What happens from the time you buy a plot until construction begins?

Buying a plot of land is often the first big step towards building your own home. However, many people find that once the purchase is signed, there is still a long way to go before the machines enter the field.

It is common to think that the work begins shortly after the site is acquired, but the reality is that there is an essential preliminary phase to ensure that the project is carried out safely, efficiently and in accordance with current regulations.

Knowing this process helps to better plan times, understand each stage and face the project with realistic expectations.

It all starts with the analysis of the plot

Each piece of land is different and, before designing a home, it is necessary to know its characteristics.

In this first phase, aspects such as:

• The topography of the land.
• Orientation and sunlight.
• The accesses.
• The applicable urban planning regulations.
• Buildability and setbacks.
• The possible limitations of the environment.

Technical studies are also carried out, such as the topographic survey and the geotechnical study, which allow us to know the characteristics of the soil and define the most appropriate structural solution.

All this information will serve as the basis for the development of the project.

The design of the house

With the data of the plot, one of the most important phases begins: transforming the owner's needs into an architectural project.

At this stage, issues such as:

• The distribution of spaces.
• The orientation of the rooms.
• The relationship between the interior and the exterior.
• The architectural style.
• The main materials.
• The present and future needs of the family.

The objective is not only to design an attractive home, but to create a home adapted to the way of life of those who will enjoy it.

From the preliminary project to the execution project

Once the general design has been agreed upon, the project evolves until it reaches a level of detail sufficient to be able to build.

During this phase, the following are developed:

• Structural calculations.
• Electrical and plumbing installations.
• Air conditioning.
• Energy efficiency.
• The construction details.
• The definition of materials and finishes.

The more defined the project is before work begins, the less need to make changes during construction.

Licensing

With the technical documentation ready, it is time to apply for the urban planning license.

The file is reviewed by the corresponding administration to verify that the project complies with current regulations.

Timelines can vary depending on the municipality and the complexity of the project, so this phase requires patience and proper planning.

In the meantime, it is possible to move forward with other tasks that will optimize time once authorization has been obtained.

Planning the work

While the administrative process is being completed, everything necessary for the start of construction is also being prepared.

It's time to:

• Plan the work schedule.
• Confirm quotes.
• Coordinate the different professionals.
• Schedule the purchase of materials with a longer manufacturing time.
• Organize the logistics of the project.

Good planning at this stage makes execution smoother and helps reduce unnecessary delays.

The start of construction

With the license granted and the planning completed, the work finally begins.

Early jobs typically include:

• The stakeout on the plot.
• The implementation of provisional work facilities.
• Earthworks.
• The excavation.
• The execution of the foundation.

From that moment on, the house begins to become visible, although behind that first movement there is an important previous work that often goes unnoticed.

A good home starts long before the construction site

The construction of a house does not begin the day the excavators arrive.

It begins with the study of the plot, continues with the design, planning and coordination of numerous professionals, and culminates when all these steps allow the work to begin with maximum safety and clarity.

Dedicating time to this preliminary phase does not delay the project. On the contrary: it helps to reduce unforeseen events, facilitates decision-making and lays the foundations for construction to move forward more efficiently.

Because, in architecture and construction, the best results are usually the result of rigorous planning from day one.