Short answer: structural shell construction runs through seven consecutive stages: site preparation and excavation; footings, ground beams and foundations; formwork, rebar and concrete pouring; columns, beams and slabs floor by floor; internal and external walls; water tank, septic tank and waterproofing as scoped; and handover ready for finishing. Before any excavation, the building permit must be issued and the structural drawings approved.
What do you need before shell construction starts?
A valid building permit issued through Balady, approved engineering and structural drawings that comply with the Saudi Building Code, and a contractor registered with the Saudi Contractors Authority, which you can verify on Muqawil.
Stage 1: site preparation and excavation
The site is cleared, the building axes are set out according to the drawings, and the ground is excavated to the level specified in the structural drawings. Accurate setting-out matters because any error carries into everything built above it.
Stage 2: footings, ground beams and foundations
Footings transfer the building load to the soil and ground beams tie them together. They are built to the dimensions and reinforcement in the structural drawings, and engineering supervision before each pour is essential.
Stage 3: formwork, rebar and pouring
Formwork is installed, reinforcement is fixed to the specified sizes and spacing, the supervising engineer inspects it, then concrete is poured and cured. This cycle repeats for every concrete element.
Stage 4: columns, beams and slabs
The frame rises floor by floor. Embedded electrical and plumbing runs should be checked before each slab is poured. Link payments to completed stages you can verify on site.
Stage 5: walls
Internal and external block walls follow the architectural drawings, with door and window openings at the correct sizes.
Stage 6: water tank, septic tank and waterproofing
These are part of the shell according to the agreed scope, so the contract should state clearly what is included.
Stage 7: handover ready for finishing
The frame, walls and scoped items are complete and the building is ready for finishing and furnishing.
Quick summary
- Permit, approved drawings and a registered contractor first.
- No pour before the engineer approves the rebar.
- Write the scope clearly and link payments to stages.
APEX delivers structural shell construction in Riyadh to the drawings and the Saudi Building Code under accredited engineering supervision. See Villa Execution and Finishing. Send us your drawings for a free consultation and a clear quote.