In Plain English
Quick Answer
A detailed short-term schedule showing exactly what work is planned for the next two to six weeks.
Definition
Definition
A look-ahead schedule (also called a three-week look-ahead or short-interval schedule) is a detailed near-term field schedule showing planned work activities for the next two to six weeks, broken down to a daily or task-specific level. It serves as the primary field planning tool for superintendents and is derived from the master CPM schedule. Look-ahead schedules identify material deliveries, subcontractor crews, equipment, and inspections needed.
Context
Why It Matters in Bidding
The look-ahead schedule is where the master CPM bid schedule meets the field, translating contractual milestones into the day-to-day coordination of crews, deliveries, and inspections that keeps a job on the cost and time basis it was bid on. For estimators and PMs, it surfaces constraints like long-lead materials and sub availability early enough to act before slippage erodes margin.
Example
Example
In the weekly coordination meeting, the superintendent walks the subs through a three-week look-ahead showing concrete pour dates, rebar deliveries, and the inspection windows each trade must hit to stay on the master schedule.
See Also
Related Terms
FAQ
Questions Contractors Ask
What is the difference between a look-ahead schedule and a master schedule?
The master schedule is the full project CPM showing all activities, durations, and milestones from start to finish. The look-ahead is a detailed near-term slice, usually two to six weeks, broken to daily tasks for field execution. The look-ahead is derived from the master and feeds updates back to it.
Who is responsible for the look-ahead schedule?
The superintendent typically owns and updates it as the primary field planning tool, often collaboratively with subcontractor foremen during weekly coordination meetings. The project manager and scheduler ensure it aligns with the master CPM. Subs use it to commit crews and confirm material and equipment readiness.
Why is a three-week look-ahead common in construction?
Two to six weeks is the window where field conditions are known enough to plan reliably yet far enough out to mobilize crews, order materials, and book inspections. Three weeks is a frequent default because it balances actionable detail against the uncertainty of conditions further out.
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