Acumen Studeos is a distinguished construction and architectural company based in Ilorin, Nigeria. We specialize in delivering comprehensive design and building services, ensuring that each project meets the specific needs of our clients. With a strong focus on quality and efficiency, we guarantee timely completion, adherence to budgets, and seamless project execution. How we design and build for our clients within five months is a testament to our dedication to excellence.
At Acumen studeos, we keep the team united and focused, facilitate communication and coordination among clients and team members, and help navigate the project’s ups and downs. In this article, I will provide an in-depth overview of how we, at Acumen studeos, design and build for our clients within a five-month timeframe, showcasing the structured approach we use to ensure that every project meets both time and quality expectations.
Phase 1: Consultation, Concept, and Design (Week 1)
Client Consultation
The foundation of every successful project begins with a thorough client consultation. This phase is crucial as it sets the direction for the entire design and construction process, ensuring that we fully understand the client’s needs and preferences before any work begins. By understanding what the client is looking for, we ensure that we provide what they ask for and emphasize how we will deliver the construction project to meet their needs and expectations.
Information Gathering & Documentation
We understand that every detail matters. After gathering all necessary information during the consultation, we carefully document the client’s requests. Every piece of the construction requires documentation, from the foundation to the finishing part. Clear documentation clarifies expectations, establishes official agreements, protects all parties involved in the building process, and most importantly, ensures that the client remains satisfied with the product
When project documents are distributed to contractors, they review them carefully to ensure everything is clear. If they find missing details or need clarification, they submit Requests for Information (RFI). Contractors use Requests for Information (RFI) to submit questions to clarify any missing details they may find, ensuring that everyone is on the same page before moving forward.
Phase 2: Design and Government approval (Weeks 2-6)
Design Process
Our architectural team begins by creating conceptual designs that serve as a foundation for the entire project. We help clients visualize the final building by producing high-quality renderings and 3D visualizations. We show our clients exactly what their property will look like when it’s finished. This way, they won’t have to worry about any miscommunication that might happen when talking to clients with no background in architecture or design. These tools allow the client to see the outcome of the project and suggest any changes before moving forward with construction. We convey our ideas clearly and effectively to clients, stakeholders, and construction teams. By providing an accurate and interactive representation of the project, we ensure that both our team and the client share a clear understanding of the end goal.
Government Approval
After finalizing the design, we handle the legal and regulatory aspects of the project. Before any construction can commence, obtaining approval from the state government is mandatory. This document ensures that your proposed building complies with zoning laws, building codes, and safety standards set by the state government. The authorities will process and approve the application within 28 days after the final screening and payment of the permit processing fee. Securing government approval is a vital step to ensure the project complies with the laws and can proceed without any legal complications.
Contract Document
Before any construction work begins, we prepare a comprehensive contract document. The contract document serves as a legally binding agreement between parties, outlining the terms, conditions, rights, and obligations of each party involved. It describes the scope, schedule, cost, and responsibilities of each party to the agreement. The scope delineates the breadth and depth of work, the schedule frames the timeline for completion, and the cost dictates the financial parameters within which the project operates. The contract serves to protect both parties, ensuring there is clarity throughout the project.
Bill of Quantities
A Bill of Quantities (BOQ) is a document listing the items and quantity of work required to complete a project. A contractor prepares a BOQ to define the quality and quantity of work required to complete a project. Preparing the BOQ using a standard methodology recognized by everyone involved in the project is important to avoid any misunderstandings. The BOQ ensures that the client is fully aware of the financial aspects and can approve the budget before work begins.
Construction Schedule
To maintain efficiency and meet deadlines, we prepare a Schedule of Works. The schedule of Works is the formation of the plan that the project team will execute, involving the planning, coordination, and timing of necessary tasks and activities. It’s an essential element that helps complete projects on time, according to standards, and within budget. The schedule of Works should be clear and accurate. The contractor should be able to easily determine what the job entails and what materials are needed. It enables the project to stay under budget and considers resource and time constraints. By keeping an organized and accurate schedule, teams can make progress at a consistent pace without wasting resources.
Phase 3: Construction (Weeks 7-19)
Site Preparation
With design and documentation completed, we move to the execution phase of the project. The first step in the construction process is preparing the site.
Site preparation is the process of preparing for future construction work. This involves clearing the construction site, grading the land, and compacting the soil. It is a critical step in the construction process as it lays the groundwork for a successful and safe construction project. Below are the necessary steps we take to implement site preparation for construction projects.
Step 1: Site Clearing
The first step in any site preparation is site clearing. Site clearing is the process of removing any trees, vegetation, debris, or other obstructions from the construction site. This is usually done with heavy machinery such as bulldozers and excavators.
Step 2: Site Surveying
A surveyor surveys the site and lines out the exact area for building the road project or structures. This step is essential because zoning and permitting processes require site surveying.
Step 3: Soil Testing
Soil testing is one of the most critical tasks to complete before procuring the site. The test determines the soil’s composition, its ability to absorb water, and its capacity to withstand the structure. This testing helps decide the type of foundation needed for the construction project
Step 4: Site plan design
An architect creates a site plan, also known as a plot plan, which serves as a readable map of the building site and shows all the details about how the structure will orient on the lot. Understanding underground conditions is essential since factors like rock formations can alter the design. Therefore, architects must prepare an efficient site plan before construction begins
Step 5: Site Investigation
Finally, the last step is site investigation. In this step, the team collects all the necessary data regarding the proposed site’s rock, soil, and groundwater conditions. With site investigation, the inspector will be able to determine if the site is good for construction. Once the investigation collects all the necessary information, inspectors can estimate the cost and identify the methods to use for the building project. After completing the site preparation, a detailed weekly report of all activities done will be provided to the client. This report outlines each task and allows the client to review the work completed and confirm that the project is ready to move forward.
Construction Phases: Once the site is ready, we proceed with the main construction activities. This stage includes laying the foundation, building the structure, and handling all other structural, electrical, and plumbing work. Here are the steps involved in construction.
Step 1
The first step to building your house is laying a strong and solid foundation. The site is cleared of rocks and debris. Before starting the excavation, ensure that the layout markings are as per the plan. Your construction team will level the site and dig holes and trenches for laying the foundation. After the curing process, an inspector visits the site to ensure foundation components are up to code and installed properly. This inspection may be repeated depending on the type of foundation.
Step 2
Once the foundation is set, the next step is to make the structure of the house. This includes the installation of plinths, beams, columns, walls, and roof slabs along with the frames for windows and doors. Rooms will be divided, showing you exactly how your newly constructed house will look. This is the most important stage of construction as this decides the strength and structure of your home. Supervising is therefore crucial to your new home’s construction.
Step 3
After the concrete structure of your house is ready, you can start installing the plumbing and electrical systems. Ensure your electrical boards and switches will be accessible to you after moving in. The sewage pipes should always be below the drinking pipe to avoid contamination. For concealed electrical work, PVC conduit with wires pipes is set up inside the walls before plaster. This is not only aesthetically appealing but protects the wires from elements like humidity, temperature, and rodents. Once this is done, the walls are plastered.
Step 4
Once the walls are plastered with a wall finish, windows and doors have to be installed. Windows and doors provide insulation and ventilation.
Step 5
Finally, the construction team will lay down the tiles, and install electrical boards, cabinets, kitchen countertops etc. Once you install all the elements, you can paint your home or plaster it with wallpaper. A detailed report of all activities done will be provided to the client to have a review of the work.
Quality Control
Construction quality control is a system of management that ensures that deliverables meet the standards and guidelines set by the client at the beginning of the construction process. Throughout the construction process, quality control is important. Inspections will take place regularly as a part of a thorough quality assurance plan at different points in the construction process. However, all completed work will meet client criteria and expectations.
Phase 4: Interior and Exterior Finishing (Weeks 20-22)
Final Touches
The final phase is all about perfecting every detail to ensure the project exceeds the client’s expectations. We carefully review and polish interior finishes, from paint touch-ups to any required adjustments in fixtures, cabinetry, and flooring. We check and adjust lighting fixtures for optimal ambience, and we place any final furnishings or décor elements, if applicable Once the final touches are complete, we invite the client for a comprehensive walkthrough of the project. This review allows the client to see the finished work and ask any questions or request minor adjustments.
Conclusion
At Acumen Studeos, our streamlined approach to project delivery ensures that we design, build, and complete each project to meet our client’s needs within a five-month timeframe. How we design and build for our clients within five months reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional results. From the initial client consultation, where we capture every detail of the client’s vision, through meticulous design, regulatory approvals, and documentation, we lay a solid foundation for a smooth construction process.
With clear communication, careful planning, and unwavering commitment to quality, we deliver projects that meet our clients’ timelines and exceed their expectations. This four-phase approach ensures that each project not only fulfils the client’s vision but stands as a testament to Acumen Studeos’ dedication to excellence in construction and design.
