Scheduling for a General Contractor in Florida

When you are hiring a contractor in Florida  for a project you want to make sure that the schedule is good to go. This ensures that they will not have other projects overlapping your current project. Sometimes this can be a hard rule of thumb to follow as things happen day to day in this field that are not expected or planned for. None the less it is always a good idea for you as the person who is paying for a service to have an idea of what the schedule looks like for the project you have hired help for. This helps lead to minimal delays and ensures that construction materials will be put into place in a timely manner. Undoubtedly, this is an important money saving factor. Also, good scheduling practices ensure that the methods in which the work will be done are well planned in advance.  Proper scheduling would ensure the completion of the project on time and within budget.  Not only does it outline the pace of the work but also how the tasks are executed. Added to that, scheduling defines method and sequence in which materials are delivered. Planning and scheduling of your resource plays a key role in project management. It helps you understand the scope of the project ahead of time and manage/assign your resource accordingly. Besides, it provides an overview of who’s responsible for delivering what and by when. Keeping everyone involved on the same page will bring better results. In this article we will talk about how a job should be scheduled for the best results.

There are a few different types of schedules in general contractor work. Not all are the responsibility of the contractor. A Schedule of Values is a document used by key stakeholders on a construction project, from general contractors and subcontractors, to property owners and construction managers, that lists out the value and cost of every billable work item on a step-by-step project timeline, and the percentage of the work that’s been completed by the company. Schedules of work (or schedule of works) are ‘without quantities’ instructional lists often produced on smaller projects or for alteration work.  Schedules of work are typically prepared by designers rather than by a cost consultant or quantity surveyor. We want to focus on what the contractor in Florida should have ready to go for you as well as themselves. To have a smooth running schedule you should include the following:

1. Create a work breakdown structure (WBS)
2. Set reasonable deadlines for activities.
3. Make sure you include float.
4. Tie each activity to resources.
5. Ask all stakeholders to review your schedule.

You may be wondering about steps you can take to create a project schedule as well. Look below:

1. Define your project goals.
2. Identify all stakeholders.
3. Determine your final deadline.
4. List each step or task.
5. Assign a team member responsible for each task.
6. Work Backwards to set due dates for each task
7. Organize your project schedule in one tool, and be sure to share with your team

The contract should describe, in detail, the products to be used and how the work will be performed, i.e., size, color, who will be doing what work, amounts of materials provided, manufacturer model number, etc. There must be a detailed, written payment schedule in the contract. Be sure to include all these as well when you are looking over the final paperwork for the construction project. These are in place to ensure that everyone involved with the project is protected in case something were to happen during the determined time frame. A realistic schedule: Includes a detailed knowledge of the work to be done. Has task sequences in the correct order. Accounts for external constraints beyond the control of the team. You will know that you have a good trustworthy General Contractor when they are more than willing to go over each and every step with you, if they are not you should wonder why. Most contractors want to make sure there is no grey area, they do not want any hiccups in their production and will do whatever they need too to make you as well as them comfortable throughout the process

Taylor Builders is a full-scale General Contractor servicing the Tri-County area of South Florida and beyond providing ground up construction and addition services. We work for you and to make sure that every single client knows they are priority. If you are looking to start a construction project in Florida or South Florida contact Taylor Builders FL to see how we can help you today!