When do we speak of a shell?
When do we speak of a shell?
The construction of a building can be roughly divided into the following phases:
-excavation of the excavation pit (with excavation pit stabilisation)
-Shell construction
-finishing
-Free space
A building shell is essentially the supporting structure of a building. This consists of the foundations, walls, ceilings and roof trusses. The shell defines the load-bearing structure of the building, but essential parts such as windows, facades (panelling), interior walls, doors, installations, etc. are still missing to make it a functional building. These are produced in the finishing stage.
Once the shell has been completed, it must be inspected and approved by the test engineer. This is also where the work of the structural engineer (structural engineer) ends, who carries out the planning and dimensioning of the load-bearing elements based on the architect's structural design.
The completion of the building shell has always been an important milestone in the construction process and is often celebrated with a topping-out ceremony.
The end of the shell construction work is also an important date for invoicing. In the past, it was customary to settle the invoices of the builders and carpenters at this time, but today it is also an important step in the German Property Developer Contract Act (BTVG), with which a considerable part of the purchase price is released for payment.
The shell construction amounts to approximately half of the construction costs and includes the following steps:
1. site preparation and surveying work
2. excavation
3. foundations
4. walls and ceilings
5. roof / roof truss
