How do you plan and schedule a commercial construction project?

2 Create a work breakdown structure

The next step in planning and scheduling a commercial construction project is to create a work breakdown structure (WBS), which is a hierarchical representation of the project's tasks, activities, and deliverables. A WBS helps you organize the project into manageable and measurable units, and assign resources, costs, and durations to each one. You can use various tools and methods to create a WBS, such as brainstorming, mind mapping, or software applications. A WBS will help you estimate the scope, time, and cost of the project, and identify the dependencies and relationships among the tasks.

3 Develop a project schedule

The third step in planning and scheduling a commercial construction project is to develop a project schedule, which is a graphical or tabular representation of the project's timeline, milestones, and deadlines. A project schedule helps you plan and coordinate the sequence and timing of the tasks, activities, and deliverables, and monitor and track the progress and performance of the project. You can use various tools and techniques to develop a project schedule, such as Gantt charts, critical path method, or software applications. A project schedule will help you optimize the use of resources, manage the risks and uncertainties, and communicate the expectations and status of the project.

4 Implement a change management process

The fourth step in planning and scheduling a commercial construction project is to implement a change management process, which is a systematic approach to deal with any changes that may occur during the project's lifecycle. A change management process helps you identify, evaluate, approve, and implement any changes that may affect the scope, time, cost, or quality of the project, and document them in a change log or register. You should also communicate any changes to all the stakeholders, and update the contract, WBS, and schedule accordingly. A change management process will help you maintain the integrity and consistency of the project, and avoid conflicts and disputes.

5 Conduct regular reviews and updates

The fifth step in planning and scheduling a commercial construction project is to conduct regular reviews and updates of the project's plan and schedule. This involves collecting and analyzing the actual data and information on the project's performance, such as the completed tasks, incurred costs, and achieved quality. You should also compare the actual data with the planned data, and identify any variances, deviations, or issues that may affect the project's objectives. You should also take corrective or preventive actions to address any problems or risks, and report the results and outcomes to all the stakeholders. Conducting regular reviews and updates will help you control and improve the project's execution, and ensure its success.

6 Use technology and software

The sixth step in planning and scheduling a commercial construction project is to use technology and software to facilitate and enhance the project's planning and scheduling process. Technology and software can help you automate, streamline, and integrate various aspects of the project's plan and schedule, such as data collection, analysis, communication, collaboration, documentation, and visualization. You can use various types of technology and software for planning and scheduling a commercial construction project, such as cloud-based platforms, mobile applications, or artificial intelligence. Using technology and software will help you save time, money, and effort, and improve the accuracy, efficiency, and quality of the project's plan and schedule.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?