Construction programme.
A construction programme is the project timetable. It shows when each activity will start and finish, how activities depend on each other, and when resources are needed.
Who this guide is for
Contractors planning project execution, site managers monitoring progress, quantity surveyors linking valuations to programme milestones, and clients tracking project timelines.
What a programme contains
Activities are listed in order with durations, start and finish dates, and dependencies. Larger projects use critical path analysis to identify activities that directly affect the completion date. The programme should also show milestone dates — key points such as enabling works start, substructure complete, weathertight, and handover.
Miniature example
Kitchen refurbishment — 4-week programme:
Week 1: Strip out, first-fix electrics and plumbing
Week 2: Plastering, floor preparation
Week 3: Kitchen fit, worktop installation
Week 4: Appliances, second-fix, decoration, snagging
Dependencies: Electrics must be first-fixed before plastering. Floor must be prepared before units are fitted.
Common mistakes
- Creating a programme without float or contingency for delays
- Not updating the programme as the project progresses
- Failing to link the programme to the estimate — if the estimate says 80 hours for a task, the programme must reflect that
Related guides and tools
Compare with schedules of works and quantified schedules. Use the Schedule of Works generator to build programmes.