Though it may seem insignificant at first, construction scheduling is one of the most important aspects of a bid presentation and successful project. One of the most important things about it is the confidence it can bring to the client at the onset of a project. Having this road map helps clients envision their completed project.
When scheduling, I often use a program called Project, but there are other software products out there as well. These programs will allow you to enter tasks with respective start dates, understanding that each task becomes a predecessor for the previous ones. Construction scheduling is something that an inexperienced contractor will have Construction Estimating Software difficultly handling because they lack the experience to understand timing, factors, and other project dependents.
The first step is to build in the start date, including not only the three day right of refusal after signing but also factoring in the time delay in procuring the permit which can be anywhere from one to seven days or even longer. I inform the Client that although the start date has occurred, ordering work and products cannot occur before the permit is handled unless it is a simple remodel project.
The key factors are the restraints that are inherent in construction. These factors are learned through experience and a realistic assessment of the project. I consult with my trades during the bidding process about their allotted time for their portion of the project. I then carefully look at probable weather impacts and most importantly the impact of city or third party inspections (if I’m working in the counties).
Depending on the current job flow and permit climate, vacations, training etc… inspections can add many days to a project and I build this into the various inspection stages of the project schedule. I allot time per trade as if they are standalone aspects but log in the possible overlaps that allow an extra cushion during the duration.