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Owner Builder Blog

Scheduling for Owner Builders

8/12/2016

14 Comments

 
Scheduling for Owner Builders
 
Scheduling has two distinct and very different applications in the building industry, and our owner builder students have the opportunity to develop skills in both areas.
 
Firstly, scheduling as it relates to the development of a timeline, is a skill that is as much an art form as it is a science.
 
That said, owner builder students should recognise the importance of being able to determine a schedule and to drive or manage their projects effectively and with reference to a detailed schedule.
 
In our Introduction to Project Management course, we outline the basics of developing a realistic construct schedule for you owner builder project.
 
Using the blank proforma we provide, it is always recommended that you start by 'blanking out' the non work days such as weekends, public holidays etc. Doing this establishes a realistic and visual presentation of those days available to conduct work on your site. It also provides a small buffer to regain or reschedule lost time particularly in those areas where you might be conducting the works yourself.
 
Next step is to list each of the tasks you can identify as individually being required to complete the project.
 
Once this is done, think about the order or sequence that the works will need to be completed and the relationship between each task, trade or supply. This is known as determining the 'dependencies'.
 
Look for end - start dependencies and start - start dependencies, allocate the time assumptions for each task and develop your critical path (the longest time identified by the schedule using end - start dependencies).
 
Owner builders will need to seek outside advice in most cases to establish a realistic timeline, so don't be afraid to ask your trades or suppliers for their time estimates for their part of contracted works. Additionally seek to get as much information from them in respect to their availability and anything they can foresee that could potentially disrupt your schedule or delay access to the site for following contractors.
 
The second type of scheduling that is relevant to owner builder students is the production of lists (Schedules) of various building elements.
 
Most projects undertaken by an owner builder will require some schedules and may include a Prime Cost Schedule, a Window and Door Schedule, a Bracing Schedule etc. Almost all materials required can be broken down into a schedule, which is an efficient way in which the owner builder can identify, organise and manage aspects of their project.
 
A well written Specification, will always include a Schedule of Finishes. This identifies and documents the treatment of all finished surfaces and may include painting and staining, tile finishes, floor coverings etc.
 
Take the time to revise the course notes that discuss Scheduling and participate in the forums and chat groups to share information with you fellow owner builder students.
 
That is what this blog is designed to do. Together, we can make this a powerful tool for all owner builders.
 
Regards,
 
Rick

14 Comments
Thomas Grant
19/12/2016 15:42:39

Strongly support taking the time up front to set out a project schedule and document materials requirements it pays off. On my last project I bought a set of plans from a reputable builder to use to get quotations in my area (the original builder did not operate there). I spent an extra few hundred dollars for a quantity survey and found it to be a fantastic resource. All quotes were tendered against exactly the same specification with no opportunity later to say they did not understand the requirement. The price range was significant with the lowest cost builder not responding properly to the spec and hence being eliminated. I ended up with a first quality outcome and was able to include the quantity survey as part of the contract. Disputes were virtually non existent.

Reply
Fergus
3/1/2017 18:29:26

Thanks for the tip Thom. I have a few builder friends who have given me some strong guidance on costs for individual pieces of work, but a quantity surveyor sounds like less hassle and less of a demand on friends.

Reply
rick heaton link
19/12/2016 19:33:26

Thanks for the comment Thomas,
It all comes down to being organised, disciplined and documented.
You are right, particularly for owner builders it is an absolute must to have good project documentation.
Some contractors tend to disregard the abilities of Owner Builders and think they can make gains on their mark ups and profit by raising variations or disputing the contracts.
Not all contractors are like this of course, but owner builders should protect themselves and their project success through careful planning and scheduling.
Owner builders need to understand you cannot manage what you cannot measure.
Rick

Reply
Ben
5/1/2017 23:48:34

At what time do you organise certifiers for inspections. eg arramge dates from timeline, x days/weeks in advance or (unlikely) after the jobs are completed?

Reply
rick heaton link
6/1/2017 08:56:35

Hi Ben,

You would normally wait until you are satisfied the works will be ready.
Most inspections require 24 to 48 hours notice.
You need to coordinate with your contractors and your Certifier.
Best Regards,
Rick

Reply
Graeme Campbell
17/3/2017 10:49:49

In my own are of work (just retired) I have used Gantt Charts for over 20 years and found them a great tool. Unfortunately, in putting together the plans, surveys etc for my DA I have found that people are having trouble fitting into the slots provided! This can be a real problem when they are few choices of professionals and contractors in rural areas
Graeme

Reply
Rozvel
22/3/2017 09:40:10

This has opened my eyes to how complex a large project can be. Especially when trying to finish the project quickly. Luckily my project is small and no time constraints to finish quickly.

Reply
Sally Regan link
1/7/2017 18:06:40

Rick
In regards to scheduling, is it necessary to wait until the window openings are ready before measuring and finalising the window schedule?
Sally

Reply
Monttles
14/9/2017 20:39:37

Hi Sally, a window schedule would be prepared before any construction commenced as part of the CC (Construction Certificate) or Tender documentation stages. Use the schedule for quotes. Some windows I am interested in have long lead times-> looked like I would need to order well before openings were ready. This will be one of my questions for my installer when find one (at very early stage)

Reply
Damien Hiles link
28/11/2017 11:25:50

This has been a great source of information as i'm usually trying to work out timelines in my head, but with putting it all into a scheduling this will also allow my partner to help & document and refer to.

Reply
Ben Gill
27/1/2018 18:26:49

This relates to question 32 - CPCCCM1013A

The total construction schedule is 18 weeks.
Within that plans approval is 4 weeks.
Excavation is half a week.

If plans approval takes 6 weeks that adds 2 weeks.
If excavator is delayed one week that adds 1 week.
That seems to add 3 weeks to the project, for a total of 21 weeks to the original schedule.
Why is the correct answer 24.5 weeks?
Thanks
Ben

Reply
Sara
21/2/2018 20:13:55

The planning and scheduling module was the part I enjoyed the most.
It helps enormously to plan properly and have the subcontractors aware of the time schedule to work to.

Reply
Darryl
25/3/2021 19:28:19

The planning & scheduling module has helped me plan my trades and has given us a good timeframe to work within.

Reply
Terry Hannan
31/8/2022 20:19:48

Scheduling during the current weather and material supply issues is just another aspect needing to be allowed for when planning. Adding a few extra weeks may save some rescheduling down the road.

Reply



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    Author

    Rick Heaton is a Building and Construction Industry professional with formal tertiary qualifications in management and training.

    With over 30 years assisting Owner Builders, he brings an easy style to providing information and advice to our students.

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