Contractor's working schedule
Some construction contracts, in particular in the USA, require that the contractor produces a contractor’s working schedule. This is a critical path method (CPM) logic diagram used by the contractor, not only to plan the works, but also to record actual progress and to show how the remaining works will be completed. This is not a static schedule but is maintained by the contractor throughout the duration of the works and published periodically as a form of reporting.
In the UK, the Chartered Institute of Building’s (CIOB) Contract for Complex Projects (CPC 2013), requires that the contractor produces a working schedule, (sometimes referred to as the contractor’s working schedule) which CIOB describe as ‘a resource and cost-loaded critical path network’.
The working schedule is a digital, quality-controlled, critical path network, used to manage time, and updated with progress data such that it automatically calculates the construction end date for the works.
Cost management is carried out by reference to values attributed to the activities in the schedule, such that the schedule constantly calculates the value of work done to date and predicts the out-turn cost of the works. Payment is based upon work properly done according to the working schedule.
CIOB suggest that the working schedule is prepared at three levels of density. At low and medium density, activity durations may be estimated and linked with activity-related logic. At high density (the short-term look ahead) activity durations are calculated by reference to resources and achievable productivity and linked by resource and location-related logic.
NB In November 2015, the Complex Projects Contract was updated and renamed the Time and Cost Management Contract.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Activity schedule.
- Chartered Institute of Building.
- Construction contractor.
- Contract for Complex Projects
- Contractor’s master programme.
- Milestones.
- Noise nuisance.
- Programme.
- Schedule.
- Schedule of work.
- Scheduling construction activities.
- Time management of construction projects.
- Time and Cost Management Contract.
- What hours are construction sites allowed to operate?
- Workmanship in construction.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
Do you take the lead in a circular construction economy?
Help us develop and expand this wiki as a resource for academia and industry alike.
Warm Homes Plan Workforce Taskforce
Risks of undermining UK’s energy transition due to lack of electrotechnical industry representation, says ECA.
Cost Optimal Domestic Electrification CODE
Modelling retrofits only on costs that directly impact the consumer: upfront cost of equipment, energy costs and maintenance costs.
The Warm Homes Plan details released
What's new and what is not, with industry reactions.
Could AI and VR cause an increase the value of heritage?
The Orange book: 2026 Amendment 4 to BS 7671:2018
ECA welcomes IET and BSI content sign off.
How neural technologies could transform the design future
Enhancing legacy parametric engines, offering novel ways to explore solutions and generate geometry.
Key AI related terms to be aware of
With explanations from the UK government and other bodies.
From QS to further education teacher
Applying real world skills with the next generation.
A guide on how children can use LEGO to mirror real engineering processes.
Data infrastructure for next-generation materials science
Research Data Express to automate data processing and create AI-ready datasets for materials research.
Wired for the Future with ECA; powering skills and progress
ECA South Wales Business Day 2025, a day to remember.
AI for the conservation professional
A level of sophistication previously reserved for science fiction.
Biomass harvested in cycles of less than ten years.
An interview with the new CIAT President
Usman Yaqub BSc (Hons) PCIAT MFPWS.
Cost benefit model report of building safety regime in Wales
Proposed policy option costs for design and construction stage of the new building safety regime in Wales.
Do you receive our free biweekly newsletter?
If not you can sign up to receive it in your mailbox here.