April 15, 2024

A Quick Look into the Condo Construction Timeline (and a Case for Buying RFO Units)

By: Melecio Martin G. Arranz IV

Whether it’s for your future home or a planned investment, buying a condo is an exciting journey. You get to own a property and use it any way you wish.

However, you need to partner that excitement with a dose of patience, especially since you may have to wait for the construction phase to wrap up before stepping into your new property. 

Understanding the condo construction timeline allows you to plan your finances, anticipate your move-in date, and make informed decisions. It’s best to learn about the inner workings of condo construction and how long it takes to build one.

How Long Does It Take to Build a Condo? 

Timing is crucial whether you’re buying a home or investing in a condo. Either way, the answer to the question “How long does it take to build a condo?” can significantly impact your plans.

On average, constructing a condo building takes around 3 to 4 years. However, this timeline can vary depending on the project’s size, complexity, and the number of phases or towers involved.

Typically, the construction timeline includes preparing the site, working on the foundation and structure, constructing the building, installing amenities and facilities, and incorporating finishings.

Developers often plan condo construction in phases, including completing one tower first before the next one breaks ground.

Condo Construction Timeline

Constructing a condo follows a structured process that involves specific activities and challenges in several stages. Familiarizing yourself with these stages can help you strategize for your condo investments. 

Phase One: Site Preparation

The site preparation phase is where the vision begins to take tangible form. This critical step lays the groundwork for what will eventually become your home.

Site clearing

The initial phase of constructing a condo starts with site clearing. In this stage, the developer typically brings in heavy machinery, such as bulldozers and excavators, to remove existing structures, debris, and vegetation on the construction site. Then, they lay a clear canvas for the upcoming building while ensuring safety for construction work.

Ground compaction and grading

After clearing the site, ground compaction and grading take place. The goal is to ensure the stability and evenness of the construction surface. You can think of it as the foundation for the building’s foundation. A well-graded site means a smoother and more structurally sound condo development.

Site plan design

The preparation phase also includes planning the site design. Here, the developer creates site access points, sets up construction crew barracks, and installs drainage and erosion control systems. 

The site plan design is vital to the condo construction timeline as it addresses the location’s seasonal, environmental-related challenges, like heavy rains and potential soil erosion. It also ensures that the soil can withstand the weight of the structures.

Phase Two: Foundation and Structural Work 

This phase sets the stage for a safe and resilient condo building. As the backbone of the construction process, this stage involves laying robust foundations and establishing the tower’s structural integrity.

Excavation

The groundwork intensifies with excavation. Builders dig into the prepared site to create space for the condo building’s foundation. The extent and depth of the excavation may depend on the building’s design and the ground’s characteristics. 

Footings

Once the excavation is complete, installing the footing comes next. These concrete structures provide essential support for the foundation. The size and design of the footings vary based on factors such as the building’s weight and local soil conditions. 

Residential towers require strong footings to handle their vertical load efficiently and keep the occupants safe. 

Foundation

With the footings in place, the foundation work begins. Typically, construction projects use concrete for the building’s foundation. Its primary purpose is to distribute the building’s weight evenly, ensuring stability and preventing settlement issues, such as cracks in the building’s walls or sloping floors. 

Structural framing

This stage is where the condo starts to rise above the ground after setting the foundation. Here, the developer constructs the skeletal framework of the building using steel and reinforced concrete. This frame provides the condo’s shape and support for the floors while defining the building’s aesthetics and overall strength and durability.

Phase Three: Building Construction

In this phase, the structure begins to take shape with walls, floors, and roofing, visually transforming the site. The envisioned condo complex gradually emerges from its concrete and steel skeleton.

Floor-by-floor construction

This phase of the condo construction timeline is when the actual building starts to form, as the developer constructs it in a floor-by-floor fashion—starting with the lower ones before moving upward. This approach allows for precise work and ensures that the building rises evenly.

Facade construction 

A condo’s facade is the outer shell of the building. Both aesthetics and functionality are prime considerations when building the facade. Facade work involves adding the external walls, cladding, and other architectural elements that give the condo its unique appearance. This step happens simultaneously with the floor construction.

Condo developers typically design a themed property facade that enhances the building’s form and function. For example, the Mi Casa  in Bay Area has a Hawaii-inspired façade that complements the property’s ability to withstand coastal conditions.

Roofing installation

As the floors and facade progress, the builders also begin installing the roof. This element shelters the building from harsh weather and is vital to insulation and energy efficiency. Then, the construction team can start working on the building’s interiors.

Insulation installation

Aside from roofing, insulation features are critical for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures and energy efficiency. Developers install insulation elements into the building to suit the condo for any weather conditions. The type of insulation needed may depend on the location, whether it’s in a hot and humid or cold highland environment.

Door and window installation

Next up on the condo construction timeline is closing the building envelope by installing windows and doors. This step is significant because it secures, weather proofs, and enhances the condo’s aesthetics. 

Phase Four: Utility and Amenity Installation

With the building’s structure in place, it is time to install the property’s utilities and amenities. This crucial phase breathes life into the development, incorporating essential utilities and luxurious amenities. It’s a transformative stage where the condo evolves from a mere structure to a functional, habitable space.

Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) installation

This step entails installing condo amenities for maximum comfort and functionality, such as: 

• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
• Wiring
• Conductors
• Lighting
• Sinks
• Showers
• Toilets

Escalators and elevator installation

A multi-story condo building must provide convenient ways to go up and down several floors, so installing escalators and elevators is part of the construction timeline. These mechanisms offer easy vertical mobility for residents and visitors.

Fire suppression system installation 

Condo construction timeline also includes installing safety systems, such as fire sprinklers, alarms, and extinguishers. These systems are crucial for protecting residents and property. Additionally, they help condo buildings comply with the law by providing essential safety features.

Security system installation

Another key element of modern condo development is robust security, including advanced security cameras, access controls, and alarm systems. Residents can have peace of mind regarding their everyday safety through these features. 

Phase Five: Finishing

Entering the final stretch, the finishing phase signifies the nearing completion of the condo. Attention to detail is paramount in this stage as builders apply interior and exterior finishes. This phase highlights the transition from construction to craftsmanship, giving the building its unique character and aesthetic appeal.

Flooring

In the fifth phase of the condo construction timeline, the interior spaces come to life—starting with the flooring. Based on the building’s design and aesthetic preferences, the materials can be hardwood, tiles, or carpet. Each one uniquely impacts the condo’s overall look and feel.

For example, tile flooring can give the unit a sleek look while being easy to maintain as part of the convenience of condo living.

Painting

This design element is vital in defining the condo’s interior atmosphere. The walls, ceilings, and other surfaces receive finishing touches during this phase. The interior color palette can vary depending on the condo’s overall design, from neutral tones to vibrant hues.

Interior finishing

On top of the painting, the construction crew adds the necessary interior elements, including toilets, cabinets, windows, doors, and elevators. Individual condo units contain these fixtures to make them functional and comfortable for residents.

For Grand Hyatt Manila Residences, a high-end condo project in BGC, each unit has customized, top-quality fixtures and finishes that appeal to discerning buyers.

Amenity furnishing

Besides the individual units, condo developers often include common areas and amenities in the building. This phase of the condo construction timeline involves furnishing these spaces with communal features such as furniture, lighting, and recreational equipment.

Exterior finishing

The exterior appearance of the condo is equally important as the interiors for overall appeal. For this reason, the last phase enhances the condo’s outside look, including landscaping, cladding, and final painting of the building’s exteriors. A unique exterior can set your condo apart in the vast cityscape. 

Why You Should Buy RFO Units

While purchasing groundbreaking condos is a good choice, investing in RFO units can be an excellent alternative. Ready-for-occupancy (or, simply, RFO) units are a practical choice for starting passive income. 

For one, you can start generating rental income or resale profits without waiting for the construction period to end. If you want a quicker return on your investment, RFO units are a financially sound choice.

If you’re a would-be resident, RFO units provide the convenience of immediate occupancy. You can move into your new condo right away without waiting for its completion.

Here are other reasons why RFO units are an attractive choice: 

• Amenities can be utilized. You can immediately enjoy the condo’s amenities and communal spaces, enhancing your quality of life or that of potential tenants.
• Ocular inspections are welcome. With RFO units, you can physically inspect the unit to ensure it meets your expectations before committing to the purchase.

Know Your Options for a Sound Real Estate Investment

Condo investments are undeniably exciting. Condos offer convenient urban living in the city center with a ton of attractive benefits. 

However, it’s best to understand how long it takes to build a condo. If you’re willing to wait before your investments come to fruition, then a groundbreaking condo investment may be for you. Then again, buying an RFO unit is also a smart option that provides a swift and pleasant transition to condo living or property investment. 

You can jumpstart your real estate investment journey with Federal Land. With over 51 years of solid track record, Federal Land is a premier  real estate developer in the Philippines that offers well-built, thoughtfully designed, and lucrative RFO properties and pre-selling condominiums in the country’s prime spots. 

Send a message to learn more.