Building a House in Kampala: The 7-Step Process from Empty Plot to Dream Home

Building a home is a complex but rewarding journey. Here is a simplified overview of the key stages involved in a typical residential construction project.

Infographic: The 7 Stages of Construction

From an empty plot to your dream home.

The Construction Phases

1. Site Preparation & Foundation: The land is cleared, leveled, and excavated. The foundation, which is the base of the entire structure, is then laid and cured.
2. Framing: The "skeleton" of the house is built, including walls, floors, and the roof structure. This is when the building starts to take shape.
3. Roofing, Windows & Doors: The house is made watertight by installing roofing materials, windows, and exterior doors.
4. Plumbing, Electrical & HVAC (First Fix): With the shell complete, pipes, wiring, and ductwork for water, electricity, and air conditioning are run through the interior walls.
5. Insulation & Plastering: Insulation is added to walls, and then plasterboard or wet plaster is applied to create smooth interior walls and ceilings.
6. Interior Finishes (Second Fix): This is the exciting part where the house starts to look like a home. It includes painting, tiling, installing cabinets, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, and flooring.
7. Landscaping & Final Handover: The final exterior work, including driveways and gardens, is completed. After a final inspection, the keys are handed over to the proud new owner.