Best Practices - Construction & Building
Operational guidelines for designers, contractors, clients and construction professionals.
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Complete the Executive Design before starting works
Beginning construction with only preliminary drawings leads to expensive variations, delays and disputes. A fully developed executive design package (structural, services, architectural, with detailed specifications) reduces on-site uncertainty, enables accurate tender pricing and ensures regulatory compliance from the outset.
Carry out planning due diligence before purchasing land
Before buying a development site, obtain the planning certificate (certificato di destinazione urbanistica), verify plot ratio, setbacks, environmental constraints (hydrogeological, heritage, aviation) and utility connection availability. A pre-acquisition planning review prevents insurmountable blockers after purchase.
Commission geotechnical investigations before foundation design
EN 1997-2 (Eurocode 7 Part 2) requires site investigations proportionate to the works. Boreholes, CPT/SPT tests and laboratory testing before structural design allow selection of the correct foundation system and prevent differential settlement or costly remedial interventions.
Appoint the Safety Coordinator at Design Stage concurrently with the designer
Integrating safety at design stage (as required by EU Directive 92/57/EEC) is less costly than addressing hazards on site. The PSC must be ready before tender so that contractors can price safety measures in their bids.
Document site progress with georeferenced photographs and counter-signatures
Every interim payment certificate (SAL) signed by the Clerk of Works and the contractor constitutes contractual acknowledgement of completed work. Attaching a georeferenced photographic report (date, GPS coordinates, progressive number) reduces disputes and simplifies verification.
Keep technical specifications aligned with current EN standards
Specification clauses should reference standards current at the time of tender, not superseded editions. For example, cite EN 206:2016+A2:2021 for concrete (not previous national standards) to ensure that durability and strength requirements are correctly specified.
Verify structural loads before intervening on existing buildings
Before modifying load-bearing structures (extensions, extra floors, new openings), carry out a geometric survey, material characterisation (core sampling, rebar detection, non-destructive testing) and analytical verification of existing structures with revised loads per applicable Eurocodes and national norms.
Segregate construction and demolition waste (C&D) on site
EU Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC and the CPR (Regulation 305/2011/EU) require correct C&D waste management. Setting up separate areas for concrete, masonry, timber, metals and excavated soils enables recycling (EU target: 70% by weight), reduces disposal costs and ensures mandatory traceability documentation.
Plan and execute in-progress quality control testing on structural concrete
EN 13670 (Execution of concrete structures) and EN 206 prescribe in-progress sampling (test cubes / cylinders), acceptance criteria and record-keeping for concrete strength. Schedule testing in the quality plan before works commence to prevent omissions under site time pressure.
Compile the Health and Safety File (Fascicolo dell'Opera) progressively
The Health and Safety File (required by EU Directive 92/57/EEC Annex II and national legislation) collects information for future safe maintenance operations. Compiling it throughout the project - not retrospectively - with material data sheets, drawings, plant access details and instructions for working at height reduces risks for future maintenance workers.
Coordinate structural and services design using BIM or formal interdisciplinary reviews
Clashes between beams and ductwork, columns and pipework, and slabs and cable trays are among the most frequent causes of site delays and cost overruns. BIM clash detection or systematic interdisciplinary design reviews at executive stage virtually eliminate these conflicts.
Keep workers' safety training certifications up to date
Construction workers must hold valid mandatory training certificates (general safety induction, task-specific training for plant operation, scaffolding work, confined spaces, etc.). Certificates have expiry dates and must be renewed. The site training register must be kept current and available on site at all times.