Build the time basis
Record notice to proceed, mobilization, substantial completion, and final completion assumptions. Break the schedule into phases when staffing or site facilities change. A single month count can miss preconstruction, winter conditions, phased turnover, or extended closeout.
Identify whether the schedule is contractual, preliminary, or estimator-developed and retain its revision date. Use the crew composition review as a related estimate control.
Separate fixed and time-related costs
Mobilization, permits, and setup may be fixed, while supervision, trailers, utilities, security, and cleaning may vary with duration. Use the estimate labor crew composition review for staff assumptions that change by phase.
The OSHA construction resources describe federal safety requirements and guidance. The contractor's safety plan and project conditions determine the actual staffing and facility costs.
| Review field | Required record |
|---|---|
| Phase | Start and finish basis |
| Resource | Fixed or time-related item |
| Rate | Weekly or monthly basis |
| Total | Duration times rate |
Run the duration cross-check
Divide each time-related total by its weekly or monthly basis and compare the result with the schedule. Check that subcontractor general requirements are not duplicated.
Test approved schedule alternates separately rather than averaging them into the base bid. Document unresolved duration questions in the estimate handoff open items register with the decision needed before issue.
