Build programmes
The Timeline That Holds Your Project Together
The Programme: More Than Just Dates
“Most homeowners underestimate just how important a build programme is. It’s more than a chart of dates, it’s the working document that links your design, suppliers and trades together.
A clear, accurate programme gives everyone a path to follow and is one of the most powerful tools you’ll use throughout your project”
Traditional Procurement (Main Contractor led)
A build programme sets out the sequence of construction works, which trades come in, when materials arrive, how long each stage takes, and where dependencies lie. Typically shown as a Gantt chart, it’s the roadmap of your build.
For traditional procurement, a main contractor prepares the programme, engaging their own trades and factoring in any suppliers you bring to the table. You’d expect to see this draft during cost discussions and before agreeing the contract sum, because the preliminaries (see our Preliminaries Insight) are time-related. If the programme isn’t accurate before signing, you risk paying more if the project overruns.
The Self Build Journey
For self-builds, the homeowner takes a much more active role. The journey often begins with a timber frame contractor, but of course, a frame can’t go up until the site is prepared, services brought in, ground cleared, foundations and slab laid, and brickwork formed up to damp-proof course. Each of those early elements needs design input and coordination, which we cover at the Plan It stage (see our Plan It Roadmap).
Once construction starts, the success of a self-build will be shaped in part by the quality of its programme. Because you’re coordinating multiple specialist trades and suppliers, groundworks, timber frame, roofing, glazing, and later a general builder and their trades to fit out, it falls to you to manage design times, lead-in times, shop drawings, approvals, and site durations. Without this, sequencing breaks down and costs can quickly rise through delays.
Quick Answers
What does a programme look like, and how do I use it?
A build programme is usually shown as a Gantt chart, with tasks displayed as bars against time so you can see overlaps and dependencies. In practice, your programme links directly to your project workspace and To Do lists. Each task corresponds to actions you need to take or suppliers you need to engage, so you can see what’s coming next and stay in control day to day.
When should I get a build programme?
If you’re using a builder for all works, you should agree the programme before signing a contract because time-related preliminaries (project running costs) are tied directly to its accuracy. If you’re self-building, you’ll need to collect the time requirements of each supplier and update the Essentials Programme with the nuances of your project and related timings.
How detailed should the programme be?
As much detail as is practical for you to use. It should set out procurement lead times, materials required on site, and work durations. That way, you can have quick, meaningful conversations with suppliers and your site team.
Jargon Buster (Demystifying Programme Terms)
Dependencies – Links between tasks (e.g. you can’t install windows until openings are built).
Lead times – How long suppliers need before delivering (often weeks or months).
Shop drawings – Detailed supplier drawings (e.g. for stairs, joinery, glazing) that need approval before manufacture, (shop drawings have lead times).
Review & sign-off – The period you allow to check and approve those drawings, (needs to be factored into the programme)
Float – Spare time in the programme that won’t affect the end date if used up.
Critical path – The sequence of tasks that determine your overall project duration. Delays here delay the whole build.
Why the Programme Matters
That’s why Homebuilding Essentials has created a pre-built new build programme, ready for editing. It gives you a framework to plan realistically, link trades together, and avoid missing critical dependencies. In our Build It pathway, we guide you on how to adapt this programme to your project, and you can check in with us during fortnightly live sessions to keep it on track.
And remember: a programme isn’t static. It’s a working document. When maintained properly, it becomes the daily tool you’ll use to steer your self-build, align your “To Do” lists, and keep suppliers, trades, and designers in tune with your timeline.
Turning Your Programme Into Action
A clear programme is the backbone of your build, guiding both time and cost. With Build It, you don’t start from scratch, we give you a pre-built programme designed for your project type EG. New Build, Basement, Full House Refurb ready for you to adapt. You’ll learn how to tailor it to your own suppliers, trades, and timeline, and use it as a daily tool to keep your project moving.
To make sure you stay on track, our Build It guided pathway shows you how to update your programme as your build evolves, and you’ll have the chance to check in with us during live fortnightly sessions. With this support, you’ll always know where you stand and what comes next.
Guided Pathways
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Plan It
Plan It equips you with the knowledge, tools, and structured processes to confidently design, budget, and prepare your homebuilding project, ensuring a smooth and well-managed build.
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Build It
Build It equips you with the expertise, guidance, and step-by-step processes to manage your construction project effectively, ensuring quality, cost control, and timely completion.
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Certify It
Certify It equips you with the knowledge and processes to navigate final inspections, compliance, and certification, ensuring your project is completed with the documentation needed to validate your investment.