Book in dependency order
Book the trades whose date dictates the rest first. On a Queenslander build-under that's the raise contractor and the certifier. Their availability gates everything downstream.
Hold dates with deposits
Verbal bookings shift. A small deposit and a written quote with a date hold the slot. Treat it as project insurance.
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. Make sure the leaving trade has done 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: which trades need to be moved.
- Contact the next two trades immediately. Don't wait for them to ask.
- Reset your buffer. If you've used your contingency week, get one back.
Communication mechanics
- One channel per trade (SMS or email). Don't mix.
- 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.
