This is true in just about every profession, but creating a schedule for a project is an essential part of keeping everyone organized and on track. It helps people understand what’s expected of them and when, and it helps the client know when to expect project completion.
Construction projects are no exception. A carefully-crafted schedule can help to ensure that a project stays on schedule and within budget, and we’re here to help you with the basics of creating your own schedule for any construction project.
1. Identify the scope of work
The very first step in creating a construction schedule is to identify the scope of the work.
What tasks will need to be completed? Does the project still need to be designed? What about acquiring permits for construction, or ordering materials?
Identifying all of the preliminary tasks in a construction project will help it get started right on schedule.
2. Divide and conquer
After you’ve identified and defined the scope of work, the next step is to break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks.
You might accomplish this by creating something called a Work Breakdown Structure, which is a popular project management tool.
Essentially, a Work Breakdown Structure (or WBS) divides all of the project tasks into smaller components, creating small attainable goals that make it easier to assign tasks and schedule resources.
3. Determine each task duration
After you’ve broken the work down into more manageable pieces, it’ll be helpful to estimate how long each task will take.
You can do this by consulting with experts, reviewing company or historical data, or checking out industry standards– but it might be the most helpful to work directly with your team! Ask them how long they estimate each project will take.
Since they’re the ones doing the work, they’ll most likely give you the best answers.
4. Determine Resource Availability
Figuring out resources is a very important factor in keeping a project efficient, effective, and timely.
The resources you need might include construction materials, equipment, and labor. Making sure that the necessary resources will be available at the scheduled time will help keep things on track, avoiding delays.
5. Delegate Tasks
Having a schedule can’t be very effective unless roles are understood by the entire team. If everyone knows what they’re expected to do, and when, then it’s much less likely that time will be wasted with confusion and clarification.
Plus, delegating tasks can help keep the workload distributed easily, avoiding placing too many expectations on any individual.
6. Use the Right Software
To create the schedule in an accessible format that everyone can refer to, it’s best to use project management software or a basic spreadsheet, ensuring that all relevant parties have access to the document.
Each individual task should include start and end dates, and the required resources for each task should also be noted.
Staying Organized Benefits Everyone
Both the construction company and the client want every project to start and finish on time and within budget.
By creating a construction schedule that considers all of the necessary aspects of the project, plus work delegation, you’re setting yourself and your company up for success– which means a successful project and a happy client.
At RedStone, we strive to keep each project as organized as possible to maintain our good reputation in the industry and among our clients. If you’re interested in working with (or working for) a company who keeps things on track, give us a call today!
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