Book in dependency order
Book the trades whose date dictates the rest first. On a Queenslander build-under that means the raise contractor and the certifier, because their availability gates everything downstream.
Hold dates with deposits
Verbal bookings shift, so a small deposit and a written quote with a fixed date hold the slot. Treat that deposit as project insurance rather than a sunk cost.
Handoffs between trades
The 24-48 hour window when one trade leaves and the next arrives is where things break. Walk the site between handoffs, and check that the departing trade has finished their part to a standard the next trade can build on.
When a date slips
- Confirm the new date in writing.
- Cascade the impact downstream and work out which trades need to move.
- Contact the next two trades immediately rather than waiting for them to ask.
- Reset your buffer, and if you have used your contingency week, claw one back.
Communication mechanics
- Keep one channel per trade, either SMS or email, and do not mix them.
- Reconfirm 48 hours before arrival.
- Photograph site conditions before each trade arrives.
- Sign off in writing at each stage.
Tools
Use the Project Control System templates for trade contact, hold-point and variation tracking.
