4 answers
Jordan
Student
Saranac, Michigan
1
Question
Asked
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What are the key phases of a construction project? How do you manage construction schedules and timelines? #Spring25
I am a senior in high school. I am currently doing construction technology in the career center and will be studying construction management in college.
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4 answers
Laura Fox, CPC, CCA, CCP
Director Construction Project Cost Advisory
9
Answers
Saint Paul, MO
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Perfect timing to dive in! Grasping the main stages of a construction project and mastering schedule management is essential for any budding construction manager or owner. You've got this!
Key Phases of a Construction Project
Pre-Construction (Planning)
Activities:
Conduct feasibility studies, set budgets, choose sites, and secure permits
Hire talented designers, architects, and engineers
Deliverables:
Define the scope of work, create construction documents, draft the initial schedule, and assess risks
Design Phase
Activities:
Develop schematic designs, advance design plans, and finalize construction drawings
Work closely with MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) and structural engineers
Deliverables:
Complete final blueprints, specify materials, and ensure code compliance
Procurement
Activities:
Handle bidding, award contracts, and order necessary materials and equipment
Deliverables:
Secure subcontractor agreements, issue purchase orders, and set lead time schedules
Construction (Execution)
Activities:
Mobilize the site, lay the foundation, frame structures, handle MEP, and apply finishes
Conduct inspections, maintain quality control, and enforce safety measures
Deliverables:
Achieve physical progress, pass inspections, and manage change orders
Commissioning & Closeout
Activities:
Conduct final walkthroughs, test systems, and complete punch lists
Transfer manuals, warranties, and as-built documents
Deliverables:
Obtain the Certificate of Occupancy, finalize payments, and conduct a project debrief
How to Manage Construction Schedules & Timelines
Use a Master Schedule (Baseline)
Create it during pre-construction with tools like:
MS Project, Primavera P6, or Procore
It highlights all critical milestones and dependencies
Break Down Into Lookahead Schedules
3-week or 6-week lookaheads offer detailed views of immediate tasks.
Share them weekly with subcontractors to keep everyone on track.
Apply the Critical Path Method (CPM)
Pinpoint tasks that directly impact the finish date.
Prioritize tasks that must remain on schedule.
Update Regularly & Communicate
Provide weekly or biweekly updates based on progress and site conditions.
Communicate delays early and clearly, especially those due to weather, material delivery, or inspection issues.
Track Progress Visually
Use daily logs, photos, and progress dashboards
Some sites use drones or 360 cameras for status updates
Account for Buffers
Always allocate time for unexpected issues like inspections, weather, or design changes.
Ensure the schedule has breathing room.
Hold Accountability Meetings
Conduct weekly meetings with subcontractors to review goals, progress, and challenges.
Keep trades aligned and committed to the timeline.
Pro Tip:
Even the best schedule needs team support. Success lies in clear communication, proactive problem-solving, and a manager who’s always ahead of the game. You can lead the way!
Key Phases of a Construction Project
Pre-Construction (Planning)
Activities:
Conduct feasibility studies, set budgets, choose sites, and secure permits
Hire talented designers, architects, and engineers
Deliverables:
Define the scope of work, create construction documents, draft the initial schedule, and assess risks
Design Phase
Activities:
Develop schematic designs, advance design plans, and finalize construction drawings
Work closely with MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) and structural engineers
Deliverables:
Complete final blueprints, specify materials, and ensure code compliance
Procurement
Activities:
Handle bidding, award contracts, and order necessary materials and equipment
Deliverables:
Secure subcontractor agreements, issue purchase orders, and set lead time schedules
Construction (Execution)
Activities:
Mobilize the site, lay the foundation, frame structures, handle MEP, and apply finishes
Conduct inspections, maintain quality control, and enforce safety measures
Deliverables:
Achieve physical progress, pass inspections, and manage change orders
Commissioning & Closeout
Activities:
Conduct final walkthroughs, test systems, and complete punch lists
Transfer manuals, warranties, and as-built documents
Deliverables:
Obtain the Certificate of Occupancy, finalize payments, and conduct a project debrief
How to Manage Construction Schedules & Timelines
Use a Master Schedule (Baseline)
Create it during pre-construction with tools like:
MS Project, Primavera P6, or Procore
It highlights all critical milestones and dependencies
Break Down Into Lookahead Schedules
3-week or 6-week lookaheads offer detailed views of immediate tasks.
Share them weekly with subcontractors to keep everyone on track.
Apply the Critical Path Method (CPM)
Pinpoint tasks that directly impact the finish date.
Prioritize tasks that must remain on schedule.
Update Regularly & Communicate
Provide weekly or biweekly updates based on progress and site conditions.
Communicate delays early and clearly, especially those due to weather, material delivery, or inspection issues.
Track Progress Visually
Use daily logs, photos, and progress dashboards
Some sites use drones or 360 cameras for status updates
Account for Buffers
Always allocate time for unexpected issues like inspections, weather, or design changes.
Ensure the schedule has breathing room.
Hold Accountability Meetings
Conduct weekly meetings with subcontractors to review goals, progress, and challenges.
Keep trades aligned and committed to the timeline.
Pro Tip:
Even the best schedule needs team support. Success lies in clear communication, proactive problem-solving, and a manager who’s always ahead of the game. You can lead the way!
Alexandra Ross
Project Manager
3
Answers
Updated
Alexandra’s Answer
Hey Jordan! The overarching phases of a project include: Estimating, Pre-Construction, Construction, and Punch List/Turnover.
1) Estimating is the process where the GC and subcontractors generate their estimated cost to compile into a bid which is usually won/lost. Winning or losing a bid can come down to price, reputation, or points (if awarding on a points basis).
2) Pre-Construction is when the winning contractors get together to refine their construction plan and schedule. Usually, this phase has the design team (architect, engineer of record) involved to refine the design and minimize clashes/conflicts between the various trades.
3) Now Construction activities can begin. The construction activities vary depending on the project but generally include dirt work/excavation, concrete/foundation, structure erection (wood/steel), interior finishing (HVAC, Mechanical, Plumbing, Drywall, etc.).
4) The final step would be to wrap up construction activities via punch list (basically a formal to do list to the GC/subs) then completing the project by turning it over to the owner/client.
1) Estimating is the process where the GC and subcontractors generate their estimated cost to compile into a bid which is usually won/lost. Winning or losing a bid can come down to price, reputation, or points (if awarding on a points basis).
2) Pre-Construction is when the winning contractors get together to refine their construction plan and schedule. Usually, this phase has the design team (architect, engineer of record) involved to refine the design and minimize clashes/conflicts between the various trades.
3) Now Construction activities can begin. The construction activities vary depending on the project but generally include dirt work/excavation, concrete/foundation, structure erection (wood/steel), interior finishing (HVAC, Mechanical, Plumbing, Drywall, etc.).
4) The final step would be to wrap up construction activities via punch list (basically a formal to do list to the GC/subs) then completing the project by turning it over to the owner/client.
This was super helpful, thank you!
Jordan
Joe Shelburne
Foreman/Superintendent
10
Answers
Louisville, Kentucky
Updated
Joe’s Answer
Alexandra has given a very thorough answer.
WBS (work break down structures) will help you estimate your activity durations and form your critical path. During your preconstruction phase you will establish a preliminary gantt schedule to help you visualize how the work will flow, during this time you will get input from your subcontractors to better establish your durations and manpower needs, as well as address conflicts and delays due to materials and etc. This schedule will be updated throughout the project to reflect scheduled and actual work.
WBS (work break down structures) will help you estimate your activity durations and form your critical path. During your preconstruction phase you will establish a preliminary gantt schedule to help you visualize how the work will flow, during this time you will get input from your subcontractors to better establish your durations and manpower needs, as well as address conflicts and delays due to materials and etc. This schedule will be updated throughout the project to reflect scheduled and actual work.
Thank you so much Joe!
Jordan
Oleg Kushnerov
Construction Project Manager
8
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Oleg’s Answer
Enhancing Alexandra's previous answer:
You'll learn to manage construction schedules and timelines through experience.
Are you good at managing your own schedule, homework, work, hobbies, relationships, exercise, travel, cooking, etc.?
I keep tight schedules and add extra days for emergencies and final tasks. I create an estimated schedule for each construction project based on the needed trades and complexity.
When construction starts, set up a 3-week look-ahead schedule and update it weekly. This helps trades plan their entry and exit dates and keeps them informed.
It's like getting weekly reminders for your dentist appointment.
You'll learn to manage construction schedules and timelines through experience.
Are you good at managing your own schedule, homework, work, hobbies, relationships, exercise, travel, cooking, etc.?
I keep tight schedules and add extra days for emergencies and final tasks. I create an estimated schedule for each construction project based on the needed trades and complexity.
When construction starts, set up a 3-week look-ahead schedule and update it weekly. This helps trades plan their entry and exit dates and keeps them informed.
It's like getting weekly reminders for your dentist appointment.
Oleg, thank you!
Jordan