Hemma organises a Belgian construction project into 12 phases. These phases come from the standard Belgian new-build sequence — not invented by Hemma, but the actual order contractors and architects expect work to happen.
| # | Phase | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | Preparation & Design | Planning, permits, choosing an architect, soil surveys |
| 1 | Earthworks & Foundation | Excavation, foundations, drainage |
| 2 | Structural shell | Walls, floors, structural elements |
| 3 | Roofing | Roof structure, waterproofing, gutters |
| 4 | Exterior joinery | Windows, exterior doors |
| 5 | Rough-in MEP | Electricity, plumbing, HVAC rough-in |
| 6 | Screed | Floor screed |
| 7 | Plastering | Interior plaster and finishing |
| 8 | Flooring | Floor finishes |
| 9 | Finishing | Painting, fixtures, kitchen, interior doors |
| 10 | Outdoor works | Terrace, driveway, garden |
| 11 | Handover & Administration | Final inspection, EPA certificate, administrative close |
A phase can be in one of three states:
Phases unlock in order. Phase 1 starts when the right milestones in Phase 0 are done. Phase 2 starts when Phase 1's conditions are met. Hemma updates this automatically as milestones complete.
Multiple phases can be active at the same time. In a real build, roofing, exterior joinery, and rough-in MEP often overlap. Hemma reflects that — it tracks which phases are active based on what has actually happened, not a rigid one-at-a-time sequence.
Hemma applies a construction template when you set up your project. A new build gets all 12 phases. A renovation or extension might start later in the sequence. The template sets the initial phase structure — you can see and adjust it from the Phases screen.
Can I add my own phases? Not yet. The 12-phase structure follows the Belgian standard. You can add custom milestones and decisions inside each phase.
A phase is stuck. How do I move it forward? Phases are driven by milestones. Find the blocking milestone in the phase card and either complete it manually or check why it has not auto-completed. See milestones — what completes automatically and what doesn't.
What if my build skips a phase entirely? You can mark all milestones in that phase as done manually. The phase will move to "done" and the next phase will become active.