CONSTRUCTION PHASES EQUIPMENT GUIDE: A ROADMAP FOR CONTRACTORS
A construction project includes many different phases, but generally, they include some combination of the 10 we discuss here. Each phase requires different personnel and equipment—but a little pre-planning goes a long way toward ensuring you have what you need when you need it, so you can keep the project on schedule and within budget.
That’s particularly critical right now because the supply chain is still feeling the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Worldwide, people are experiencing shortages of almost everything. You can no longer take for granted that a supplier can immediately procure what you need from a factory, ship it, and drive it to your site on a truck that arrives just in time. Even at Sunbelt Rentals, where we “Make It Happen!” every day, we encourage advance planning.
This roadmap provides an overview of equipment needs during the course of a construction project, from surveying to facilities maintenance. We provide a brief description of each phase, the trades involved, the equipment needed, and tips that will help you plan ahead, right-size equipment, and put it to the best use on-site.
During the site survey and engineering, project engineers and surveyors select a coordinate system, then stake out reference points and markers to guide construction of everything from buildings to bridges. The work starts with existing conditions, including the terrain, structures, and above- and below-ground infrastructure on site. If your structure includes multiple floors, you may also need horizontal control.
Personnel
• Civil engineers
• Surveyors
• Civil engineers
• Surveyors
If you're using a UTV, decide in advance how you plan to power it - with gas, diesel, or electricity. If you choose electricity, make sure you know how you'll charge the UTV before power is available on-site.
During excavation, grading, and erosion control, the excavation contractor and grading contractor work together to remove, add, shape, and compact soil and prepare it for the foundation. That could mean a perfectly level base or one with a set slope. Once complete, the general contractor brings in the construction office trailer and on-site power and gets ready for pipe and utility line installation.
Utilities typically include power, gas, and water lines, underground cables, and sewage pipelines. Utility contractors determine the exact location, depth, and layout of any existing infrastructure. Then, they keep the worksite safe while overseeing the installation of additional underground utilities before the foundation pour.
Every structure depends on the foundation or slab that supports it. The foundation design depends on the building itself, the soil, depth to bedrock, and environmental risks such as wind or earthquakes. Ultimately a combination of concrete and steel below keep the structure above stable.
Depending on the type of structure you’re building—steel, concrete, or wood—this phase could involve many different activities. Steel contractors and iron workers install posts, columns, beams, and base flooring. Concrete contractors use metal forms to hold concrete walls reinforced with rebar in place while they cure. And wood structures use various framing techniques depending on the structure desired.
Expert Tips
• If you’re constructing a concrete structure, you’ll need to add all the equipment listed in Phase 4 as well.
Utility, comfort, and fire protection equipment are installed in this phase. Power includes installing electrical service, wiring, panels, appliances, and conducting safety inspections. Plumbing encompasses piping for fixtures and appliances and inspecting the systems to ensure they work and comply with building codes. HVAC systems handle temperature and climate throughout a structure using air conditioning, heating, and ventilation, and require extensive wiring and piping, along with heating and cooling units. Fire protection is critical in every building and includes elements such as sprinklers and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Plumbing & Fire
• Victaulic roll groovers
Lasers
Plumbing & Fire
Expert Tips
A team of contractors construct the exterior skin that encloses the structure by attaching panels of glass, metal, and stone. The roofing contractor installs the final layer of protection. Commercial roofs range from traditional types like shingles and modified bitumen to photovoltaic solar panels and green roofs.
• Glass suction cups
• ANSI A92 requires platform load sense to monitor total weight. Lifts will not let operators move or place loads that exceed the rated platform capacity. So, when you’re selecting a boom lift or mobile elevated work platform, consider total weight of everything you’ll put in the basket. Although you might previously have used a machine rated for 500 pounds, you may now need greater capacity.
After a building has exterior walls, it’s time to finish the interior with insulation, walls, trim, paint, flooring, ceiling panels, wiring, plumbing, and lighting and bathroom fixtures. Build-out also includes mechanical components such as HVAC equipment and elevators.
During building commissioning, the general contractor ensures that all building systems perform according to the design intent and the building is delivered according to requirements. That should ultimately mean fewer change orders, higher energy efficiency, and lower operations and maintenance costs.
Landscaping contributes to aesthetics, increases value and environmental health, and helps controls erosion. Landscaping can also save on costs to heat and cool a building. Installation may include paving, masonry, irrigation, water features, shade structures, retaining walls, and seasonal displays.
Landscaping
A construction project often wraps up with driveways, parking lots, and sidewalks, as well as slabs for equipment. Signage to serve both aesthetic and functional needs to be installed both inside and out. And finally, the owner must arrange for facilities maintenance over the long term.
Signage
Facilities Maintenance
Check out our ultimate guide to Facilities Maintenance.
When you’re looking for a team to supply equipment for your construction project, price is only one consideration. Your supplier should carry a range of equipment types and sizes from different manufacturers, so you have a selection of equipment to choose from. Be sure to ask about accessories needed and whether they’re included in the rental price.
Sunbelt Rentals helps construction industry professionals with equipment for every activity you undertake, from clearing land to painting parking lots. But we also provide technical guidance and expertise during each phase of your project. We have the right tools and knowledge to help you get the job done safely and efficiently.
For help planning equipment for your next construction project, give us a call at 866-964-0819 or request a free estimate.
Request a quote today!