Construction Reality Check
This looks great in a proposal but changes immediately after mobilization
What is the schedule?
These show overall layout and locations
What are plan views?
The sequence controlling project completion
What is the critical path?
This defines what is and isn’t included
What is the scope of work?
The most overused word on a construction schedule.
What is “Tentative”?
This phrase usually means costs are about to increase
What is “while you’re here…”?
These show height, depth, and thickness
What are sections?
The original approved project timeline
What is the baseline schedule?
Extra work performed without this is risky
What is written authorization?
The fastest way to jinx a project.
What is saying “We’re ahead of schedule”?
This is always “almost done” for weeks
What is punch list work?
When drawings conflict, these usually win
What are specifications?
Too many trades working in one area
What is stacking trades?
This formalizes added cost or time
What is a change order?
The part of the project that takes longer than building the project itself.
What is closeout?
The most expensive words spoken on a jobsite
What is “That’s not in my scope”?
This symbol usually means “see another drawing”
What is a reference/callout?
This schedule update nobody wants to submit
What is a recovery schedule?
This clause explains how disputes are handled
What is the dispute resolution clause?
The fastest way to avoid rework.
What is inspecting before concealment?
This document matters more than memory during disputes
What is written documentation?
This process clarifies unclear drawings before building
What is an RFI?
Delays here usually justify time extensions
What are critical path delays?
These three words strike fear into CMs everywhere
What is “Not in contract”?
The three most important words in construction management.
What is “Put it in writing”?