How Is Scheduling Process Used During Pre Construction Phase

Almost 68 percent of building projects are delayed because of poor pre construction planning. What is the application of the scheduling process in the pre construction stage? It becomes the strategic foundation that converts the abstract project concepts into working schedules, resource maps and work flow coordination prior to breaking of ground. 

The project teams will have a problem with overrun costs, failure to meet deadlines and disorderly site situations without this basic scheduling work. It consists of five fundamental elements namely scope definition, sequence of activities, duration estimating, resource leveling, and establishment of a baseline.

It will dissect every element, and you will have applications in the real world, what to avoid, and what to practice at this time.

Understanding Pre Construction Scheduling in Modern Projects

Construction projects are becoming increasingly complicated every year. Before the shovel clashes with the dirt, multiple stakeholders, stringent budgets and regulatory requirements require accuracy. Pre construction scheduling has a way of dealing with these challenges. It develops the map that determines all the subsequent decisions.

A large number of project failures can be traced to this point. Constructions are hastened into teams. They find conflicts when it is too late. Goods come in disorganized. Labor sits idle. Such issues are time and money wasters. 

Key Steps In Pre Construction Scheduling

These steps organize pre construction activities, and set a baseline to ensure the project starts smoothly and on time:

Work Breakdown Structure And Scope Definition

Each schedule begins with being clear. What exactly are we building? The process of scheduling requires in-depth responses. The teams come up with work breakdown structures (WBS) which break down the projects into manageable sizes.

This disintegration may split a commercial building into structure, finishes, foundations, mechanical work, and electrical work. Both categories are further divided. Foundations transform to excavation, footings and slab work. Such granularity allows proper scheduling.

All the work on the timelines is based on the WBS. In its absence, guessing is done by the schedulers on the relationships between activities. They lack important links among tasks. The result? Plans that appear to be good on paper, but plans that do not work.

Sequence And Development Of Activities

Task order is determined once the work elements are defined by teams. This process is directed by two types of relationships.

• The relationships are based on Finish-to-Start relationships. The walls require mortar foundations. Windows should have finished walls.
• Concurrent work is made possible through Start-to-Start and Finish-to-Finish relationships. Painting begins soon upon the commencement of drywall. Such overlaps can save time, yet would require integration.

Lead and lag times matter. Concrete takes seven days to become strong. These delays are created in the timelines by schedulers.

Methods Of Duration Estimating

Time required in each activity? The pre construction scheduling involves actual estimates. There are various approaches that are used by teams:

• The best estimates are made using historical data. There are benchmarks provided by similar projects made last year.
• The issue of uncertainty is solved through three-point estimating. Estimators work out the optimistic, pessimistic and most likely durations.
• The gaps that exist in the lack of historical data are filled with expert judgment. The experienced members of the team are seniors.

Resource Allocation And Leveling

Plans require resources in order to work. Pre construction scheduling schedules crews, organizes deliveries and implements equipment in an efficient manner.

• Conflicts are avoided through labor loading. Electricians are not able to handle two jobs simultaneously. The workloads are equalized over time.
• Material timing matters. Late deliveries stop work. Premature deliveries bring about clutter.
• Equipment costs money. Cranes and excavators should be closely sequenced to reduce wastage of time.

This is aided by professional estimating services to construction that assist in the form of quantity takeoffs, resource cost analysis, and projections of cash flow. These services assist the schedulers to know the available resources and their cost so that the timelines can match the budget realities.

Setting Up Of Baselines

The time benchmark of the project is the baseline. It is the plan that is agreed upon and then the construction commences. Any subsequent development is checked against this.

Establishment of the baseline involves the consent of the stakeholders. Owners review expectations of the timeline. Contractors assure access to resources.

On approval, the contract becomes significant in terms of the base. Change orders reference it. Delay claims deal in its deviations. Payment milestones tie to it. The legal and financial burden of the scheduling process during pre construction is therefore borne.

Scheduling Tools And Techniques Used In Pre Construction

Following methods help project teams identify critical tasks, monitor dependencies, and create realistic timelines before construction begins:

Explanation of Critical Path Method (CPM)

Critical Path Method prevails over construction scheduling. It determines the most dependent sequence of activities. This route defines the least time in which the project will last.

Any delay on activities in the critical path causes a delay to the whole project. Here schedulers pay much attention. They keep close watch on these undertakings during construction.

Activities that are not critical have float/slack. They are able to postpone without affecting the total completion. Nevertheless, high float tends to conceal risks. Intelligent schedulers check on float on a regular basis.

CPM needs the creation of network diagrams. Activities become nodes. Dependencies become arrows. Ultra paths are automatically calculated by software.

Visual Communication Gantt Charts

Gantt charts convert complicated CPM data into charts. Activities are depicted in horizontal bars. Their location has a beginning and an end date. The length of them is indicative of duration.

These graphs indicate agendas to varied groups. Owners understand general schedules. Field crews are aware of weekly assignments. Coordination requirements are perceived by the subcontractors.

Gantt charts of the modern type are combined with other project data. Cost curves superimpose schedule progress. Resource histograms are used to depict labor highs and lows.

Common Pitfalls In Pre Construction Scheduling

Before diving into specific pitfalls, it’s important to understand the typical mistakes that can disrupt timelines and inflate costs.

Inappropriately Optimistic Durations

Estimates are biased by human nature to the optimistic. Teams forget past delays. They presuppose ideal conditions. They are underestimators of complexity.

Fight this prejudice by getting someone to make several estimates. Have different teams work out their schedules separately. Compare outcome and resolve discrepancy. Aggressively utilize historical data. Make assumptions on documents.

Disregard of External Dependencies

Building is not an end by itself. External entities are required in permits, inspections and utility connections. Outside parties may not have urgency with these dependencies.

These dependencies are identified through a strong pre construction scheduling. It establishes attainable deadlines of approvals of permits. It arranges pre-application meetings with the inspectors. It makes utility designs arrangements long beforehand.

Conclusion

What is the process of scheduling that is employed in the pre construction stage? It converts the ideas of projects into actionable strategies. It recognizes the risks, assigns resources and creates accountability. It forms a basis of successful project delivery.

This is the difference between the successful and struggling project teams. The costs to carry out proper pre construction scheduling are rewarding during the project lifecycle. This scheduling process is a crucial professional knowledge that any person dealing in the development of construction projects must be knowledgeable of and that generates direct effect on the projects.

FAQs

Why Is Time Scheduling A Priority During The Pre-Construction Phase?

It aids to schedule the project, organize the major activities, and minimize the project delays prior to construction.

What Will Be The Activities To Be Performed During The Pre-Construction Phase?

Designing, cost calculation, approvals, material schedule and coordination with contractors are planned.