Free, no sign-up to start: the plan opens as a live, editable Gantt chart. 21 tasks across 6 phases, about 22 weeks if every task runs in sequence.
What's in the template
| Phase | Task | Example duration |
|---|---|---|
| Preconstruction | Permit application and plan review | 20 days |
| Preconstruction | Subcontractor bids and award | 10 days |
| Preconstruction | Site survey and layout | 3 days |
| Sitework | Clearing and grading | 5 days |
| Sitework | Utilities trenching | 5 days |
| Sitework | Footings excavation | 3 days |
| Structure | Footings and foundation pour | 7 days |
| Structure | Foundation cure and inspection | 7 days |
| Structure | Framing | 20 days |
| Structure | Roof sheathing and dry-in | 7 days |
| MEP | Plumbing rough-in | 6 days |
| MEP | Electrical rough-in | 6 days |
| MEP | HVAC rough-in | 6 days |
| MEP | Rough-in inspections | 3 days |
| Finishes | Insulation and inspection | 4 days |
| Finishes | Drywall hang and finish | 12 days |
| Finishes | Interior trim and paint | 12 days |
| Finishes | Flooring and fixtures | 10 days |
| Closeout | Final inspections | 3 days |
| Closeout | Punch list | 5 days |
| Closeout | Certificate of occupancy | 2 days |
Durations are examples to replace with your own estimates, not benchmarks.
About this construction schedule
A construction schedule lives or dies on sequence. Framing can't start until the foundation has cured and passed inspection; drywall can't go up until the rough-in inspections sign off on electrical, plumbing and HVAC. This template lays those gates out in order so the critical path is visible from the first day.
It is written for a small commercial or residential new build run by a general contractor. Durations are placeholders sized for a modest single-structure job; replace them with your subcontractors' quoted durations and your jurisdiction's inspection lead times.
Who it's for: General contractors, owner-builders and project engineers who need a schedule they can share with subs and the owner.
How to use it
- Open the template. Click Open in the editor. The schedule loads as a live Gantt with each activity chained finish-to-start, so you can see the full duration immediately.
- Replace durations with quotes. Click each bar and enter your subcontractors' quoted durations and your local inspection lead times. Downstream tasks move automatically.
- Overlap the trades that can overlap. Plumbing, electrical and HVAC rough-in often run in parallel. Remove the chain between them so they share the same window, and keep the inspection gate after all three. In the task panel, remove the predecessor, then set the new start date. Then check that the task that came next still lists the earlier work as a predecessor, so delays keep cascading.
- Mark the inspections as milestones. Turn the inspection rows into milestones so the owner and lender see the gates at a glance, then share a read-only link.
Planning tips
- Add weather float to sitework and dry-in, the phases most exposed to rain delays.
- Order long-lead items (windows, trusses, switchgear) as separate tasks that start during preconstruction.
- Keep the inspection gates as their own rows; they are the dates most likely to slip and the easiest to forget.
Frequently asked questions
- What should a construction schedule include?
- At minimum: permits, sitework, foundation, structure, mechanical/electrical/plumbing rough-in, required inspections, finishes and closeout. Each phase should show its dependency on the inspection or trade before it.
- Can I share this schedule with subcontractors?
- Yes. Share links are read-only and recipients do not need an account. PDF and CSV downloads are on the Solo plan ($12/month).
- Is this a critical path schedule?
- The template opens with every task linked finish-to-start, so the whole chain is critical until you overlap trades. Once you run work in parallel, the editor shows which tasks still drive the finish date.
Related templates
The free plan saves one project. Downloads (PDF, CSV) and more projects are on Solo, $12/month.