Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1
PRE-CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
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PRE-CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
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Subject: Applied Technology
Class: SHS 1
Term: 1st Term
Week: 12
Grade code: 1.2.1.LI.3
Strand code: 2
Sub-strand code: 1
Content standard code: 1.2.1.CS.1
Indicator code: 1.2.1.LI.3
Theme: BUILDING CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY
Subtheme: PRE-CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
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This lesson introduces the team of experts, or professionals, whose work is crucial before any actual construction begins. In Ghana, we see new buildings going up every day—from family homes and shops in our towns to large offices and apartments in the cities. Many people think building is just about masons and carpenters, but a successful, safe, and cost-effective project starts long before the first block is laid. Understanding the roles of these professionals is essential for anyone interested in construction, whether as a future homeowner, a skilled artisan, or a professional engineer or architect.
What are Pre-Construction Activities?
Pre-construction is the planning and design phase of a project. It is everything that must happen *before* the physical work starts on the site. This phase is critical because decisions made here affect the entire project's safety, cost, and final appearance. The main activities include developing the idea, creating designs, estimating costs, getting legal permits, and conducting site tests. These activities are carried out by a team of highly trained professionals.
The Key Professionals and Their Roles
Let's meet the team. Think of building a house like making a great Ghanaian jollof rice. You don't just throw all the ingredients in the pot at once. You have a recipe (the plan), you measure your ingredients (the budget), and you have a skilled cook (the builder). The professionals are the ones who create the recipe and prepare the ingredients. The Client (The Project Owner) Who they are: This is the individual, company, or government agency that wants the building and pays for the entire project. They are the most important person because the project exists to meet their needs. Key Responsibilities: Having the initial idea or need for the building (e.g., "I need a four-bedroom house for my family"). Providing the funds (money) for the project. Hiring the other professionals. Making the final decisions on the design, budget, and materials. Simple Analogy: The client is the person who is hungry and decides they want jollof rice. The Architect Who they are: A professional trained to design buildings. They translate the client's ideas and needs into a set of drawings and specifications. Key Responsibilities: Meeting with the client to understand their vision, budget, and requirements. Creating detailed drawings, known as architectural drawings (floor plans, elevations, sections). These show the layout, size, and appearance of the building. Selecting suitable materials and finishes. Ensuring the design complies with local building regulations (e.g., rules from the District or Metropolitan Assembly). Submitting the drawings to the local authorities to obtain a Building Permit. Simple Analogy: The Architect is the chef who creates the recipe for the jollof rice, deciding on the ingredients and the final look of the dish. The Quantity Surveyor (QS) Who they are: The construction cost expert or the "accountant" of the project. They manage all the financial aspects of the building project. Key Responsibilities: Preparing a detailed cost estimate for the entire project. This is called a Bill of Quantities (BoQ). It lists every single material needed (e.g., number of cement bags, iron rods, roofing sheets) and the labour costs. Advising the client on how to keep the project within budget. Preparing contract documents for hiring a builder (contractor). Measuring and valuing the work done during construction to approve payments. Simple Analogy: The Quantity Surveyor is the person who goes to the market with the recipe, calculates the exact cost of every ingredient (tomatoes, onions, rice, chicken), and makes sure you don't overspend. The Structural Engineer Who they are: A specialist engineer who focuses on the strength, stability, and safety of the building's "skeleton" (the structure). Key Responsibilities: Designing the foundation, columns (pillars), beams, and floor slabs. Calculating the loads (weights) the building must support, including the weight of the materials, people, and even the force of the wind. Ensuring the building will not collapse and can withstand environmental pressures. Producing structural drawings that show the size and type of steel reinforcement (iron rods) and concrete to be used. Simple Analogy: The Structural Engineer ensures the cooking pot is strong enough to hold all the jollof and won't break under the heat. They focus on strength and safety. The Services Engineer (or M&E Engineer) Who they are: An engineer who designs the "life support" systems of the building. M&E stands for Mechanical and Electrical. Key Responsibilities: Electrical Systems: Designing the wiring, lighting, socket outlets, and power distribution. They ensure the building has safe and reliable electricity from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). Mechanical Systems: Plumbing: Designing the water supply (Ghana Water Company) and drainage systems (pipes for kitchen sinks, toilets, and bathrooms). Ventilation & Air-Conditioning (HVAC): Designing systems to ensure fresh air and comfortable temperatures. Simple Analogy: The Services Engineer designs the gas connection for the stove and the pipes that bring water to wash the dishes. They make the building functional and comfortable. The Land Surveyor Who they are: A professional who measures and maps the land. You often see them on roadsides with an instrument on a tripod called a Theodolite or Total Station. Key Responsibilities: Conducting a site survey to determine the exact boundaries, size, and shape of the land. Identifying the contours (the slope or level of the land). Producing a Site Plan, which is a map of the plot of land. This is legally required to get a building permit. Setting out the position of the new building on the land before excavation begins. Simple Analogy: The Land Surveyor accurately measures the size of your plate before you dish out the jollof, ensuring it all fits perfectly.