving for correct clearances.
- Ensure geotextile or separation layers are installed per specification.
External lighting works include supply, routing and installation of site luminaires, control wiring and power connections. Typical scope covers mounting, cabling in trenches or conduits, earthing and coordination with landscape finishes to avoid conflicts. Design must consider maintenance access, waterproofing of junctions and glare control relative to occupants and neighbors. Electrical commissioning and verification of circuits, controls and protective devices are standard checks before handover.
Common issues
- Cables routed through areas that are later paved or planted without protection.
- Poor positioning causing glare or light spill to adjacent properties.
- Inadequate earthing or protection for external fixtures.
- Luminaires installed before final levels leading to access issues.
Quality checks
- Verify conduit routes and cable protections prior to backfilling.
- Confirm luminaire positions, aiming and glare controls against design.
- Perform electrical tests: insulation, earthing and RCD/protection checks.
- Check control systems and timers for correct operation.
FAQ
Facade detailing and site drainage must be coordinated so that runoff is directed to designed outlets and not toward facade junctions. Typically, plinth treatments, scuppers, and flashing locations are set relative to finished ground levels and drainage inlets. Early design alignment between facade, civil and landscape teams reduces risk of moisture accumulation and allows accessible maintenance of drainage components.
Grades and slopes are typically established early in site works once rough levels are set, but final formation may follow facade openings and paving. Ensuring final ground levels align with planned plinth heights and drainage outlets is important. Sequencing depends on weather, access and construction tolerances; coordination with finishes and landscape trades is common practice.
Preventing plinth water ingress relies on continuous damp-proof courses or membranes, proper flashing at junctions, and ensuring ground is sloped away from the wall. Use durable finishes at the base, protect penetrations, and provide clearance between soil or paving and cladding. Regular inspection and maintenance of drainage and sealant joints reduces long-term risk.
Lighting can be installed after some landscaping, but routing conduits and finalising power supplies is commonly completed before planting or final paving to avoid rework. Early coordination preserves maintenance access and ensures fixings and earthing are correctly placed. If deferred, protect cabling runs and document locations for future works.
Because cost volatility or site-specific variables increase uncertainty.
Related glossary
Next steps
Continue budgeting in the calculator or move to the next stage of the project.