Reading construction-progress updates: a buyer's guide

Every FCI project page shows a live construction-progress timeline. If you are buying under construction, learning to read it tells you far more about your possession date than any sales promise. Here is what the milestones mean.

Structure and "topping out"

The structural phase is the skeleton: foundations, columns and slabs rising floor by floor. "Topped out" means the final slab at roof level has been poured, the building has reached its full height. It is a major milestone, though plenty of work remains inside.

Facade and glazing

Once the structure is up, the building is wrapped, external facade panels and glazing. This is when a project starts to look finished from the street. For FCI buildings, it is also when the signature perforated facade goes on.

MEP rough-in

MEP stands for mechanical, electrical and plumbing. "Rough-in" means the pipes, conduits and ducts are installed within the structure before walls are closed up. It is unglamorous but critical, and a good sign that internal work is progressing.

Finishes

The final phase: plaster, flooring, fixtures, paint and fit-out. Progress here is what turns a shell into a handover-ready unit.

Reading the percentage

The overall percentage is a useful summary, but always read it alongside the latest milestone. A project at 70% with the facade complete and finishes underway is on a clear path to handover. Use the timeline, not just the headline number, and you will have a realistic picture of when you get your keys.