Why Is A Well-Planned Construction Schedule So Important?
A well-planned construction schedule is a game plan full of interconnected moves. Creating a comprehensive construction schedule is an important necessity to ensure everything runs smoothly, the scope of work is being followed, and a project delivers on time and on budget. A detailed schedule also aligns stakeholders and helps anticipate challenges, which can significantly reduce delays and unsee costs.
Let’s explore the critical role
of a good construction schedule
in enhancing efficiency and leading
to a successful project outcome.
The Definition
First, what exactly is a construction schedule? Much more than a simple timeline, a good construction schedule accounts for all the resources and components of a project. These factors cover everything from client needs, weather and seasonal expectations, permits and inspections, materials, tools, equipment, and labor.
The Benefits
With so many components in a project, a good schedule is a tool supporting all those involved, from the client to the construction company itself, employees, and sub-contractors. Specific benefits are:
- Allows for better quotes and cost estimates. Taking the time to build a schedule during the bid process means the scope of work and the timeframe to complete it has been carefully assessed. This in turn means more accurate cost estimates.
- The myriad of tasks in a construction project are dependent on another. A good schedule contains all the tasks in an order that makes sense, is trackable, and is efficient.
- When changes need to be made to a project, a good, detailed schedule can make incorporating change orders easier. Project managers who know exactly where all their resources are at any given time can quickly react and respond to change orders.
- Keeps all parties informed of what is required and when. Knowing the timeframe of expectations will minimize delays which maintains the budget. A good schedule makes things less stressful for all involved.
- Permits any safety concerns to be addressed well in advance. Knowing when risky work will take place enables the team to proactively ensure all the necessary safety resources are available.
The Implementation
In practice, the contractor should be monitoring the schedule on a daily basis, with weekly meetings with the project manager and superintendent. These meetings should be used to review current progress, look forward to upcoming activities, and make adjustments as needed. The updated schedule should then be shared with stakeholders and all parties involved in the project.
The detailed, robust, and adaptive construction schedule will pay off. Prepared during the estimating stage means more accurate estimates and timelines from the beginning. Then ongoing monitoring of the schedule will ensure a project delivered on time, on budget, and without surprises.