How to build the schedule
- Pick the start date and whether you work Saturdays.
- List each phase in order with the working days it takes. Tick the overlap box for phases that run together.
- Add holidays under Adjust assumptions; US federal holidays for late 2026 are filled in as an example.
- Add buffer days for weather and inspections.
- Download or print the schedule with its Gantt chart.
How dates are calculated
Start = your start date, or the next working day if it falls on a day off
Phase finish = phase start + working days − 1, skipping weekends and days off
Next phase starts the next working day (or the same day if it overlaps)
Finish = last phase finish + buffer working days
Worked example
A 5-day job starting Monday, November 2, 2026
- Day 1 Mon Nov 2, day 2 Tue, day 3 Wed, day 4 Thu, day 5 Fri Nov 6.
- Add a 3-day phase after it: it skips the weekend and runs Mon Nov 9 to Wed Nov 11.
- A 5-day job starting Mon Nov 23 skips Thanksgiving (Nov 26) and the Friday after, finishing Tue Dec 1.
Typical phase lengths (small residential jobs)
| Phase | Typical working days |
|---|---|
| Demolition | 1 to 3 |
| Framing changes | 2 to 5 |
| Plumbing and electrical rough-in | 2 to 4 |
| Inspection | 1 to 5, depends on your building department |
| Drywall hang, tape and finish | 3 to 5 including dry time |
| Tile | 3 to 6 including cure time |
These are planning ranges only; your crew size and the job decide the real numbers.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Counting calendar days as working days. A "two-week" job is 10 working days, not 14.
- Forgetting dry and cure times. Mud, paint, tile and concrete need time before the next trade.
- No inspection time. Book inspections early and leave room for re-inspection.
- Zero buffer. Something always moves.
Frequently asked questions
How do I count working days?
Count only the days the crew works, usually Monday to Friday, and skip holidays. The start day counts as day 1. A 5-working-day job starting Monday, November 2, 2026 finishes Friday, November 6.
What happens if the start date is a weekend?
Work starts on the next working day. A job set to start on a Saturday begins on Monday.
How many buffer days should I add?
A common rule is 10 to 20% of the working days for weather, inspections and deliveries, more for outdoor work in winter. Tell the customer the finish date includes it.
Can phases overlap?
Yes. Tick Runs alongside the previous phase when two crews work at the same time; it starts on the same day as the phase above it.
Working days vs calendar days?
Working days are days on site. Calendar days count every day, including weekends and holidays. Contracts often state the time in calendar days, so the calculator shows both.