How the Construction Industry Works: A Beginner’s Guide

Numerous different organizations work together to bring a construction project to life. Recruiters expect apprentices, interns, and aspiring graduates to understand the process of how a project becomes a reality.

This article outlines the typical process of developing a construction project; however, some major corporations offer design-build services, where they undertake the roles of both consultant and contractor. Keep in mind that large-scale projects can take years to progress from the initial concept to full completion.

A construction project begins with the client

He is the one who decides that something must be built. The client may be a real estate development company, a local authority, a central administration, a private corporation, or an individual. He determines what is to be built, as well as the construction timeline and budget. Specialists such as Mas Occitan, the Montpellier-based builder, then take over the project.

The client then engages consultants

They advise on matters regarding design, costs, and current industry regulations. Clients may engage one or several engineering firms to assist with their projects. In either case, a group of consultants will often oversee the project on the client’s behalf. Common consulting organizations include:

• architectural firms;
• the Cost Advisory (quantitative study);
• employers in the civil engineering, construction, mechanical, and electrical sectors.

Consultants then manage the project design phase, developing the structure and determining construction costs. Once these elements are established, they select the construction contractor to carry out the work.

What is it like to work for a consultant?

If you work in a design office, your role will focus on the design phase. Architects design the project, while civil engineers ensure that the technical specifications of the plans are feasible, and quantity surveyors determine the design costs. You will work in an office setting, but you will occasionally have the opportunity to visit or work directly on-site. Your work will also follow standard business hours (typically from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.), often managing multiple projects simultaneously.

The consultant engages contractors to carry out the construction work

Once the contractor has received the deliverables from the consultants, construction begins on-site. Contractors ensure that the project is built according to the agreed-upon quality, budget, and timeline. They follow the design instructions provided by the engineering office and resolve any related issues.

What is it like to work for an automaker?

Key personnel roles include site managers, civil engineers, quantity surveyors, and skilled tradespeople.

You will work on construction sites (or from a temporary on-site office) in all weather conditions. Working hours vary depending on the project. On-site hours are longer (generally from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.), and you may be required to work extended hours if delays occur. You will typically work on one project at a time.

Can manufacturers receive assistance from subcontractors?

If the work required for the project necessitates specialized skills or expertise, the contractor may outsource tasks to specialized organizations. Typical tasks that may be assigned to subcontractors include the following:

• the reinforced concrete plant;
• the steel framework;
• foundation work;
• plumbing and electrical work.

Subcontractors are generally small employers. If you work for a subcontractor, you will work on-site, and your working hours will be similar to those of a builder.