BuildBudgeter

Work sequence

Pre-construction work sequence

Pre-construction turns an uncertain site into a controlled work front. The goal is to verify baseline data, protect access and remove avoidable constraints before long-lead purchasing and main works begin.

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Connected product pages

This sequence is connected to the stage calculator, checklist and mistake-cost pages so planning, execution and cost risk stay in one system.

Open stage page Open checklist See mistake costs Cost Guides Open calculator

Recommended sequence of work

01

Confirm baseline site data

Lock the information that the calculator and design team depend on.

  • Check boundary, levels, access constraints and known utility routes.
  • Create photo records of existing structures, vegetation, drainage and neighboring risks.
  • Mark survey benchmarks and protect them from site traffic.

Hold point: Do not start excavation pricing or procurement until survey control, access limits and known constraints are recorded.

Tools, equipment and access: Total station or level, Drone or photo set, Marking paint, Site constraint register

02

Set logistics, access and temporary protection

Make sure labor, plant, deliveries and waste can move without damaging the site.

  • Define entry route, laydown area, turning radius and delivery windows.
  • Install temporary fencing, signage and protection to retained finishes or landscape.
  • Separate clean access, material storage and waste routes where the site allows.

Hold point: Main works should not start until access, laydown and waste handling are visible on site.

Tools, equipment and access: Temporary fence panels, Compactor, Road plates or crushed base, Safety signage

03

Control temporary water and utilities

Prevent water and temporary services from creating delay or hidden site damage.

  • Plan temporary drainage away from excavation, storage and neighboring properties.
  • Provide temporary power and water with safe routing and clear shutoff points.
  • Check that temporary works do not conflict with future foundation or service routes.

Hold point: Temporary drainage and utilities must be inspected before excavation, foundation works or rainy-season mobilization.

Tools, equipment and access: Submersible pump, Silt fence, Temporary distribution board, Hoses and cable ramps

Tools, equipment and access

Survey and records

  • Total station or laser level
  • Measuring wheel
  • Photo log
  • Benchmark tags

Temporary works

  • Fence panels
  • Compactor
  • Pump
  • Cable ramps
  • Temporary lighting

Control documents

  • Site constraint register
  • Access plan
  • Temporary utilities plan

Planning material consumption norms

Consumption ranges are planning benchmarks. Final quantities must be checked against drawings, specifications, local codes and supplier data sheets.

Material or resource Basis Planning range Unit Planning note
Temporary access base Heavy access area 0.10-0.25 m3/m2 Use higher depth for soft ground or repeated truck traffic.
Temporary drainage route Open work area 0.10-0.25 lm/m2 A planning allowance before detailed stormwater design.
Survey and condition photos Project 40-120 photos Useful as evidence if access, neighbor or drainage claims appear later.

Quality gates before moving forward

Related glossary terms

Site access

Logistic difficulty of delivering labor and materials.

Setting-out

Transfer of building axes and reference geometry onto the site.

Temporary works

Temporary structures, services or controls used to build the permanent works safely and efficiently.