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QUESTION: Is it a sound practice to assign floats to mile stones when planning a construction project ?
ANSWER: Dear M. Sabih,
When creating a "critical path" it is a good practice to allow "float time" for phases or operations that are dependent upon a previous phase or upon delivery of materials that are custom made for the project.
Although the floats may extend the project time limits, they also allow the project to complete ahead of schedule if the float is not needed.
I hope this has been helpful.
Roger
Ask The Contractor
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank You Roger.
I think I Should have mentioned that ,I was referring to a project with a fixed End Date, and remember that the project End Date is one of the Milestones.
Does your answer of allowing assigning floats to Milestones, does it stay as it is ?
Hi M. Sabih,
The "fixed end date" can be dangerous. If you find that the "critical path" progresses to the fixed date, then the "float" must be considered as included.
I have created a critical path with "fixed end dates" by working in reverse. If the path meets all the time line milestones, then your job is to find ways to reduce the time of certain operations. If the path has time remaining then you can distribute the surplus time into float time for critical operations.
I assume you are planning a construction project. Lets assume it is a hospital to be started on June 1st and, due to licensing or financing, it must be completed in 18 months. Establish the "fixed end date" and work backwards. You should know all the phases and each subcontractor should provide a critical path time line for their specific operation. Typically subcontractors will "build-in" the float time they think they need. Therefore you must determine the real time of each phase and control the float time.
I hope this was helpful.
Roger
Ask The Contractor
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Answers by Expert:
Roger Zona
Expertise
I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story office building) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.
Experience
After college, I began my career in the construction industry. I chose to become an apprentice Architect and 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural design firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 45 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartments and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.
Organizations
Previously - NAHA
Currently - FLCA (Florida Licensed Contractors Assoc.)
Publications
Palm Beach Post newspaper - weekly Q & A column
Happy Herald monthly real estate publication - monthly column
Education/Credentials
Michigan State University
University of Detroit
BS in Engineering
Past/Present Clients
I built a home in Palm Beach for a member of the Pulitzer Family.
I was responsible for the completion of a twin hi-rise condominium project for G.E. Credit.
I was a partner in the successful development of a P.U.D. (Planned Urban Development) subdivision.
I represented the largest home builder from France (Bati Service, S.A.) in the development of a subdivision and the design and construction of the homes.
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