Go to main contence: Standardized Procedures and Workflows for Construction Team
Assigning tasks with deadlines is important to keep your construction project on time and well-organized. Gantt charts and tools like Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or even Excel help visualize and manage the project timeline easily.
1. List All Project Tasks
Start by breaking the project into tasks or work packages. Use your Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) as a guide.
Example:
- Excavate site
- Lay foundation
- Build walls
- Install plumbing
2. Define Task Duration
Estimate how long each task will take. This can be in days or weeks depending on the scope of work.
Example:
- Excavate site: 5 days
- Lay foundation: 7 days
- Build walls: 10 days
3. Set Task Dependencies
Identify which tasks must happen before others.
Example:
- Foundation must be complete before building walls
- Plumbing rough-in must be done before wall finishing
4. Choose Your Tool
Use any scheduling tool that fits your team:
- Microsoft Project – popular for detailed scheduling
- Primavera P6 – used in large and complex projects
- Excel – simple and easy to use for small teams
5. Create the Gantt Chart
Use the software to enter:
- Task names
- Duration
- Start and end dates
- Predecessors (dependencies)
The tool will automatically show a Gantt chart—a visual timeline where tasks are shown as horizontal bars.
6. Assign Resources and Deadlines
Assign each task to a responsible person (engineer, supervisor, subcontractor) and set clear start/end dates.
| Task | Assigned To | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excavate site | Site Team | June 1 | June 5 |
| Lay foundation | Concrete Team | June 6 | June 13 |
7. Track Progress
Update the chart regularly to show completed tasks, delays, or changes. Most software allows you to:
- Track percentage completed
- Adjust timelines
- Highlight critical path (tasks that cannot be delayed)
Benefits of Using Gantt Charts
- Easy to visualize the full project timeline
- Helps avoid delays and overlapping work
- Keeps all team members on the same schedule
- Makes reporting easier for clients and stakeholders