WHY PROJECT SCHEDULING IS KEY TO CONSTRUCTION SUCCESS
Project scheduling is one of the most critical aspects of any construction project. Unfortunately, the construction industry has earned a reputation for delays and projects not being completed on time. At Gowler Homes, we’re committed to changing that narrative by focusing on effective scheduling and proactive management.
One key reason construction projects often fall behind is that many are run by carpenters or field superintendents who are experts in building, but may not be as familiar with project management and scheduling best practices. That’s why we assign not just a field superintendent, but also a dedicated project manager to every project we take on.
Professional Project Management for Success
At Gowler Homes, we’ve invested in training all of our project managers in critical path project management methodology. This means our project managers are not only skilled in construction but are also professional planners who excel in managing project details, budgets, and schedules. In order to equip them to do their jobs effectively, we’ve implemented professional project management software to meticulously plan and track every aspect of our schedules.
Creating and Tracking a Baseline Schedule
From the start of the pre-construction phase, we create a baseline schedule for each project. This schedule outlines the plan based on the scope of work and the specific details of the project. As the project progresses, we continually track the actual schedule against this baseline, noting any changes or delays. By measuring progress regularly, we can make adjustments in real-time to ensure the project stays on track.
Many contractors create a schedule, but quickly lose track of progress and find themselves far off course without realizing it until the project is nearing its expected completion date. By that time, it’s often too late to catch up. At Gowler Homes, we avoid this common pitfall by staying vigilant about our schedules from day one.
Weekly Schedule Reviews for Accountability
We take a proactive and collaborative approach to planning and managing each project. Every week, our leadership team sits down with the project manager to review the schedule and track progress against our baseline. This consistent check-in allows us to make any necessary adjustments before they become larger issues, ensuring that we deliver each project on time and within budget.
Let’s Discuss Your Project
If you’re considering a custom home or large-scale renovation and want a team that takes scheduling and project management seriously, we’d love to talk. Click the link below to schedule a meeting with one of our team members, and let’s discuss how we can make your project a success—on time and on budget.