Construction projects are complex by nature. With countless moving parts, tight deadlines, and multiple stakeholders involved, misunderstandings can escalate quickly. One of the most effective ways to keep a project running smoothly and away from the courtroom is through smart, proactive scheduling. That’s where Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling can really make a difference. CPM… Read more »
Disputes often arise, particularly regarding change orders. These disputes, if not managed effectively, can lead to significant project delays, cost overruns, and strained relationships between all parties involved. It is in all stakeholders’ interests to address disputed change orders promptly. This article explores the benefits of quick resolution and outlines how to structure change orders… Read more »
Construction projects succeed or fail based on time. Schedules drive costs, coordinate resources, and help resolve disputes. However, many schedulers do not follow AACE International standards. This knowledge gap creates weak schedules that fail to guide projects or support claims. In this article, we explore the problem, explain why it matters, and provide solutions. We… Read more »
Construction projects are inherently complex and dynamic, involving multiple phases, stakeholders, and resources, and identifying critical and non-critical path delays can be difficult. These projects often encounter a variety of challenges that can lead to delays. Recognizing these delays and understanding their nature is pivotal for effective project management. In the construction industry, delays are typically… Read more »
Construction schedule narratives provide a comprehensive breakdown of the project’s progress throughout. Without proper training and experience, correctly interpreting a schedule can be challenging. By implementing a schedule narrative, the reader can use it to summarize the schedule and gain an informed understanding of what occurred through the progress date of the schedule. By providing… Read more »
Proper documentation serves as a lifeline during construction project disputes. While daily logs and written reports are essential, photographic evidence is critical in supporting claims and clarifying misunderstandings. Often, words alone can struggle to convey the full scope of issues on-site. Photographic documentation adds another dimension, providing irrefutable visual proof. Enhancing Daily Logs with Visual… Read more »
Unexpected changes often arise during projects. These changes can lead to disputes over time extensions and additional costs. Therefore, it becomes crucial to reserve your rights regarding time and cost in change orders. This article discusses why reserving these rights is vital for your construction project. Understanding Change Orders Change orders modify the original contract… Read more »
Effective communication and transparency are essential for each shareholder’s project success. Unfortunately, a trend has emerged where prime contractors restrict access to native schedule files, such as .xer and .mpp formats, substantially impacting subcontractors’ capabilities. This practice constrains the information available to these crucial project participants and hinders their ability to manage their timelines and… Read more »
Construction projects, especially multifamily developments, require precise planning and execution. One of the most effective tools for achieving this is the Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling. This method helps manage the project timeline and enhances collaboration and communication among various stakeholders. Let’s explore why CPM scheduling is an essential management and planning tool for multifamily… Read more »
Change orders are essential for proper construction management, and protecting your team’s interests during those times is essential to success. When dealing with rights in construction change orders, it’s crucial to prioritize your rights. Change orders keep coming, whether it’s a design revision, scope adjustment, or site condition. Despite this, many contractors miss one crucial… Read more »
Effective project management is essential for completing projects on time and within budget. Scheduling plays a crucial role in construction management, making our consultant collaboration vital to achieving these goals. Together, we ensure that projects stay on track and within financial limits. Moreover, our consultants work closely with project teams to develop and maintain the… Read more »
How Agile Competes with Traditional Scheduling Construction projects often face delays, budget overruns, and changing demands. Traditional scheduling methods struggle to adapt. Agile construction scheduling fixes this. Instead of rigid timelines, Agile breaks projects into short phases called sprints. Teams reassess progress weekly and adjust plans quickly. Moreover, Agile emphasizes collaboration, engaging all stakeholders in… Read more »
With the increasing demand for data storage, processing, and AI capabilities, the timely completion of data centers is paramount. However, various factors—ranging from unexpected site conditions to changes in design—can lead to disputes over delays. Addressing these delays effectively is crucial to maintaining both project timelines and financial viability. This is where construction dispute resolution… Read more »
The increasing development of data centers has paralleled a heightened demand for effective project scheduling. The surge in reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) contributes significantly to this need. Organizations seek to harness AI’s capabilities for data processing and storage. Applications of AI, including machine learning and deep learning, necessitate substantial computational power. This prompts governments… Read more »
Construction projects often rely on precise timelines. However, change orders can disrupt this delicate balance. These formal modifications to the original contract can stem from various sources, including unforeseen circumstances and client requests. Understanding their impact is crucial for project success and compliance with contractual obligations. The Nature of Change Orders Change orders represent adjustments… Read more »
You know the delay wasn’t your fault. But can you prove it? Construction delays cost time, money, and reputations. But when disputes arise, most contractors struggle to answer the one question that matters: “Where’s the evidence?” Without forensic schedule analysis, your claim is just an opinion—and opinions don’t win disputes. At Precision Scheduling Consultants LLC,… Read more »
Let’s be honest—most construction schedules resemble fiction more than fact. They may look polished in Primavera or Microsoft Project, presenting neat bars and optimistic finish dates. However, behind these Gantt charts lies a tangled web of wishful thinking, overlooked risks, and last-minute chaos. At Precision Scheduling Consultants LLC, we do not just create schedules. We… Read more »
Construction delays often trigger disputes. Owners blame contractors, while contractors blame subcontractors or designers. Without solid evidence, these disputes can escalate into costly legal battles. In these situations, the side presenting the best data typically wins. That’s where forensic schedule analysis becomes essential in proving what actually happened on the project. Forensic schedule analysis reconstructs… Read more »
Electrical contractors often grapple with disputes arising from their contributions and factors preceding their work. Design changes, late alterations, and design defects pose significant risks. Electrical contractors must understand how these elements impact timelines and garner effective strategies to protect against disputes. This article will explore how to navigate the consequences of design changes and… Read more »
Even the most well-planned projects can encounter construction claims. Misunderstandings, delays, design issues, or contract disagreements can quickly lead to costly disputes. When things go wrong, resolving conflicts quickly and effectively is critical to keeping the job—and your business—moving forward. Two commonly used methods to settle these disputes without heading to court are mediation and… Read more »
Do I need a proposal schedule, a preliminary schedule, and a baseline schedule? My specifications are asking for an initial schedule. Is this the same as a baseline schedule? My specifications are asking for the first 90-day schedule. What is this? Awaiting Award – Project Bidding Found a new project that suits you and our… Read more »
From start to finish, construction rarely goes as originally planned for a myriad of reasons, resulting in delay claims. There are no perfect designs or execution plans. Global supply chain issues can lead to delays in procurement times. Natural disasters or unusual weather can delay or damage projects. Unforeseen site conditions can lead to additional… Read more »
When daily logs are executed properly, these entries can transform from simple records into powerful tools that streamline communication, enhance transparency, and safeguard against potential disputes. Here, we delve into the best practices for developing and maintaining effective daily logs, highlighting the significance of accurately documenting key information and the implications of delays. 1. Keep… Read more »
The construction industry is a beacon of ambition and innovation. Yet disputes can often lead to significant delays, increased costs, and deteriorating relationships among stakeholders. As a forensic scheduling expert, my role transcends mere number crunching; it involves unraveling complex narratives behind project timelines. It also involves identifying root causes of disputes and facilitating amicable… Read more »
Construction Disputes often arise over scheduling delays, cost overruns, and resource allocation. One effective tool that can significantly mitigate these issues is the Critical Path Method (CPM) for scheduling. CPM helps in planning and executing projects efficiently. It also plays a pivotal role in dispute resolution. In this article, we’ll explore how effective CPM scheduling… Read more »
Technology integration has ushered in a new era of project management and scheduling. The transformative effects of digital tools on project efficiency have had a profound impact on the industry. However, with this evolution comes a host of challenges, particularly in data management and forensic analysis. The Growing Dependence on Digital Tools A generally slow-to-adapt… Read more »
Change orders are often inevitable due to unforeseen conditions, design modifications, or client-initiated modifications; they can dramatically shift project scope, timelines, and budgets. While these changes are generally necessary to meet evolving project demands, they can lead to disputes among stakeholders if not managed properly. Understanding the potential impacts of change orders and implementing best… Read more »
Consultants are beneficial and plentiful across every field and industry. However, no two, three, or four consulting firms are equal. Firms may offer competitive prices or project knowledge, but no firms provide the same team dynamic and experience. Consultants possess the possibility of business growth but can hinder goals if not properly orchestrating their services…. Read more »
One of the most important documents that is maintained during the construction process is the daily log. Unfortunately, this is often one of the most overlooked and incomplete records of documents. Daily Logs can act as a contemporaneous historical record of the entire project. This is very important for all projects since it can be… Read more »
The Deadly Sins of Construction Scheduling The “Deadly Sins of Construction Scheduling” series spotlights common errors I’ve encountered throughout my career as a scheduler, schedule analyst/reviewer, and claims expert. These mistakes can significantly affect the credibility of the schedule and the project’s overall success. Below, I outline two major pitfalls to avoid: changes to original… Read more »
Understanding Common Construction Scheduling Errors Construction scheduling involves numerous rules, requirements, guidelines, and legal precedents. Throughout my career as a scheduler, schedule analyst/reviewer, and claims expert, I have encountered various common errors. This article highlights those errors to enhance your understanding of effective construction scheduling. 1. Level of Detail One significant error arises from the… Read more »
Project scheduling involves two crucial words: “project” and “scheduling.” Understanding a project forms the foundation for effective scheduling. If you grasp what a project entails, you can appreciate the scheduling aspect even more. Therefore, let’s delve into the importance of scheduling in project management. Defining Project Scheduling So, what exactly does scheduling mean? In simple… Read more »
While you may not see last night’s presidential debate as a learning experience for construction managers, you can actually apply a few principles to CPM scheduling. These principles to apply will help you manage your projects effectively. So, no matter where you stand on the political spectrum, here are some takeaways from last night. Prioritize… Read more »
In CPM scheduling, every task has a relationship with every other task. Understanding this interconnectedness is crucial for efficient project management. One effective way to identify a task’s relationship with another is by using the “Start/Finish” label. There are four primary variations of this relationship, and they go as follows: Finish to Start—In this scenario,… Read more »
Good question. The answer? Plan for it. In construction, thorough planning and scheduling significantly increase your chances of success. Lessons from The Art of War You might not immediately associate The Art of War with construction scheduling, but consider this quote: “Victory belongs to the side that scores most in the temple of calculations before… Read more »
When you’re in the midst of construction, you may find yourself in various situations. Perhaps you own a business and are building a new location. Maybe you’ve taken out a loan for a new opportunity and are constructing a base of operations. Alternatively, you could be expanding your current building for additional space. Regardless of… Read more »
Understanding Overtime as a Schedule Acceleration Strategy The use of overtime as an effective construction schedule acceleration strategy often appears straightforward. Many view it as a simple means to add hours to the workweek and shorten activity durations. However, to achieve the desired results, you must identify and analyze the long-term effects of overtime in… Read more »
Many industries and fields rely on heuristics to enhance workflow and improve scheduling. In construction scheduling, we utilize the Critical Path Method (CPM). This heuristic method helps us predict the timely success of various projects. However, upon exploring heuristics in construction scheduling, you may encounter terms like “fallible,” leading to questions about their value. In… Read more »
To understand anything complex, one must first understand something simple, like easy CPM. That’s a basic fact. After all, if you can’t understand the sentence “Dogs bark,” how can you understand the past several sentences, this entire post, or a novel? The “Dogs bark” example offers a great lens to understanding the easiest way to… Read more »
Introducing Our Energy/Fuels Scheduling Capability Precision Scheduling Consultant is excited to announce the official launch of our Energy/Fuels Scheduling Capability. This development enhances our service offerings, allowing us to better serve clients in the energy sector. We specialize in construction scheduling services tailored to various energy/fuel projects. Our team understands the unique challenges that come… Read more »
