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.
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
- Survey benchmark and boundary records are documented.
- Access, laydown, waste and temporary utility routes are agreed.
- Rainwater and sediment control are in place before earthworks.
- Temporary works do not block future foundation or engineering routes.
Related glossary terms
Logistic difficulty of delivering labor and materials.
Transfer of building axes and reference geometry onto the site.
Protected survey reference used for levels and positional control.
Temporary structures, services or controls used to build the permanent works safely and efficiently.
Ground-level water management around the building.