Residential Construction Schedule

Before beginning any project, it is good to have a plan.  But using a construction schedule during your build is CRUCIAL! Therefore, at Home Builder Assist we pay for your link to BuilderTrend, the premier construction software in the industry.

Sample Construction Schedule

  1. Pre-Construction Planning
  2. Staking Lot Lines
  3. Lot Clearing
  4. Excavation
  5. Temporary Power
  6. Layout
  7. Foundation and Concrete Pour
  8. Plumbing Rough-In
  9. Slab on Grade
  10. Frame Walls
  11. Roof Trusses
  12. Structural Plywood Sheathing
  13. Install Chimney
  14. Roof Vents
  15. Roofing Underlayment
  16. Roofing (Metal, Shingles or Tile)
  17. Windows
  18. HVAC Rough-In
  19. Electrical Rough-In
  20. Cable and Data Lines
  21. Insulation
  22. Drywall
  23. Connect Utilities
  24. Exterior Masonry and Siding
  25. Exterior and Interior Paint
  26. Install Fireplace
  27. Doors and Millwork
  28. Cabinets - Kitchen and Bath
  29. Counter Tops
  30. Finish Lighting/Electric
  31. Finish Plumbing
  32. Flooring
  33. Finish HVAC
  34. Mirrors
  35. Door Hardware
  36. Grading, Irrigation and Drainage
  37. Appliance Installation
  38. Gutters
  39. Decks, Patio and Gazebo
  40. Driveway and Sidewalks
  41. Fencing
  42. Punch List for Final Walk-Through
  43. Final Construction Cleanup

Doing a task out of sequence will at a minimum be a pain or at the other end of the spectrum, may cost you thousands.  The construction schedule will help you stay on track with the seemingly endless "to do" list that is spread over several different phases of the project. Plus, being an owner-builder means you are your own general contractor, and as such, need to schedule and track all the subcontractors.  This is where BuilderTrend will help you schedule like a pro!

BuilderTrend Software

As a client of Home Builder Assist, included in our consulting fee is a one year subscription to the most popular construction management software in the industry provided by BuilderTrend.  The residential construction schedule is already uploaded and ready for our clients to simply insert their own start date. After making a few changes to match your custom build, you are up and running.

Factors that May Impact the Schedule

There are too many factors to list that may impact your construction schedule for a residential home.  At least consider the ones listed below:

  1. Approvals, Permits and Inspections
  2. Project Size and Difficulty
  3. Weather and Season in which the project begins
  4. Change Orders
  5. Subcontractors work load
  6. Materials availability and/or Lead Time

Overview of the Construction Schedule for a Simple Home

The following list contains the broad strokes, in other words, the major tasks in order of what needs to begin first. This gives a rough idea of what and when. Keep in mind that every schedule will vary based on several factors. The length of time listed below will also vary depending on circumstances, subcontractor availability, weather, etc.

Pre-Construction: Several weeks to several months

Go through the permitting process. Clear your lot and make it construction ready. Submit your house plans to any existing homeowners association for approval. Seek out and secure a soils engineer to test the ground. The foundation engineer will need this information for the design. If the lot needs a septic system, you may use this time to install. But be mindful that you should not drive over the leach field after installation.

Foundation: Week 1 to 4

Using the engineered foundation plans, pour the footings and foundation. Make sure to obtain a foundation inspection to ascertain it has been constructed using the correct material and was poured to the correct thickness.  Getting the foundation wrong is not an option! The inspection should also include verifying the necessary vents and waterproofing has been installed.

Framing Floors, Walls & Roof: Week 5 to 7

For two-story homes, it is best to frame every level at the same time. Sheathe and shingle the roof. Once the floors, walls and roof have been framed in, it is time to install the exterior finishes.  This will protect the interior from the elements.

Major Components and Drywall: Week 8 to 12

Now the fun begins.  Hire the electrician, plumber and HVAC companies to install these critical components.  Once the systems are compliant with all regulations, install the insulation.  Then have the drywall completed to finish this phase. 

Interior Finishes: Week 13 to 17

Paint everything necessary. Finish the floors; whether carpet, tile, hardwood or acid staining. Install the doors, cabinets, trim, molding and any other interior finishes chosen.

Fixtures, Appliances, Etc: Week 18 to 20

Install light fixtures, kitchen appliances, counter tops, plus all the outlets with their plate covers. Then complete the final electrical and plumbing work. Simultaneously, be working on the landscaping and any other exterior work that needs to be completed. Schedule a final inspection.

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