Building work refers to the entire process of constructing a building right from drafting legal documents, purchasing goods, constructing buildings to performing quality inspections. Building work is a vast concept that involves different designations. The responsibilities, work environment and growth scope differ as per the different designations.
Work Profile
Building work covers the entire procedure from inception of a project to its completion. The first stage involves planning and documentation where the project plans are drafted and necessary approvals are sought after. Then begins the analytical and survey functions where the feasibility and safety of the project is judged, based on the geographical features of the area. Once the approval is sought the necessary materials are arranged and laborers are hired. Here begins the actual construction of the building. After the project gets completed, quality inspectors inspect the building and ascertain that it meets the determined standards.
Job Scope
Building work involves several designations who perform varied functions in the construction process.
Bricklayer: They build walls and roofs by laying and cementing bricks, using masonry panels, blocks and casts.
Site Surveyor: They inspect the documents and draw out boundaries
Building Inspector: They make certain that the construction of the building complies with the laws and regulations defined by the Construction Acts.
Maintenance Worker: They perform one type of activity such as plumbing, carpentry, electrician, tiling, etc., once the building is completed.
Site Supervisors: They supervise the on-site activities of allocating resources, hiring personnel, monitoring operations and implementing budgets in support of the manager.
Architects: They are responsible to plan and design buildings as per the available space, resources, designs and facilities, as conveyed by the client.
Project Manager: They are responsible for success of the construction project. They draft budget, plans, set time limits, arrange resources and guide project activities to ensure successful completion of the project.
Qualifications and Skills
Candidates must have qualifications in Constructional Management, Architecture and Civil Engineering to work in higher positions. For low level jobs, high school diploma is sufficient. They may opt for training or certifications to enhance their abilities.
The key skills required for construction work fields are:
For offsite work
For onsite Work
Work Environment
On-site Work:
This includes the work performed by maintenance workers, site supervisors, project engineers, etc. They perform physically enduring tasks of walking, climbing, lifting weights and handling equipments, etc. Use of heavy machinery and incomplete construction work increases the risk factor on the construction site. Hence, Construction workers are prone to risks and safety hazards. They may have to work at night time, if the project runs behind schedule.
Off-site Work
This includes the work performed by architects, project managers, finance and marketing teams, etc. These associates perform office functions and hence work for typical 8-9 hours a day. Some work on project basis. Such employees work with date deadlines instead of time deadlines and hence have the liberty to work from the comforts of their home. Performing off-site work, they do not face any health hazards or safety threats.
Career Advancement
Most candidates begin work as site supervisors or purchase and resources manager, budget manager and so on. They all work under the guidance of the project manager. Surveyors and quality inspectors, work independent of the project teams and provide a feedback on the quality of materials used, safety standards maintained and adherence with the building regulations. They can work in that capacity soon after gaining the certifications. However, construction and maintenance workers have limited growth prospects due to lack of certifications.
Future Prospects
Building work is a part of the construction industry and so promises to offer bright prospects. The importance of construction industry from employment perspective is that it offers opportunities for all types of laborers - unskilled, semi-skilled and highly skilled laborers. The attrition and absorption rate in this industry is high as the laborers get recruited on project basis and are often left without a job, once the project is over.
We hope the building work has helped you understand this position in detail.