# Project Planning

> Construction project plan templates for planning a job before it starts: quality and execution plans, scope of work, procurement trackers and manpower charts.

- URL: https://essential.construction/files/pre-construction/project-planning/
- Publisher: Essential Construction (https://essential.construction/)
- Products in this category: 63

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Construction project plan templates for deciding how a job will be built before the first crew arrives. Find project quality and execution plans, scope of work templates, procurement schedules and trackers, manpower loading charts, weekly planners and job information reports. Made for project managers, owners’ representatives and builders planning commercial or residential projects.

## What's in project planning

A construction project plan answers what will be built, how, by whom, in what order and to what standard. The templates cover those parts:

- **Scope and setup**: scope of work, job information reports and notices to proceed.
- **Execution and quality**: project quality plans and combined execution and quality plans.
- **Resources**: staff histograms, manpower loading charts and weekly planners.
- **Procurement**: procurement schedules and trackers for materials and long-lead items.

Project managers write the plan during pre-construction and share it with the owner, design team and superintendents. It is then updated as the project moves into construction.

## Popular construction project planning templates

- [Construction Project Quality Plan](https://essential.construction/files/pre-construction/project-planning/construction-project-quality-plan/): set quality standards and checks.
- [Construction Projects Execution and Quality Plan](https://essential.construction/files/construction/administration/construction-projects-execution-and-quality-plan/): describe how the work will be delivered.
- [Scope of Work Template](https://essential.construction/files/pre-construction/estimating/scope-of-work-template/): define what is and is not included.
- [Construction Procurement Tracker](https://essential.construction/files/construction/scheduling/construction-procurement-tracker/): follow every order to delivery.
- [Staff Histogram and Manpower Loading Chart](https://essential.construction/files/construction/scheduling/staff-histogram-and-manpower-loading-chart/): plan crew sizes over time.
- [Contractor Weekly Planner Excel Template](https://essential.construction/files/pre-construction/project-planning/contractor-weekly-planner-excel-template/): organize the week's work.
- [Job Information Report](https://essential.construction/files/pre-construction/project-planning/job-information-report/): keep key project details in one place.
- [Notice To Proceed](https://essential.construction/files/construction/administration/notice-to-proceed/): formally release the work to start.

## Related categories and guides

Project Planning is part of [Pre-Construction](https://essential.construction/files/pre-construction/). Build the timeline in [Scheduling](https://essential.construction/files/construction/scheduling/) and price the plan in [Estimating](https://essential.construction/files/pre-construction/estimating/). For background reading, see the e-book [Development Planning for Construction Projects](https://essential.construction/files/information/e-books/development-planning-for-construction-projects/).

From the Academy: [The Complete Guide to Project Planning](https://essential.construction/academy/tutorials/the-complete-guide-to-project-planning/), [How To Prepare A Construction Plan](https://essential.construction/academy/tutorials/how-to-prepare-a-construction-plan/) and [Developing A Project Charter](https://essential.construction/academy/tutorials/developing-a-project-charter/).

## Frequently asked questions

### What goes into a construction project plan?

A typical plan covers scope, objectives, organization and roles, schedule and milestones, budget, procurement strategy, quality and safety requirements, risk, communication and site logistics. Larger projects split some of these into separate plans that the main plan references.

### How is a project plan different from a schedule?

The schedule is one part of the plan. It shows activities, durations and dates, while the plan explains how the project will be run: who is responsible, how quality and procurement are handled and how decisions and changes are made.

### Can I use these templates for residential projects?

Yes. Most planning templates work for both commercial and residential jobs; simply leave out sections that do not apply. Smaller residential projects often need only a scope of work, a schedule, a procurement list and a weekly planner.

### Are these templates editable?

They are designed to be filled in and adapted to each project, for example by adding your own sections, logo and cost codes. File type varies by product, so check the format on the product page before downloading.

## Templates and files in this category

- [Construction Procurement Schedule – Detailed](https://essential.construction/files/construction/scheduling/construction-procurement-schedule-detailed.md?v=1793716476): Detailed Excel procurement schedule tracking award, submittals, approvals and lead times for every package. $6.99, or free with a 14-day membership trial.
- [Construction Startup Checklist](https://essential.construction/files/construction/administration/construction-startup-checklist.md?v=1793716364): Get your construction project organized early by following a startup checklist.
- [Construction Cash Flow Forecast](https://essential.construction/files/business-operations/finance/construction-cash-flow-forecast.md?v=1793667329): Construction cash flow projection template to forecast and track project spend by division against budget. Editable – $6.99, or free with a 14-day trial.
- [General Construction Schedule (With S-Curve)](https://essential.construction/files/construction/scheduling/general-construction-schedule-with-s-curve.md?v=1793716676): Download this editable Excel Program for General Construction Schedule
- [Construction Projects Execution and Quality Plan](https://essential.construction/files/construction/administration/construction-projects-execution-and-quality-plan.md?v=1629764002): Plan your project in advance with this construction project execution plan template.
- [Construction Procurement Schedule](https://essential.construction/files/construction/scheduling/construction-procurement-schedule.md?v=1793667335): Excel procurement schedule to track award, submittal review and material lead times so items arrive on site on time. $4.99, or free with a 14-day trial.
- [Scope of Work Template](https://essential.construction/files/pre-construction/estimating/scope-of-work-template.md?v=1793667372): Define the scope of work for a contractor to perform.
- [Construction Project Quality Plan](https://essential.construction/files/pre-construction/project-planning/construction-project-quality-plan.md?v=1630537170): Ensure the quality of your construction project with this ready-to-edit Construction Project Quality Plan.
- [Notice To Proceed](https://essential.construction/files/construction/administration/notice-to-proceed.md?v=1623340995): The Notice To Proceed is a formal notification given to the Contractor to officially begin the project.
- [Construction Procurement Tracker](https://essential.construction/files/construction/scheduling/construction-procurement-tracker.md?v=1793716658): Construction procurement log in Excel: track each material from submittal to release for order and jobsite delivery. $4.99, or free with a 14-day trial.
- [CONTRACTOR WEEKLY PLANNER Excel Template](https://essential.construction/files/pre-construction/project-planning/contractor-weekly-planner-excel-template.md?v=1793715229): Highly customizable contractor schedule planner, made in Excel, which will help you organize your jobs, projects, and your work activities in general.
- [Weekly Accomplishment Monitoring](https://essential.construction/files/construction/scheduling/weekly-accomplishment-monitoring.md?v=1622218003): This template will help you track the weekly accomplishments of your construction project in terms of quantity and percentage.
- [Water Pipe Installation Productivity Monitoring Form](https://essential.construction/files/construction/scheduling/water-pipe-installation-productivity-monitoring-form.md?v=1623633309): The Water Pipe Installation Productivity Monitoring Form has been designed to standardize the monitoring of productivity for water pipe installation.
- [Flow Chart – Purchase Requisition Process](https://essential.construction/files/pre-construction/project-planning/flow-chart-purchase-requisition-process.md?v=1662541593): Outline the process for your construction purchase orders.
- [Job Information Report](https://essential.construction/files/pre-construction/project-planning/job-information-report.md?v=1635560155): Job Information form for your new project.
- [Staff Histogram and Manpower Loading Chart](https://essential.construction/files/construction/scheduling/staff-histogram-and-manpower-loading-chart.md?v=1793716643): Use this staff histogram / manpower loading chart on your project in order to better understand your planned vs actual staffing needs.
- [Painting Productivity Monitoring Form](https://essential.construction/files/construction/scheduling/painting-productivity-monitoring-form.md?v=1623634069): The Painting Productivity Monitoring Form has been designed to standardize the monitoring of productivity for painting work.
- [Development Planning for Construction Projects](https://essential.construction/files/information/e-books/development-planning-for-construction-projects.md?v=1651857679): An ebook on the process and strategies for development of property.
- [Safety Hats – 50+ Construction Graphics](https://essential.construction/files/business-operations/marketing/safety-hats-50-construction-graphics.md?v=1630598841): Construction Graphics and HD photos-Safety Hats You can use these compilation of graphics and high definition photos of hard hats on your design works/presentations, to inform, educate, or persuade your target audience.
- [Flow Chart – Construction Tendering Process](https://essential.construction/files/pre-construction/estimating/flow-chart-construction-tendering-process.md?v=1677655336): Identify the process behind your construction tenders.
- [Ductwork Installation Productivity Monitoring Form](https://essential.construction/files/construction/scheduling/ductwork-installation-productivity-monitoring-form.md?v=1623634717): The Ductwork Installation Productivity Monitoring Form has been designed to standardize the monitoring of productivity for air-con ducting installation.
- [Safety Clothing and Vests – 50+ Construction Graphics](https://essential.construction/files/business-operations/marketing/safety-clothing-and-vests-50-construction-graphics.md?v=1630704596): Construction Graphics and HD photos-Safety Clothings and Vests Use these compilation of graphics and high definition photos of construction clothings and vests on your design works/presentations, to inform, educate, or persuade your target audience.
- [Bill of quantities](https://essential.construction/files/pre-construction/estimating/bill-of-quantities.md?v=1625162868): List of materials and prices.
- [Environmental Project Checklist](https://essential.construction/files/pre-construction/project-planning/environmental-project-checklist.md?v=1684801940): Use this project environmental checklist to keep your project in compliance with environmental regulations.
- [Floor Tiling Productivity Monitoring Form](https://essential.construction/files/construction/scheduling/floor-tiling-productivity-monitoring-form.md?v=1623634334): The Floor Tiling Productivity Monitoring Form has been designed to standardize the monitoring of productivity for floor tiling.
- [Construction Safety Startup Checklist](https://essential.construction/files/construction/safety/construction-safety-startup-checklist.md?v=1793716417): Ensure your teams are preparing their site safety properly.
- [Reinforcement Steel Placing Productivity Monitoring Form](https://essential.construction/files/construction/scheduling/reinforcement-steel-placing-productivity-monitoring-form.md?v=1623633930): The Reinforcement Placing and Fixing Productivity Monitoring Form has been designed to standardize the monitoring of productivity for reinforcement placing and fixing.
- [Project Communications Plan Template](https://essential.construction/files/business-operations/project-communications-plan-template.md?v=1653410123): This document provides a guide on the topics usually included in a Communications Plan.
- [Guide To Formwork](https://essential.construction/files/information/guides/guide-to-formwork-3.md?v=1648334850): This Guide provides information on the design, construction and dismantling of formwork.
- [Water Shutoff Request Letter](https://essential.construction/files/construction/logistics/water-shutoff-request-letter.md?v=1793716485): Water shutoff request letter template to formally ask the municipality or utility for a water shut down for pipe tie-ins. $4.99, or free with a 14-day trial.
- [Wall Tiling Productivity Monitoring Form](https://essential.construction/files/construction/scheduling/wall-tiling-productivity-monitoring-form.md?v=1623633564): The Wall Tiling Productivity Monitoring Form has been designed to standardize the monitoring of productivity for wall tiling.
- [Construction Project Charter Template](https://essential.construction/files/pre-construction/project-planning/construction-project-charter-template.md?v=1657315704): Use this project charter to develop a common goal on your project between each of the groups.
- [Guide To Low Voltage Overhead Electrical Lines](https://essential.construction/files/information/guides/guide-to-low-voltage-overhead-electrical-lines.md?v=1627581242): This Guide provides information on managing the risks of unauthorised persons working near low voltage overhead service lines near structures and buildings.
- [Guide to Scaffold Inspection and Maintenance](https://essential.construction/files/information/guides/guide-to-scaffold-inspection-and-maintenance.md?v=1627595914): This Guide provides information on scaffold inspection and maintenance including information on certification that a scaffold is safe to use.
- [Permit Tracking Log and Schedule](https://essential.construction/files/pre-construction/project-planning/permit-tracking-log-and-schedule.md?v=1684518382): Track  and schedule your permits more closely with this building permit tracking log and schedule.
- [Guide to Scaffolds and Scaffolding](https://essential.construction/files/information/guides/guide-to-scaffolds-and-scaffolding.md?v=1627596108): This Guide provides information on specific types of scaffolds and scaffolding and practical examples of ways you can control some of the risks associated with them.
- [Concrete Placement Productivity Monitoring  Form](https://essential.construction/files/construction/scheduling/concrete-placement-productivity-monitoring-form.md?v=1623634555): The Concrete Placement Productivity Monitoring Form has been designed to standardize the monitoring of productivity for concrete placement.
- [Safety Belts and Harness – 50+ Construction Graphics](https://essential.construction/files/business-operations/marketing/safety-belts-and-harness-50-construction-graphics.md?v=1630598570): Construction Graphics and HD photos-Safety Belts and Harness Use these compilation of graphics and high definition photos of construction Safety Belts and Harness on your design works  /presentations, to inform, educate, or persuade your target audience  
- [General Guide to Traffic Management](https://essential.construction/files/pre-construction/project-planning/general-guide-to-traffic-management.md?v=1626146297): This Guide provides information on how to manage traffic risks in the workplace, including where work is being conducted on or near a public road. It is supported by specific guidance material on traffic management for construction workplaces.
- [Guide to Suspended (Swing Stage) Scaffolds](https://essential.construction/files/information/guides/guide-to-suspended-swing-stage-scaffolds.md?v=1664532230): This Guide provides information on the potential hazards for suspended (swing stage) scaffolds and provides practical examples of ways you can control the risks associated with them.
- [Drywall Install Productivity Monitoring Form](https://essential.construction/files/construction/scheduling/drywall-install-productivity-monitoring-form.md?v=1623633207): The Drywall Installation Productivity Monitoring Form has been designed to standardize the monitoring of productivity for drywall installation.
- [Hand and Foot Protection – 50+ Construction Graphics](https://essential.construction/files/business-operations/marketing/hand-and-foot-protection-50-free-construction-graphics.md?v=1630598447): Construction Graphics and HD photos-Hand and Foot Protection Use these compilation of graphics and high definition photos of construction Hand and Foot Protection on your design works /presentations, to inform, educate, or persuade your target audience  
- [Construction Work – Code Of Practice](https://essential.construction/files/information/guides/construction-work-code-of-practice.md?v=1626146368): ‘Construction work’ is defined in the WHS Regulations as any work carried out in connection with the construction, alteration, conversion, fitting-out, commissioning, renovation, repair, maintenance, and refurbishment, demolition, decommissioning or dismantling of a structure.
- [Project Method Statement](https://essential.construction/files/pre-construction/project-planning/project-method-statement.md?v=1793714819): Use this comprehensive project method statement to analyze, formulate and communicate how you plan to approach the project.
- [Guide to Inspecting and Maintaining Cranes](https://essential.construction/files/information/guides/guide-to-inspecting-and-maintaining-cranes.md?v=1627597666): This Guide provides information on inspecting, testing, maintaining and repairing cranes in the workplace and supports the General guide for cranes.
- [Project Charter](https://essential.construction/files/pre-construction/project-planning/project-charter.md?v=1635222055): Document to capture high level information of the Project, such as objectives, purpose, stakeholders, milestones. This document also includes a construction stakeholder registry.
- [General Guide for Formwork and Falsework](https://essential.construction/files/information/guides/general-guide-for-formwork-and-falsework.md?v=1626109546): This General Guide provides information on how to manage formwork and falsework risks at a workplace. It is supported by specific guides on formwork, falsework, slip, jump and travelling forms and a formwork and falsework Information Sheet for small business.
- [Site Investigation Log](https://essential.construction/files/pre-construction/project-planning/site-investigation-log.md?v=1725036483): Use this investigation tracking log to stay organized when investigating existing conditions on your project.
- [Guide To Mobile Cranes](https://essential.construction/files/information/guides/guide-to-mobile-cranes.md?v=1627599404): This Guide provides information on mobile cranes and supports the General guide for cranes.
- [Horizontal Formwork Productivity Monitoring Form](https://essential.construction/files/construction/scheduling/horizontal-formwork-productivity-monitoring-form.md?v=1623634187): The Formwork Installation Productivity Monitoring Form has been designed to standardize the monitoring of productivity for formwork installation.
- [General Guide For Cranes](https://essential.construction/files/information/guides/general-guide-for-cranes.md?v=1643355714): This General Guide provides information on how to manage the risks of cranes at a workplace. It is supported by specific guides on tower cranes, mobile cranes, inspecting and maintaining cranes, and information sheets on various cranes.
- [Guide To Tower Cranes](https://essential.construction/files/information/guides/guide-to-tower-cranes.md?v=1700059082): This Guide provides information on siting, erecting and using tower cranes and self-erecting tower cranes in the workplace and supports the Guide for cranes.
- [Inspecting and Maintaining Elevating Work Platforms](https://essential.construction/files/information/guides/inspecting-and-maintaining-elevating-work-platforms.md?v=1626146366): Elevating work platforms (EWPs) can pose a number of work health and safety (WHS) risks. A preventative inspection, maintenance and testing program will help ensure an EWP is safe to use.
- [Construction Project Planner](https://essential.construction/files/pre-construction/project-planning/construction-project-planner.md?v=1728236399): Use this construction project planner to better and more efficiently organize your jobsite, all on one page.
- [Guide To Tunnelling](https://essential.construction/files/information/guides/guide-to-tunnelling.md?v=1627601229): This Guide provides practical guidance for a person conducting a business or undertaking and workers on managing health and safety risks associated with tunneling work.
- [Guide To Falsework](https://essential.construction/files/information/guides/guide-to-falsework.md?v=1626112789): This Guide provides information on the design, construction and dismantling of falsework.
- [Bluebeam PDF Title Block – ARCHE](https://essential.construction/files/design/autocad/bluebeam-pdf-title-block-arche.md?v=1743557455): Use this ARCHE title block in Bluebeam or Adobe to make your PDF files look professional.
- [Weekly Implementation Schedule](https://essential.construction/files/construction/scheduling/weekly-implementation-schedule.md?v=1622218285): This template will help you compare the actual accomplishment versus the target accomplishment for each week.
- [Suspended Ceiling Installation Productivity Monitoring Form](https://essential.construction/files/construction/scheduling/suspended-ceiling-installation-productivity-monitoring-form.md?v=1623633765): The Suspended Ceiling Installation Productivity Monitoring Form has been designed to standardize the monitoring of productivity for suspended ceiling installation.
- [Guide To Formwork](https://essential.construction/files/information/guides/guide-to-formwork-2.md?v=1627253718): This Guide provides information on designing, erecting, using and dismantling formwork.
- [Project Design Deliverables Matrix](https://essential.construction/files/design/project-design-deliverables-matrix.md?v=1743701259): Use this design deliverables matrix to effectively align your design team on your project.
- [Concrete Pouring Permit](https://essential.construction/files/construction/quality/concrete-pouring-permit.md?v=1793716667): This concrete pouring permit can be used to ensure that all concreting works are done in accordance with the approved plans and specification.
- [Wood Door Productivity Monitoring Form](https://essential.construction/files/construction/scheduling/wood-door-productivity-monitoring-form.md?v=1623633535): The Timber Door Productivity Monitoring Form has been designed to standardize the monitoring of productivity for timber door.