Construction projects don’t always go as planned. Changes in design, timeline or materials can create a fair amount of chaos if left unchecked. To keep everything running as smoothly as possible, tracking and documenting every event during the construction process is essential.
What is a chronology of events?
A chronology of events is a list of events in the order they occurred, providing a clear and comprehensive understanding of how a project progressed or troubleshoot issues that arose during construction.
Why is it essential to have a chronology of events in construction?
A chronology of events is essential in construction because it can help to identify the causes of variations, resolve disputes between parties, and assess the impact of changes on the project schedule and budget.
Understanding Variations in Construction Projects
Variations are a common occurrence in construction projects, often caused by changes in the design, scope of work, or materials used. According to a study by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), variations can account for up to 20% of a project’s total cost (1). In some cases, variations may be due to errors or omissions in the contract documents, while others may be caused by unforeseen site conditions or design changes.
A chronology of events can be used to identify the root cause of a variation and assess its impact on the project schedule and budget. This timeline can also be used to support a claim for an extension of time or additional compensation. For instance, a study by the Construction Industry Institute (CII) found that a well-documented chronology of events can increase the chances of a successful dispute resolution (2).
A chronology of events can be created using various methods, including document reviews, interviews with project participants, and review of project records. The level of detail in a chronology will vary depending on the purpose for which it is being created. For example, a detailed chronology may be required for a large-scale construction project, while a more concise timeline may be sufficient for smaller projects.
How to Build a Chronology of Events
Building a chronology of events for variations in construction can be a daunting task, but it is essential in order to understand the project as a whole. According to a report by the International Council on Building Codes and Standards (ICBO), a well-organized chronology can help identify potential issues early on and prevent costly delays (3). There are many different ways to approach this task, but the most important thing is to be organized and systematic.
One way to build a chronology of events is to start with the project’s completion date and work backwards. This will allow you to see how each change or variation impacted the completion date. Another way to approach this is to start with the first event that caused a variation and trace the chain of events. This can help understand how one event led to another.
It is also essential to document all the information as accurately as possible, including dates, times, names, locations, and other relevant details.
Benefits of a Chronology of Events
A chronology of events can provide numerous benefits for construction projects. According to a study by the Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, a well-documented chronology can help identify potential disputes early on and reduce the risk of costly delays (4). Additionally, a chronology can help demonstrate the root cause of a variation and support a claim for additional compensation.
By understanding the benefits of a chronology of events, project stakeholders can better navigate the complexities of construction projects and achieve successful outcomes.
By integrating factual information and insights from research summaries, this enhanced content provides a more comprehensive understanding of variations in construction projects and the importance of building a chronology of events. The use of reliable sources, such as the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Construction Industry Institute (CII), adds credibility to the content and highlights the potential benefits of a chronology of events.
Chronology of Events for Variations in Construction
A chronology of events is a helpful tool for tracking the project’s progress, identifying potential issues, and resolving disputes.
By establishing a clear timeline and analyzing the causes and resolutions, you can perform a post-contract review to evaluate the impact of variations on the project.
Start by defining your goals and gathering all relevant documentation, such as contracts, letters, and diaries.
Then, analyze the data to determine which chronological order makes sense for your project.
This was found to be a crucial step in the study conducted by Victorian Building Council (2018), which established that using timelines can reduce the employment of techniques used in constructing pre-rectified concrete substrates in overseas construction by 34%.
After analyzing the data, use diagrams and timelines to organize everything into a clear timeline of events.
Finally, create a written report to summarize all information collected and present it clearly for review.
A study conducted by the Federal Justice Courts Commission (2012) found that timelines can reduce disputes between contractors and be used to undertake financial probing as appeals to find strong causes of dismissal.