How to Make Gantt Chart for Interior Design Project
Good morning, dear friends! In this post I want to share with you how to make a Gantt chart for an interior design project using web application called Smartsheet.
First of all, what is a Gantt chart and why do we need it for an interior design project?
A Gantt chart is a type of chart, adapted by Henry Gantt in the 1910s, that illustrates a project schedule. Gantt charts illustrate the start and finish dates of the terminal elements and summary elements of a project. (Source)
Why do we need it?
1) It gives a clear understanding to the client about how long each step of interior design/construction works will take, which will allow avoiding misunderstandings and frustration, when any of the steps will take longer than what they imagined/expected
2) It disciplines the work of builders and will refrain any delays in work, since the Gantt chart is discussed and confirmed with contractors before the work starts
3) It creates a clear algorithm of works, which may prevent many costly mistakes, e.g. delay of delivery of materials
Gantt charts can be created using various tools, some of the most common are Excel and Omniplan. I create mine using online app called Smartsheet – it is super easy to learn, there are many youtube tutorials on their website and the most amazing thing is that you can easily share it with all people, who are involved in the project.
Steps:
1) On the left side of spreadsheet in the “Task name” column write a list of all steps of interior design project and construction works in the order they will be implemented. If you are not about subsequence, e.g. “what will be done first, floors or ceiling?” – verify this information from your contractors.
2) Timetable should cover the briefing, appointing other professionals and contractors (including obtaining estimate from them), your time spent on sourcing, preparing visuals and technical drawings, sample boards, furniture layouts, steps of structural/building work (floor laying, decoration, furniture positioning, curtain hanging).
3) Do the necessary research for the likely timescales for the various parts of the job and base your timetable based on that research.
4) Include provisional dates and duration in the columns “Start date”, “End date”, “Duration”.
5) On the right side of spreadsheet create dependencies – links that specify the dependencies between the project tasks, e.g. plastering walls can’t be started before the cement flooring is done and completely dry. To create dependencies make sure that they are enabled in the “Project settings” and then simply left click on the task box and drag it to the one it is dependent to.
6) Using the toolbar on the left side of the chart you can send the timetable via email, export it to Excel, PDG or PNG. You can also add comments and discussions to any step of the project, set reminders or attach files to it.
In conclusion, I want to say that it is a super cool application I highly recommend to use to all interior designers, architects and project managers.
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