Expert: Roger Zona - 2/26/2010

Question
Hello,

I am moving towards a new position as a project manager. I wonder if you can help me find an expample of a very detailed project timeline for a residential remodel. Something that shows not only what needs to be done but also in what order.

Thank you,

William

Answer
Hello William

Please excuse my delay in responding.  I am now working with Windows 7 operating system and it seems to reject some programs.

Enough of my problems......

I am assuming you are in the construction industry.  A Project Manager is a very responsible position and scheduling and project management are very important steps in your day to day operations along with communication skills, time management and general construction knowledge.

Project management can be a very detailed process, depending on the type of building and the contractural obligations.

For example, if you have a deadline with penalties for delays in construction, a "Critical Path" method of managing the project is helpful.  CPM (critical path method) is very detailed.  You must outline the project from beginning to end and sequence the various trades in order to project ahead and order materials on the job when needed (but not stored to far in advance when they get damanged, stolen or misused)and schedule the proper number of tradesmen and laborers.  It is imperative that you have, at a minimum, weekly project meetings and all the trades must attend the meetings even if they are not yet scheduled on the job.  The meeting should include your major suppliers also - concrete, lumber, steel, etc. so they cannot have excuses for not having the materials when you need them.  Another very important part of your project management is "Safety".  As the P.M. you and every sub should have a safety program in place and, if the project is large enought, a Safety Inspector to monitor conditions.  

I recall a large project I contracted to managed for G.E. Credit - twin 16 story towers on the ocean with a club house and parking garage buildings.  My deadline was exact and a rather large bonus hinged on my completion of each building.  The 1st tower was completed on the exact date and the 2nd tower was completed 20 days early.  I not only received the bonus but I was asked by G.E. to undertake another large project.

There are many software programs available but you must fill in the sequencing.  Meet with the subs and determine the time they need to finish their work:  i.e. the plumber is on the job as soon a the foundation is formed (sometimes earlier) and is back on the job several times to do his rough-in, top-out and finish on each floor or building.  As you can imagine, the subs will want as much time as possible to have a safe schedule.  You must determine if their proposal is logical and reasonable and how much slack time is built-in.  

Make your list of project operations to be all-inclusive - even if some trades are not used.  It's easier to write "Not Required" on the schedule than to say "oops" when you didn't include a trade.  For example - pressure testing and certification of water lines may be a requirement, but if you wait to find out when the test should be made you can lose a day because the tester was already booked.  

As for a comprehensive list - just think through what takes place on a job.  1st it's the Architect and his subs (engineers) - are the plans complete and ready for permitting.  Next the permitting process - that can take weeks depending on the type of project.  Also it's a good idea to include the Chief Building Official in your project planning.  His inspectors must be scheduled also and they can make or break a time line.  There's the site preparation; demolition may be required; clearing usually is required; temporary utilities are needed and where are they located; don't forget job security - temporary fencing, construction traffic, names of all workmen on the job, etc.  The list goes on and on and you will probably modify it everytime you start a new job.

My best wishes to you.  If you love construction as I do, the satisfaction of knowing you had a hand in the construction of a building is a great feeling!

Roger
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