📅 Pre-Construction Timeline Template
Downloadable Excel timeline template (Gantt-style) for planning and tracking pre-construction activities.
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Format: Excel (.csv - opens in Excel)
Last Updated: February 2026
File Size: ~3 KB
Note: This is a CSV file that will open in Excel. Save as .xlsx after opening. You can create a Gantt chart view using Excel's chart features.
Timeline Structure
Pre-Construction Phases
Phase 1: Project Evaluation (Weeks 1-2)
- Opportunity assessment
- Risk assessment
- Go/no-go decision
Phase 2: Design Review (Weeks 2-3)
- Drawing review
- Specification review
- Value engineering
Phase 3: Estimating & Budgeting (Weeks 2-4)
- Quantity takeoff
- Pricing
- Budget development
Phase 4: Schedule Development (Weeks 3-4)
- Master schedule
- Long-lead items identification
- Critical path analysis
Phase 5: Subcontractor Selection (Weeks 3-5)
- Prequalification
- Bidding
- Award
Phase 6: Permits & Approvals (Weeks 1-6)
- Building permits
- Other permits
- Approvals
Phase 7: Site Preparation (Weeks 4-6)
- Site access
- Site setup
Phase 8: Team Assembly (Weeks 1-4)
- Key personnel assignment
- Communication plan
Phase 9: Risk Mitigation (Weeks 1-6)
- Insurance
- Bonds
- Contracts
Timeline Template Features
Gantt Chart View
Columns:
- Task/Activity
- Phase
- Start Date
- Duration (Days)
- End Date
- Responsible Party
- Status (Not Started/In Progress/Complete)
- Dependencies
- Notes
Key Milestones
Critical Dates:
- Contract Award Date
- Permit Application Deadline
- Permit Approval Target
- Long-Lead Item Order Deadline
- Subcontractor Award Deadline
- Site Access Date
- Mobilization Date
Dependencies
Critical Path Items:
- Permits must be obtained before mobilization
- Long-lead items must be ordered immediately
- Subcontracts must be executed before work starts
- Insurance must be in place before starting
How to Use
Step 1: Enter Project Dates
- Contract Award Date: _______________
- Target Mobilization Date: _______________
- Working backwards, calculate phase durations
Step 2: Set Phase Durations
Typical Durations:
- Project Evaluation: 1-2 weeks
- Design Review: 1-2 weeks
- Estimating & Budgeting: 2-3 weeks
- Schedule Development: 1-2 weeks
- Subcontractor Selection: 2-3 weeks
- Permits & Approvals: 4-6 weeks (start early!)
- Site Preparation: 1-2 weeks
- Team Assembly: 1-2 weeks (can overlap)
- Risk Mitigation: Ongoing, complete by Week 6
Step 3: Identify Dependencies
- What must happen before what?
- Which items can run in parallel?
- What's on the critical path?
Step 4: Assign Responsibility
- Who's responsible for each phase?
- Who needs to be involved?
- Who approves completion?
Step 5: Track Progress
- Update status weekly
- Adjust dates as needed
- Identify delays early
- Take corrective action
Timeline Example
6-Week Pre-Construction Timeline:
| Week | Phase | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Evaluation & Permits Start | Project evaluation, permit applications |
| 2 | Design Review & Estimating | Drawing review, quantity takeoff |
| 3 | Budgeting & Schedule | Budget development, schedule creation |
| 4 | Sub Selection & Long-Lead | Sub bidding, order long-lead items |
| 5 | Sub Award & Site Prep | Award subs, site preparation |
| 6 | Final Prep & Mobilization | Final approvals, mobilize to site |
Critical Path Items
Must Complete Before Mobilization:
- Contract executed
- Permits obtained
- Insurance in place
- Key subs under contract
- Long-lead items ordered
- Site access established
These items determine your mobilization date.
Related Resources
- Pre-Construction Planning Guide - Complete guide
- Pre-Construction Checklist - Detailed checklist
- Schedule Management Guide - Schedule best practices
- Project Startup Checklist - Startup procedures
Begin pre-construction planning as soon as contract is awarded. Permits and long-lead items often take longer than expected.