Phase 1- Out of sight (more like “out of site”)
At Shomera, we do it a little differently. We do an awful lot of the work before we ever arrive at your home. We’ve been doing it this way for 25 years, and now more and more companies are doing it. We think it’s better for you, for quality, and for us. It’s a win, win, win.
It’s called off-site construction (OSC) and it means that your home is affected for a shorter amount of time while we get things done in factory-controlled conditions. Materials are ordered, walls and roofs are made, roof light openings are constructed, timbers and finish materials are prepped and cut, windows and doors are brought into our premises and anything that could put a delay on the project is dealt with before we come to site.
Phase 2 – Groundworks, Services, Demolition, Alterations & Foundation
This phase marks the commencement of work on site. It involves any clearance required, including the demolition of any existing buildings. Depending on access, we bring diggers, dumpers and artillery. It is the stage of muck and stone, but it’s all good as we take what you don’t want away and get ready for the new stuff coming. Sub-structure work for the foundation, services and drainage is undertaken and structural alterations to the existing house are completed. Despite having experience with 700 house extensions, until the site is cleared and the excavation work is done, there is an element of the unknown.
When all the digging is done, pipework for sewers and drains are installed and the foundation and floors are poured. You will be impressed when you see all the insulation that ends up under your feet. Once the subfloor is poured, the site begins to look less brutalised and more ready for the new extension to come.
Phase 3 – Delivery And Installation Of Superstructure
Once the foundation, sub-floor and alterations are completed, we install the walls and roof. Following the erection of the superstructure (i.e., walls and roof), windows, doors and roof lights are fitted. First fix plumbing and electrical installation work can now take place. Boarding and internal plastering are completed during this phase and the building starts to take shape. During this phase, the building can appear quite dark as light is absorbed by the incomplete surfaces as well as the glazing being somewhat blocked. While every effort is made to be neat and tidy, plastering is a wet trade and it is unavoidable that evidence of construction work will be present.
Phase 4 – Second Fix And Practical Completion
This is the stage where it all starts to come together. Plumbing and electrical installations take place, so all your sockets, lights, radiators, etc. are fitted. Carpentry finishes, internal doors, flooring and any furnishings as agreed in your order are fitted. The building is now considered to have reached the stage of practical completion. This means your home is safe and ready for use. Because of the complexity and nature of the construction business, there will be some issues to sort out as you use the building and these are captured at the final phase during snagging. The final stage of practical completion and our service to you is the provision of a professional cleaner to remove dirt and debris accumulated during the building project. Our site supervisor will go through the project to check that everything is working and up to standard. Any defects will be captured on a snag list. The snag list will be typed up and issued to you for any additions you may have. We will get the snags sorted in a timely manner, and in the meantime, you can begin to enjoy your new home.
