Structural works are the stage where a building’s load-bearing skeleton and outer shell are created. From foundation to roof, the reinforced concrete system, walls and roof structure are completed. The decisions that determine a building’s lifespan and safety are made here — and so are the mistakes that cost the most to correct.
What are the stages?
- Excavation and ground preparation: digging, ground improvement, drainage.
- Foundation: blinding concrete, foundation formwork, reinforcement, concrete pour.
- Load-bearing system: columns, beams, shear walls and slabs, built floor by floor.
- Masonry: internal and external walls in brick, aerated concrete or pumice block.
- Roof: timber or steel structure, preparation beneath the covering.
The formwork–rebar–concrete cycle repeats for each floor. Stripping formwork before the concrete has cured is one of the most common and most dangerous mistakes.
What to watch for
- Ground survey: the foundation type is determined by the soil report. A foundation without a survey risks settlement and cracking.
- Compliance with structural drawings: rebar diameter, spacing and concrete class must match the design exactly.
- Concrete quality: check that the delivery note matches the specified class; take samples.
- Cover depth: if the concrete cover over the reinforcement is not maintained, corrosion begins.
- Waterproofing: foundation tanking is done during structural works; doing it later is extremely difficult.
- Wall-to-frame connection: how walls tie into the load-bearing system affects seismic behaviour.
What determines the cost?
Structural cost is calculated per square metre, but the factors behind that figure vary from building to building:
| Factor | Effect on cost |
|---|---|
| Ground conditions | Weak soil raises foundation and improvement costs |
| Storeys and spans | Wide spans need more reinforcement and concrete |
| Wall material | Brick, aerated concrete and pumice differ in price and labour |
| Roof type | Timber and steel structures are priced differently |
| Site access | Narrow streets and difficult access raise logistics costs |
This is why a “price per square metre” alone can mislead; a sound comparison is only possible after the design and site consultation.
What comes after structural works?
Once the structure is complete, electrical and plumbing lines are installed, followed by plaster and screed, drywall, paint, flooring and decoration. Skipping this order leads to demolition-and-rebuild costs.
Demgirişim carries out structural works in strict compliance with the structural drawings, using its own crews. Scope and duration are confirmed in writing after the consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What do structural works cover?
Excavation, foundation, the reinforced concrete load-bearing system (columns, beams, shear walls, slabs), masonry and roof construction. Plaster, installations and finishing works are not included.
Which stage is the most critical?
The foundation and load-bearing system. It is the hardest and most expensive stage to correct afterwards; strict compliance with the ground survey and structural drawings is essential.
What happens after structural works are complete?
Once the structure is finished, service lines are installed, then finishing works begin: plaster, screed, drywall, paint and flooring.
The initial consultation and written quote for Structural Works are free within Istanbul. Scope, duration and cost are confirmed after the consultation.