4 Common Scheduling Mistakes in the Construction Industry

Any successful construction project requires proper and realistic scheduling. In spite of this importance, scheduling remains one of the most common areas where mistakes are made, resulting in project delays, changes and claims. Construction industry surveys commonly find that scheduling performance is often underwhelming, with clients and client representatives regularly claiming to be dissatisfied with scheduling results. On the other hand, many contractors are unaware that there are problems with their scheduling practices, resulting in a negative cycle where best practices are never implemented and scheduling performance never improves. Below is a list of some of the most common scheduling mistakes that are commonly overlooked, provided by Adelhardt Construction, as a resource for contractors that aim to improve their practices and their limit project changes, delays and claims: 

Mistake #1- Setting Unrealistic Schedules 

Stakeholder pressure can result in construction firms setting unrealistic schedules. More than anything, schedules should be realistic so that all parties have reasonable expectations. This also involves breaking down large duration deliverables into smaller clear deliverables. 

Mistake #2 – Creating a Difficult to Understand Schedule

Taking the time to plan a schedule that is easy to understand is always beneficial for the success of any project.Schedules are commonly underutilized because they are not properly understood by all parties involved. For example, subcontractors may have a difficult time complying with schedules due to their complexity or disorganization. While the schedule is created and planned, consideration should be kept in mind for every party that will need to utilize it, as a way to maximize adherence. A schedule that all groups can stick to to is an asset to the project, while a difficult to understand schedule often results in inefficiency and project delays.

Mistake #3 – Not Incorporating the Available Resource Pool 

Every company has a set amount of unique resources available for a project. This must be considered during the creation of the schedule in order to keep it practical. Problems and delays occur when schedules set in place without considering available resources or with the unstated assumption that there are unlimited resources. Critical resources can be properly utilized and allocated with this level of planning, and delays can be avoided that result from waiting for resources to become available.

Mistake #4 – Not Setting the Proper Dependencies 

Within every construction schedule there is a logical order of dependencies in order for each deliverable to be completed at the expected date. As a simple example, wall foundations must be constructed before the walls themselves, and this must be properly represented on the schedule. If the schedule is not set with the right dependencies tool, it may show a wall construction step prior to the wall foundation step. Schedules should be thoroughly checked to ensure all dependencies are in the proper logical order to avoid delays. Taking the effort to improve scheduling practices has a clear benefit for bothcontractors and clients. By implementing the best practices described above, contractors may be able to significantly improve theirs scheduling outcomes. Proper training is also essential, as well as a commitment from construction executives to continually push for improved scheduling practices.