Construction site stages in Ghana
| Stage | Site Activities | Duration | What to verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Site preparation | Clearing, levelling, setting out, temporary facilities | 1–2 weeks | Correct plot boundaries used; approved drawings on site |
| 2. Substructure | Foundation excavation, concrete, DPC, ground slab | 4–8 weeks | Foundation depth correct; 42.5N cement used; 21-day cure before loading |
| 3. Superstructure | Block laying, column casting, ring beam, roof timber | 6–12 weeks | Columns at correct positions; rebar to structural drawings; hardwood timber |
| 4. Weathertight shell | Roofing, external windows, external doors | 3–5 weeks | Gauge 0.55mm+; ridge properly sealed; window frames level and plumb |
| 5. MEP rough-in | Plumbing pipework, electrical conduit and cable pulling | 3–5 weeks | All pipes and conduit in place before plastering starts |
| 6. Plastering | Internal and external render | 4–6 weeks | Correct mix; allow 4–6 weeks to cure before painting |
| 7. Tiling | Floor and wall tiling, wet room waterproofing | 3–5 weeks | Waterproof membrane applied in all wet rooms before tiling |
| 8. Finishes | Painting, joinery, fixtures, electrical second fix | 4–8 weeks | Paint on cured plaster only; all electrical testing before sign-off |
| 9. External works | Fencing, driveway, landscaping | 2–4 weeks | Drainage correctly falls away from building |
| 10. Handover | Snagging, cleaning, keys | 1 week | Joint snagging list completed; warranty letter issued |
The 5 most important things to check on any construction site
- Are the approved drawings on site? The building permit drawings must be on site at all times. Construction must match what was approved — any deviation requires a permit amendment.
- Is 42.5N cement being used for structural concrete? Check cement bags on site — the grade is printed on the bag. Substituting 32.5N reduces structural capacity.
- Is concrete being cured correctly? All slabs and structural elements must be kept wet for minimum 21 days. Concrete that dries too fast is weaker and more porous.
- Is waterproofing being applied in wet rooms before tiling? This cannot be retrofitted without removing tiles. Ask to see the membrane before tiling starts.
- Are payments being tied to verified completion? Never release a stage payment before the milestone it is tied to has been physically verified — not just claimed by the contractor.
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