As with any tool in construction, it is only as good as the people using it. The same is true for schedules. Most folks think that a schedule is a bar chart for coordination of construction related activities, deliveries and milestones. While this is true and very important in the construction phase, a pre-construction schedule is a great tool to keep a project on task.
The gathering of accurate information is crucial to the development of a schedule. Without accurate information, the schedule becomes a rather dull tool, and thrown to the side. With accurate information the schedule becomes a real-time depiction of the work that needs to occur. Accuracy is needed both for activity definition and duration. The goal is to track items that are impactful and keep the team up to date with what needs to be done.
For the MFRD Station #4, we included the city and development authority design reviews in our pre-construction schedule, as there are potentially four review milestones required for approval of this project. The project is unique because it is in a special design overlay by the city and has architectural and site design considerations that are to be considered. The dual review process requires more time than standard plan preparation, and by taking the time to build a realistic and accurate pre-construction schedule we are less likely to see schedule setbacks once the job starts.
Some other activity themes that are taken into consideration:
- Schematic design and reviews by the Owner
- Station alerting system vendor selection
- Trade contractor approval with the city
- Soils report preparation
- Site survey and documentation
- Separate site package preparation and bidding
- DD preparation, budgets and approval
- CD preparation, trade bidding and approval
- Utility company service sign up
- Third party vendor selection
- Building Permit application and approval
The schedule must have input from the pre-construction team. The designers, City officials and building users need to be active in the planning and approval of the schedule logic. All members are consulted and encouraged to bring activities to the schedule that need to be planned and tracked. The pre-construction schedule sets the project up for success by charting the activities to be accomplished by the team and then keeping the parties accountable to the logic and time table that results from this pre-planning.
-Bob
About the Author:
Bob Sarratt is Vice President of The Parent Company, and the project executive for Murfreesboro’s Fire Station #4. He will be sharing his insight and experience from his over 33 years in the construction industry. He can also teach you how to kayak in whitewater.