How to Create a Construction Schedule (Bauzeitenplan erstellen)

In the construction world, time is more than just money—it’s a vital success factor. Without a clear schedule, even the most well-funded project can fall into delays, cost overruns, and chaos. That’s why knowing how to create a construction schedule—or in German, “Bauzeitenplan erstellen”—is essential for anyone involved in planning or managing a building project.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from legal considerations and planning steps to practical examples and digital tools like Flexxter, a cloud-based scheduling platform built specifically for the construction industry.

1. What is a Construction Schedule (Bauzeitenplan)?

A Bauzeitenplan (construction schedule) is a project timeline that outlines every major task and activity required in a building project. It includes:

• When tasks should start and finish
• The duration of each activity
• Dependencies between tasks
• Major milestones like project handovers

Schedules are often visualized using Gantt charts or network diagrams and serve as the blueprint for coordination across teams—ensuring that work proceeds efficiently and with minimal delays.

2. Why is a Bauzeitenplan Important?

A construction schedule is a critical tool for:

• Time Management: Keeps the project on track
• Budget Control: Prevents costly delays
• Resource Planning: Ensures workers, equipment, and materials are allocated effectively
• Coordination: Helps all teams know what’s expected and when
• Risk Reduction: Minimizes downtime, conflicts, and legal issues

When done correctly, a Bauzeitenplan becomes the central control mechanism for your construction project.

3. Legal Foundations in Germany

While German law does not strictly require a Bauzeitenplan, it is often part of contract agreements and legally relevant in disputes.

• HOAI (Official Scale of Fees for Services by Architects and Engineers): Encourages time scheduling during design and planning phases.
• VOB/B (German Construction Contract Procedures): Specifies timelines, delay penalties, and legal consequences.
• German Civil Code (BGB): Forms the contractual basis for builder and contractor obligations.

A well-documented schedule can protect you from claims or penalties due to misunderstandings or delays.

4. Steps to Creating a Construction Schedule

Creating an effective schedule requires structured thinking and attention to detail. Here are the steps to Bauzeitenplan erstellen:

Step 1: Define the Project Scope

Break down the construction into work packages: groundwork, foundation, walls, roof, interior, and handover.

Step 2: Identify Dependencies

Some tasks must follow others (e.g., painting can’t begin before drywalling). Mapping these relationships is crucial.

Step 3: Estimate Durations

Use past projects or expert advice to estimate realistic durations for each task.

Step 4: Set Milestones

Identify key checkpoints such as foundation completion, roof sealing, or inspection dates.

Step 5: Visualize the Timeline

Use Gantt charts or planning software to create a clear, editable timeline that shows task sequences and overlaps.

5. Key Components of a Bauzeitenplan

Your schedule should include:

• Project name and participants
• Detailed task list with start/end dates
• Assigned teams or subcontractors
• Dependencies and sequences
• Milestones and delivery dates
• Buffer times for weather or delays
• Version tracking for updates

Including even small tasks like site cleanup or safety checks improves accuracy and accountability.

6. Tools and Software for Scheduling

You can create a Bauzeitenplan using various tools. Here’s a comparison:

7. Why Flexxter Is a Smart Choice

Flexxter is a modern construction scheduling platform designed to streamline time planning, especially for medium-sized construction companies and independent builders.

Key Advantages of Flexxter:

• Intuitive Interface: Simple enough for all team members
• Cloud-Based Access: Updates are shared in real time
• Mobile Friendly: Manage the schedule from the construction site
• Collaborative: All stakeholders can contribute and stay aligned
• Flexible Updates: Adjust plans as conditions change

Using Flexxter makes it easy to create a Bauzeitenplan, distribute it to your team, and manage the schedule from anywhere.

8. Practical Example: Single-Family House Schedule

A typical construction schedule for a 150 m² home might look like this:

Total Duration: 20 weeks

Using Flexxter, this schedule can be easily tracked, updated, and communicated with all involved.

9. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls when creating a construction schedule:

• Overly optimistic timelines
  → Build in contingency for delays
• Ignoring dependencies
  → Leads to overlaps and conflicts
• Not updating the schedule
  → Outdated plans confuse the team
• Lack of communication
  → Key partners are left out
• No digital tool
  → Manual processes are slow and error-prone

With Flexxter, you avoid many of these issues thanks to real-time updates, mobile access, and user-friendly features.

10. Conclusion: Success Starts with Planning

Creating a construction schedule—or “Bauzeitenplan erstellen”—is one of the most impactful steps in ensuring a successful building project. It improves coordination, saves time and money, reduces risk, and enhances overall quality control.

Whether you’re managing a small residential build or a complex commercial site, following the right steps and using powerful tools like Flexxter can significantly improve outcomes. It enables you to plan smarter, work more efficiently, and deliver projects on time—without chaos or crisis.