How to Create a Construction Project Schedule in 5 Steps
We believe that tasks on the construction site should only have to be done once. That is the meaning to the name JDIO—Just Do It Once. We provide intuitive construction software to help you achieve that goal of no repeated tasks. There are many things that you as a company can instill into your employees as well to help increase efficiency.
A construction project schedule is very important because it is what your workers are going to base everything they are doing off of. It establishes method of procedures and acts as a general road map to where a project is heading. To learn how to make an effective one, continue reading below.
The creation of the construction project schedule
Step 1: Gather Information About Project Requirements
Ask yourself, “What is the end goal for our project?” If you’re building a school, what type of school will it be because each type requires different things. If you’re building an apartment complex, consider how many residents are going to reside there so you can plan accordingly.
As the Boy Scouts of America say, be prepared. Of course in construction, plans change all the time, but it is still important to have a general understanding about where the project is planned to end.
Step 2: Figure Out Which Tasks Have Priority
To get to the end result, you’re going to have to plan out every single task to get there. You can choose priority using three different lines of thought. For each task, consider how much it will cost, the customer’s requirements, and the availability of certain resources.
For example, if the customer wants electricity to the structure that is being built, you would prioritize finishing the electrical room before continuing with anything else. Or, if you know the landscaping won’t be need until the structure is done, put that near the bottom on the list of priorities.
Step 3: Potential Bumps in the Road
It is not unordinary to encounter project constraints in the construction industry, but it is important to anticipate them. Being able to plan for potential hindrances early in the planning stage can help relieve a lot of future headaches. You might be asking, “well, what are these potential bumps in the road?” They are called “The Iron Triangle”:
- Time – When the project is expected to be completed
- Scope – What the expectations are for the completed result
- Money – What the amount of money is to complete it
Step 4: Calculate How Long Each Task Should Take
Being in the construction industry, you more than likely have experience in the type of work you are currently working on. Consider past projects, how long did those take, and can you compare them to your current project? Having an understanding of the duration to each task will directly help you with preventing trouble from “The Iron Triangle.”
Step 5: Know Your Team
Once steps 1 through 4 are complete, now you can begin assigning your workforce specific tasks that you believe will follow the scheduled time frame. Remember, if you need to alter the construction project schedule due to those pesky problems that love to pop up, always update the current plan and let all parties involved know so everyone can adjust accordingly.
Learn how our services can help with efficiency
Utilizing our Just Do It Once philosophy and software, you can increase the efficiency of your construction company. Don’t hesitate, call us today at 888-585-9850 or request to try a free demo!
