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Guide to Construction Planning and Scheduling

Guide to Construction Planning and Scheduling

by Proforma Construction Inc, March 17, 2020

How you can effectively plan and schedule your next construction project.

If you want your next construction project to go smoothly, then it’s imperative that you plan and schedule every step of the process.  When planning and scheduling are effective, your project is more likely to finish on time and within the given budget.  But what exactly goes into construction planning and scheduling?  Your Bay Area contractor reports.

Construction Planning

In basic terms, construction planning is the process by which construction managers decide how they will manage and execute a construction project.  Construction planning is a wide term that encompasses several processes.  For instance, selecting technologies, defining work tasks, estimating the necessary resources, and producing building plans all fall under the umbrella of construction planning.

Typically, construction planning consists of the following five steps:

  • Creating the Project– Creating the initial document that lays out details such as the people, resources, and budget needed for a project.
  • Drafting an Initial Plan– Setting concrete and specific goals for the project.
  • Executing the Plan– Sharing the plan with all invested parties, making sure that everyone is on the same page, setting expectations, and assigning project managers to oversee construction progress.
  • Tracking Performance– Remaining in contact with project managers and collecting data on key performance indicators, such as objectives, performance, and quality.
  • Closing Out the Project and Evaluating Success– Use data to evaluate performance and determine areas of improvement for future projects.

Construction Scheduling

Once a construction plan is in place, project managers can move onto the process of scheduling.  Construction scheduling details how a project can be completed in the given time frame and within the set budget.  A construction schedule is similar to a contractor’s bid as it estimates project costs and timelines.

Construction schedules require the contractor to think critically about how they will complete a project, with factors such as design, permitting, cost, and time all taken into account.  When construction scheduling is executed properly, it helps with managing materials, labor, and equipment.  It also allows for adjustments to the construction plan if issues pop up during the building process.

This is what you need to know about construction planning and scheduling.  Are you looking to work with a contractor who can effectively plan and schedule your next project?  Then contact your Bay Area contractor at Proforma Construction.   Serving Pleasanton and the surrounding California area, our highly-trained team is ready to make your commercial construction dreams a reality.