Free Construction Schedule Templates [Customizable Downloads]

A well-thought-out schedule can make or break a construction project. Construction schedules can contain everything from task assignments and timelines to resource tracking and budget estimates, making them an important resource for everyone involved in a project.

The most popular construction schedule templates use a table or spreadsheet format to track tasks and assignments. They log projects across a number of days or weeks, and many project managers use them to ensure that tasks of all sizes don’t slip through the cracks. These types of templates are simple and versatile, making them perfect for both residential and commercial construction projects.

We’ve created downloadable weekly and daily construction schedule templates to streamline the scheduling process and help keep your team organized.

Weekly Construction Schedule + Gantt Chart

Weekly construction schedules help track tasks that will take more than a day or two to complete. Our weekly construction schedule allows you to assign each project task to a week and track its progress. Once you’ve entered your data, the Gantt chart on the right will provide a visual of your project timeline.

How to use it

Numbers or Excel

1. Download the XLSX file and open it in Numbers or Excel.
2. Customize the titles and task names.
3. Break your project down into weeks and assign each task a week number.
4. Enter the start week for each task.
5. Estimate the total number of weeks each task will take to complete and enter that number under “Duration.”

Google Sheets

1. Open the file in Google Sheets
2. Click “File,” then “Make a Copy”
3. Follow steps 2-5 above

Pro tip: If editing in Numbers, add checkboxes to the cells in the “Complete” column to make checking off tasks easier.

Daily Construction Schedule

This daily construction schedule allows you to record tasks and update their status as you work. You can create a new copy of this schedule each day or add rows and use the same document for your entire project.

How to use it

Numbers or Excel

1. Download the XLSX file and open it in Numbers or Excel.
2. Customize the titles and add your task information.
3. Add a start and end date for each task.
4. Add notes and update the status of each task.

Google Sheets

1. Download the XLSX file.
2. Open a blank Google Sheets document.
3. Upload the XLSX file into your document.
4. Follow steps 2-4 above.

Pro tip: Try color-coding the boxes under “Status” to quickly see how a project is progressing.

Printable Construction Schedule

If you are looking for a simpler construction schedule that you can print off and take with you on the job site, a printable template is a good option. Our printable construction schedule template is ideal for individual use. It allows users to quickly jot down tasks and check them off when they’re done, and its simple design makes it easy to understand.

How to use it

1. Download the editable PDF.
2. Fill out the desired fields.
3. Print when finished.

Pro tip: Make multiple copies to share with the rest of your team.

5 Best Practices for Scheduling

Scheduling is one of the most important parts of any construction project. Before you start creating your next project schedule, consider these five scheduling best practices.

1. Know Your Project

Before you start creating a construction schedule, you should have a complete understanding of the details of your project. That means having a fully assembled construction crew, a detailed budget and a general project timeline mapped out ahead of time.

2. Keep It Simple

The most effective construction schedules are easy to understand and contain only the information that you and your team need. Your schedule should use concise wording, a simple design and language that everyone on your team can understand. A simple schedule leaves less room for errors and reduces time spent on deciphering daily tasks.

3. Leave Room for Changes

Construction projects don’t always go to plan. To leave room for any last-minute changes, your schedule should be easily editable. Adding extra days to individual tasks when possible can also help avoid scheduling delays if a task takes longer than anticipated to complete.

4. Create Multiple Schedules

Because construction projects rely so heavily on schedules to stay on track, it’s important to utilize multiple schedules. You should avoid creating multiple versions of the same schedule, but creating separate daily, weekly and even monthly schedules can help break your project down into more manageable steps and ensure that everyone stays on the same page.

5. Consider Digital Scheduling Software

Project management systems like Fieldwire and Buildertrend offer digital scheduling solutions to make scheduling easier and more efficient. Digital scheduling software is much more user-friendly than traditional tools and keeps project managers, stakeholders and crew members updated on schedule changes or delays. It also helps reduce waste by eliminating the need for paper schedules.

It can be tempting to rush through scheduling when getting started on a new construction project, but a comprehensive, easy-to-understand schedule can save you time and help ensure that each task goes to plan. Once you have finished all of the tasks on your schedule, remember to add a copy to your records. Completed construction schedules can help inform everything from daily reports to construction project closeouts.