Construction Scheduling: A Complete Guide

Construction scheduling is the process of setting an activity schedule for specific projects. It is either written down or expressed through graphical representation. Regardless of how it’s displayed, the purpose remains the same; to allow those involved the opportunity to remain organized in the conducting of the necessary tasks. Business owners and project managers alike must improve their scheduling skills to ensure that there are no delays, along with any related issues from stalling construction projects. With that in mind, let’s turn to the first part of this comprehensive guide.

Construction Scheduling: A Complete Guide

Why is Scheduling Important and What are its Benefits?

Proper project management is the result of various means. Its highest principle is making sure tasks get done when they need to be and in a consistent manner. Success strategies are built upon the foundations of excellent time management. It should come as no surprise that the same concept applies to construction. When talking about success, scheduling becomes absolutely necessary, regardless of project type and scale. Details can differ, but a residential construction schedule serves the same purpose as a commercial construction schedule, for example. With a schedule in place, it’s easier to engage in activities like cost estimation, project analysis, and performance management. Other benefits include:

• The encouragement of open communication with clients: Transparency is always a good thing to have in any working relationship. A schedule will inform both parties of where the project’s progress is at present, encouraging better communication with one another.
• The access to easier budget planning opportunities: No project gets off the ground without a proper budget. Having a schedule set up allows for easier opportunities because you can take care of everything one step at a time.
• The chance to apply for permits with ample time to do so: Permits are hassle-filled but necessary. A lot of the hassle comes from how time-consuming the process of getting one is. Having a schedule helps you prepare ahead of time, making things easier in the long run.
• The chance to schedule inspections on time: Safety is a prime concern for construction projects. Like permits, inspections are a must, so a schedule helps in setting up appointments with inspectors. With enough time and preparation, your project is sure to pass as many inspections as required of it.

One way to help keep your company on track with the schedules you’ve set up is through daily reporting. It is the responsibility of management to compile every progress report received so that it becomes easier for them to see the bigger picture. This also allows your staff an easier chance to adhere to what daily construction schedule you’ve come up with.

The Truth About Construction Schedulers

A construction scheduler is someone responsible for the development and creation of construction schedules. Two variants exist; the button pusher and the professional scheduler. For the former, those are schedulers tasked with taking information from certain parties and inserting said info into the appropriate software. Those are the ones with a broad appreciation of technology importance and are quick to utilize programs like Microsoft Project, Primavera, and Asta Powerproject. Professional schedulers, on the other hand, are those with extensive knowledge of the business plan.

Besides that, they also know all about the different construction methods available. Professional schedulers employ varied strategies for creating a project schedule. You may find the employment of best practices together with their knowledge of the project timeline to produce the desired results. Due to the demands of this position, many construction projects fail to secure someone who’s capable enough to put all the necessary pieces together. Finding a skilled enough professional scheduler is a boon to any project. Project managers and superintendents need to make the hiring of one a top priority in any case.

Construction Scheduling Methods

Now we turn our attention to the many scheduling methods available. Each comes with its own features, perks, and even its own set of difficulties. The key is to learn as much about each one so you can make informed decisions about what is best used for your project. With that said, look through the following and see how the methods differ from one another:

Bar Charts

This is the simplest way for anybody to create construction schedules, no matter what the specifics are. It does not matter if you are looking to create a change management schedule, an annual Schedule, a look ahead schedule, or even a materials schedule. Bar charts are capable of creating all those and more through its easy-to-understand process. Start off with listing down the activities needed before moving on to specifying the project start date. From there, all you need to do is specify the activity duration and the planned completion date.

The Critical Path Method

Also called CPM, the critical path method is more detailed and complex compared to the previous entry. Links exist between the many activities, each with specifications of things to accomplish before starting new ones. The critical path method assigns start and end dates based on specific logic. Said logic is a key indicator of the activity sequences. The last detail assessed and included are the required resources of each activity.

Line of Balance

When you say the line of balance, this refers to the technique which places focus on repetitive work and the allocation of necessary resources. This is best used for projects like road construction. It’s guaranteed to be easy to use and quite powerful, especially when its conditions are ideal. Expect principles employed from the control and overall planning of the manufacturing process. With line of balance, the point is to prevent delay and obtain results as much as possible.

Q Scheduling

This is quantitative scheduling where the context focuses on quantities executed at various construction project locations. Another context that forms Q Scheduling is how trade passes through several project segments in a queue sequence. There is no interference allowed between two activities at the same place. Basically it’s derived from the aforementioned line of balance technique, albeit with modifications that allow for nonrepetitive models found in the vast majority of construction projects. This is a brand new technique with rising popularity among construction firms. It’s also the only technique thus far to reveal relations between a job’s sequence and the incurred costs.

Before visiting construction bidding websites to scour for projects, remember everything you’ve learned so far. By keeping in mind that it’s never a good idea to let any construction work play out on its own, you take a step closer towards high-quality results. Put the contents of this guide to good use and layout proper scheduling plans for your next project. Everyone, ranging from your staff to your client, is guaranteed to benefit greatly from it.

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