Build a defensible construction programme
The Scheduler agent builds contract-grade construction programmes — the kind that stand up in disputes and Extension of Time claims. Every duration is justified by crew size and productivity rates, inspection hold points are marked, curing times are respected, and procurement lead times are built in.
What you'll produce
- Executive summary with start and completion dates
- Project overview (working pattern, weather allowance, holidays)
- Programme Assumptions table (critical for defensibility)
- Procurement Schedule with order-by dates
- Full construction programme with WBS numbering across 10 phases
- Critical path analysis with float
- Programme risks register
- Milestone summary with contractual dates
- Resource loading histogram
Step 1 — Open the Scheduler
Click S — Scheduler. Attach your drawings so Arc can determine the work scope.
Step 2 — Choose your programme type
- Full Construction Programme — 300+ line activity plan across all 10 phases
- Project Duration Analysis — best/expected/worst case scenarios
- Critical Path Analysis — identifies zero-float activities
- Trade Sequencing & Procurement — when to engage each trade
- Delay Impact Analysis — "if framing is delayed 3 weeks, what happens?"
- Site Establishment Plan — pre-construction checklist
- Fast-Track Options — 4–5 ways to compress the programme 15–25%
- 4-Week Lookahead — the live working document for site supervisors
Step 3 — Set your assumptions
After you click a template, Arc asks about:
- Working pattern — 5-day week / 6-day week / fast-track with overtime
- Weather allowance — low 5% / standard 10% / wet 15%
- Programme type — full / critical path / procurement / lookahead
Pick carefully. These assumptions are what make the programme defensible in court.
Step 4 — Review inspection hold points
Arc marks every inspection hold point with ⚠️. Work cannot proceed past these until the inspection is passed. Typical hold points:
- Footing inspection before slab pour
- Frame inspection before roofing
- Waterproofing inspection before tiling
- Services inspection before linings
- Final certifier inspection before occupation
Step 5 — Curing times are absolute
These are built into every Arc programme and are non-negotiable:
- Concrete footings — 7 days minimum before loading
- Concrete slabs — 7 days minimum before framing
- Waterproofing membrane — 24 hours per coat, 48 hours total
- Render — 48 hours minimum before cladding
Step 6 — Procurement lead times
Arc's procurement schedule flags everything over 4 weeks:
| Item | Typical Lead Time |
|---|---|
| Windows | 6–8 weeks |
| Structural steel | 8–12 weeks |
| Kitchen joinery | 8–12 weeks |
| Bathroom cabinetry | 6–10 weeks |
| Switchboard | 4–6 weeks |
| HVAC equipment | 6–8 weeks |
| Pool (inground) | 8–12 weeks |
The programme shows you when to order these items, not just when they arrive.
Step 7 — Export
Click XLSX for a full programme spreadsheet. Every phase is its own sheet with WBS numbering, predecessors, and critical path flags. Easily importable into MS Project or Primavera.
Click PDF for a printed programme suitable for contract attachments.
Pro tips
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Run "Critical Path Analysis" first. Before producing the full programme, use this to understand which activities drive completion. It focuses your management attention.
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Use "4-Week Lookahead" weekly. This is the active working tool. Send it to your site supervisor every Friday for the following week.
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"Delay Impact Analysis" is EOT gold. If something goes wrong on site, run this immediately. You'll have a defensible analysis for your EOT claim.
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Add your real crew sizes. In free text, tell Arc: "Our carpentry crew is 3 carpenters + 1 apprentice, productivity is 18LM/day." The programme becomes perfectly tailored to your business.
Common mistakes
- Ignoring curing times. Builders who shave 3 days off concrete curing to hit a date regret it when the slab cracks. Arc builds these in — don't override.
- Forgetting long-lead items. Order windows in week 12 and they won't arrive until week 20. The programme says order them in week 1. Listen to the programme.
- Single-point estimates. Don't take the "expected" duration as gospel. Use the best/expected/worst scenario analysis to communicate risk to your client.
Next: Compliance — Review drawings against local building codes →