How to Schedule Construction Projects
Whether you are working on a project at home or work at a construction company, scheduling can be one of the biggest hassles in the process. A construction project schedule needs to take into account several things, including time lines of the different contractors, material costs and availability, and unforeseen circumstances. There are scheduling software programs available, but you can just as easily do it yourself if you keep a few things in mind while creating your master schedule.
Create a list of all things that will need to be done during the project. For instance, if you are remodeling a bathroom, you may need to have plumbing work, interior wall work, painting and more. List each type of work that may need to be done and how it relates to the other jobs, such as demolition before plumbing and painting.
Receive estimates on how long each project will take from all of the people involved. Make sure to inquire about any special circumstances, such as an extra long wait time on certain materials, or wait times that your city zoning department may impose.
Mark the deadlines that you need to meet, if any. Move the deadlines back seven to 10 days to give yourself some extra room. Work backwards marking in the last part of the project and taking into account how long it will take. Go back through the calendar until all the construction project parts are listed with given deadlines.
Replan your calendar each week. Perhaps one contractor or one step of the project is looking to be completed with extra time available. Call the next contractor to see if he can start his part a few days early. Make sure to call contractors about a week early to confirm dates and start times. If any changes need to be made, make sure to adjust the entire calendar accordingly.