Building construction checklist

Pre-construction checklist: Get the ground right

This stage decides whether your project will be smooth or painful. Rushing here almost always incurs additional costs later. These things matter more than people think.

Land and paperwork

You’d be surprised how many projects pause mid-way because of land issues. You must ensure this paperwork:

• Confirm ownership documents and updated land records
• Verify land use and zoning regulations
• Mutation records
• Check road access and boundary demarcation

Legal issues discovered mid-construction can stop work completely.

Soil test

A soil test is mandatory in Bangladesh. The soil is different in every part of the country. In some areas, piling is unavoidable. In others, shallow foundations work just fine. So you must ensure the condition of the soil. Soil test gives an idea about the foundation type and piling depth.

Budget planning and cost estimation

Most budgets look fine on paper. Until construction starts. Here’s what usually gets missed:

• Approval fees
• Utility connections
• Design revisions
• Small changes that add up fast

Professional cost estimation helps you avoid surprises halfway through the project.

Design and engineering preparation

Sometimes, more for commercial projects. Also, don’t chase the lowest estimate. That almost always comes back as an extra cost later. People focus on layouts. Design is also about load paths, ventilation, stair positioning, and future expansion. Things you won’t notice on day one, but you will five years later.

Authority approvals and permissions

Construction without approval is a risk you don’t want. In dense city plots, staircase and lift placement can make or break usable space. RAJUK, city corporations, and fire service approvals take time to get. So you have to wait for those approvals. Skipping approvals is a worse decision.

Contractor and construction partner selection checklist

Construction management is challenging work. Choosing the right construction partner matters more than selecting materials. A cheap construction work with no engineering support will look attractive. Until problems start.

Construction phase checklist

This is where planning turns into reality. This is the most critical phase where you need to execute the plan. One small mistake here travels upward.

Site setup and layout

Before concrete, everything must line up. Grid markings. Levels. Reference points.

Foundation and piling

Follow the soil report. Piles need testing. Reinforcement needs checking. Curing needs time. Rushing foundation work always shows later.

RCC structure

We insist on checking reinforcement before every casting. Concrete grade matters. Water-cement ratio matters. Curing matters. This is not the stage to compromise.

MEP and utility checklist

Electrical and plumbing mistakes are painful because fixing them means breaking things.

• Electrical planning should consider future load. Air conditioners. Elevators. Generators.
• Plumbing needs a slope. Proper drainage. Pressure testing before walls close.
• Fire safety is non-negotiable for commercial buildings. Exits, stair widths, firefighting systems. All must align with authority requirements.

Finishing works checklist

This is where clients get excited. Uneven plaster shows through the paint. Bad tile alignment never un-sees itself. Before the handover, you must ensure a general check:

1. Inspect everything.
2. Test electrical loads.
3. Check plumbing pressure.
4. Ask for as-built drawings.
5. Warranty documents.

Why an expert-led checklist matters

Managing construction without professional guidance often leads to hidden costs, delays, and compromised quality. An expert-led checklist ensures that every stage is technically sound and well-coordinated.

Conspert Limited provides end-to-end construction solutions, including soil testing, RCC structure, architectural and structural design, project management, and turnkey construction with full handover. This integrated approach minimizes risk and delivers predictable outcomes.

Final thoughts

Construction succeeds when decisions are made in the right order. A proper checklist doesn’t slow you down; it protects your investment. If you’re planning to build in Bangladesh, whether residential or commercial, expert guidance makes all the difference.