Why Every Job Needs a Program! No Matter How Big or Small!

If you're planning to build a two-storey home, there’s one tool you need before the first bucket hits the ground: a detailed build program.

Most homeowners and even some builders underestimate just how many steps are involved in getting the external shell of a house built. For a traditional two-storey house, there are 56 distinct stages and that’s just the external works. From foundation digs to the final turf, every trade has a role, and each task affects the next.

So how do you manage that complexity? You write it all down. The build stages I used to create my programs with is below.

External Program Sequence - 2 Storey Traditional House 27.07.25.pdf

Download PDF • 161KB

Why a Program is Essential

Too often, builders throw around vague promises like “you’ll be in by Christmas” without ever plotting out what has to happen when. But if you don’t have a build program:

• You can’t line up your trades properly.

• You won’t get realistic timeframes.

• Your quotes will be full of guesswork.

  
  

A job of any size whether it’s a garden room or a full new build needs a program. It’s how you prevent trades from clashing or turning up before the site is ready for them. It’s how you catch delays before they snowball. And most importantly, it’s how you stay in control.

What Does a Program Actually Look Like?

The program I use for a two-storey external build includes every task from foundation dig to turf laying 56 items in total External Program Sequence.

Here's just a snapshot of the early stages:

1. Foundations dig & service duct install – 1-2 days (Groundworkers)

2. Building control foundation inspection – 0.5 days

3. Substructure blockwork walls – 2 days (Groundworkers)

4. Drainage install and inspection – 1.5 days total (Groundworkers)

5. Block and beam floors – 2 days (Groundworkers)

... and that’s just the beginning.

Each step is assigned a trade and a realistic duration, agreed with each trade before the program is created. Once I’ve built this framework, I move to Excel and create a working schedule.

Full Planning

The attachment I have shared was create from Word, but if I did this now, I would use Excel for the whole thing. This makes it easy to visualise what needs to happen, when, and who’s doing it. From there, I transfer it into Excel to build a Gantt-style chart, giving me a visual timeline that’s easy to adjust and share.

Don’t Build Without One

If your builder can’t show you a program, you should be asking why. Without one, there’s no way to manage sequencing, dependencies, or delays. You wouldn’t build a house without foundations don’t run a project without a program. You could be hit with unexpected extras or giving the sub-contractor a blank check for day works LINK INCOMING.

Want a build program template?

Get in touch! I’d be happy to send one over for you to fill out and tailor to your own project. It’s the first step to running a smooth, predictable build.

If you're not confident building the program yourself, book a slot on my Services page for a consultation and I can create this for you!