Job Scheduling Made Easy

DEAR TIM: My project is half completed. No one has shown for a week to work. I called the contractor and I am getting the run-around. How could I have avoided this? M. O.

DEAR M. O.: Your contractor could possibly have a valid excuse. However, he should tell you what his problem is without you having to ask. Most probably, he is experiencing a scheduling delay dealing with either labor and or materials.

You can minimize delays on your project by requesting a schedule from your contractor at the beginning of your job. This schedule shows when each task will start and finish. It should show when special order items must be ordered. This is important because often they must be ordered weeks in advance.

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The schedule also is helpful to sub-contractors. Your contractor can see that each sub gets a schedule. They can see when they are expected to work on your job. This allows them to adjust their schedules so that they can be at your job when needed.

Related Column: Scheduling Finish Work