📘 What is a Build Timeline?

A Build Timeline is the estimated schedule outlining all phases of a real estate construction project—from planning and permitting to final inspection and completion. It provides a structured view of milestones, deadlines, and dependencies across the build lifecycle.

Investors and developers use build timelines to forecast project delivery, coordinate financing, and reduce costly delays.

📌 When and Why It’s Used

Build timelines are used during development and construction projects to plan resources, schedule contractors, and ensure delivery stays within budget. They're essential for aligning all stakeholders—from architects to lenders—and help mitigate construction risks.

A clearly defined timeline also aids in marketing, tenant pre-leasing, and estimating when the asset will begin generating revenue.

🧮 How It’s Calculated or Applied

The build timeline is created by breaking the project into phases (e.g., permitting, foundation, framing, interiors) and assigning estimated durations to each. Delays in one phase often impact subsequent steps, so timeline planning often includes buffers and contingency time.

While there is no strict formula, project managers often use Gantt charts or scheduling software to calculate and visualize dependencies and adjust for real-world constraints.

A well-planned timeline helps reduce idle labor, control financing costs, and improve ROI predictability.

✅ Pros

• Helps avoid delays and cost overruns
• Improves coordination across teams and contractors
• Enables better investor and lender communication

⚠️ Cons

• Can be disrupted by permitting delays or weather issues
• Inaccurate estimates may derail budgeting
• Requires constant monitoring and updates