Managing Material Costs in a Volatile Market for Construction Success

In the past two years, construction material prices have surged by more than 40% in some categories, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Lumber, steel, and concrete — the backbone of most builds — have been hit by unpredictable supply chain disruptions, fuel cost hikes, and global inflation.

For contractors, developers, and procurement managers, managing material costs in a volatile market is no longer just a financial concern — it’s a survival strategy. Without proactive cost control, projects can spiral over budget before the first concrete pour.

In this guide, we’ll explore the root causes of cost volatility, proven strategies to mitigate risks, and how OConstruction’s integrated platform empowers you to stay ahead — even when prices swing wildly.

Why Cost Control is Critical Now

Why Managing Material Costs in a Volatile Market Matters

Price instability can turn profitable projects into financial drains. When material costs rise unexpectedly, profit margins shrink, payment terms get tighter, and delivery schedules can collapse.

Why companies must act now:

  • Market volatility is the new normal — Global supply chains remain fragile, and commodity prices are unpredictable.
  • Small delays can cause big cost spikes — Postponed orders often face higher rates or rush premiums.
  • Competition is fierce — Companies with better cost control win more bids.

Who benefits most from effective cost management?

  • Project managers need accurate budget forecasting.
  • Procurement teams are responsible for supplier negotiations.
  • Executives safeguarding profitability.

Real-world pain points:

  • Steel price jumps cause mid-project budget crises.
  • Shipping container shortages delay material deliveries by weeks.
  • Over-reliance on single suppliers leaves teams vulnerable to disruptions.

With OConstruction’s material cost tracking, supplier analytics, and forecasting tools, you can lock in pricing, spot risks early, and negotiate from a position of strength.

Best Practices for Managing Material Costs in a Volatile Market

1. Lock in Prices Early

Price guarantees and bulk purchasing agreements can protect against sudden cost hikes.

  • Negotiate contracts with clear escalation clauses.
  • Use OConstruction to track contract timelines and trigger renewal alerts before rates change.

2. Diversify Supplier Networks

Relying on a single source is risky in volatile markets.

  • Maintain relationships with multiple vetted suppliers.
  • Use supplier performance dashboards to compare delivery speed, reliability, and cost history.

3. Leverage Real-Time Data

Decisions made on outdated pricing data lead to overspending.

  • Integrate live market feeds into procurement planning.
  • OConstruction’s analytics help you spot trends before they impact your budget.

4. Optimize Inventory Management

Overstock ties up capital; understock causes delays.

  • Use just-in-time ordering for predictable items.
  • Employ demand forecasting features in OConstruction to balance supply and cash flow.

5. Standardize Materials Where Possible

Standardization simplifies procurement and increases bulk discount potential.

  • Replace multiple similar products with a single approved option.
  • Document standards in a central digital library accessible to all project teams.

6. Conduct Scenario Planning

Prepared teams can pivot faster when prices change.

  • Run “what-if” simulations for cost increases or delivery delays.
  • Align contingency plans with supplier capabilities.

7. Align Procurement and Project Schedules

When construction timelines and procurement aren’t in sync, costs climb.

  • Use OConstruction to link project milestones with order placement deadlines.
  • Avoid last-minute orders that attract premium pricing.

Customer Story: Turning Volatility into Opportunity

For example, Skyline Builders, a mid-sized commercial construction firm, faced soaring steel prices mid-way through a retail project. By using OConstruction’s supplier analytics and bulk procurement module, they acted fast:

  • Locked in pricing for the remaining steel requirements.
  • Shifted part of their order to a secondary supplier with surplus inventory.
  • Monitored delivery schedules through the platform to avoid idle crews.

The result? They saved 12% on projected steel costs and delivered the project two weeks ahead of schedule — turning what could have been a budget disaster into a competitive win.

Key Takeaways

Managing material costs in a volatile market isn’t about eliminating risk — it’s about controlling it with data, foresight, and flexibility.

In summary:

  • Act early — Secure prices before market swings.
  • Stay flexible — Keep multiple suppliers and backup plans ready.
  • Use data — Real-time insights beat guesswork.

By combining strategic procurement practices with OConstruction’s digital tools, you can safeguard budgets, strengthen supplier relationships, and keep projects moving despite market turbulence.

And remember — volatile markets reward the prepared, not the reactive.

Creating a Culture of Accountability in Construction Teams

In the construction industry, missed deadlines and miscommunication cost billions annually. A McKinsey report revealed that large projects typically run 80% over budget and 20 months behind schedule. What’s the common thread? A lack of accountability.

Construction accountability isn’t just a buzzword. It’s the backbone of trust, consistency, and performance on job sites. When teams take ownership, delays shrink, rework reduces, and safety improves. But creating that culture doesn’t happen by chance—it’s built intentionally.

In this blog, we’ll break down how to create a culture of accountability in construction teams, why it matters, and how platforms like OConstruction empower it with clarity, transparency, and digital oversight.

Accountability Builds Better Job Sites

Business Relevance & Why It Matters

Without accountability, even the best project plans fall apart. Construction is fast-moving, decentralized, and unpredictable. From the field to the back office, unclear roles or shifting responsibilities often create delays, disputes, and finger-pointing.

When construction accountability is embedded into your culture:

  • Team members own outcomes, not just tasks.
  • Foremen and PMs communicate proactively.
  • Mistakes turn into learning loops, not blame games.
  • Compliance and safety are easier to enforce.

Common Problems Due to Low Accountability:

  • “I thought they handled it” situations leading to missed inspections.
  • Repetitive rework from unclear instructions or ignored checklists.
  • Safety audits failed because logs were incomplete or falsified.

Who Benefits Most:

  • Project Managers: Stay on top of progress and team performance.
  • Site Supervisors: Gain visibility into who’s doing what.
  • Executives & Owners: Track results, not just hours.

Construction accountability, supported by digital tools, shifts teams from reactive to proactive. And that shift directly impacts your project timelines, budgets, and bottom line.

Best Practices, Frameworks, and Actionable Strategies

The Foundations of Construction Accountability

  • Set Clear Expectations from Day One

Start every project with crystal-clear roles, responsibilities, and deadlines. Don’t leave it to verbal agreements—document everything using digital project briefs or onboarding forms inside your platform.

  • Tie Tasks to Owners, Not Just Teams

Saying “the plumbing team will fix it” creates ambiguity. Assign tasks to individuals, not groups. Tools like OConstruction let you assign and monitor work down to the crew member level.

  • Use Checklists to Eliminate Assumptions

Standardized digital checklists ensure no critical step is skipped. You’ll also have proof of work, which is crucial for quality assurance and audits.

Do’s and Don’ts for Fostering Team Accountability

Do: Conduct Daily Standups

Short, focused meetings keep crews aligned and surface blockers early.

Don’t: Micromanage

Trust your teams to deliver. Use performance dashboards for insight, not control.

Do: Track Progress Visually

Use visual boards or Gantt views to keep stakeholders on the same page.

Don’t: Tolerate Blame Culture

Shift the tone from fault-finding to future-focused improvement.

Step-by-Step Framework for Building Accountability

Step 1: Create Role-Based Dashboards

Customize dashboards for each role—PMs, foremen, field workers—to see only what’s relevant. This removes clutter and sharpens focus.

Step 2: Integrate Digital Logs and Time Tracking

Daily logs build real-time accountability. With timestamped digital entries, everyone knows who was on-site, what was done, and what’s pending.

Step 3: Set SLAs for Internal Tasks

Service-level agreements aren’t just for vendors. Use them internally to define turnaround times for approvals, inspections, and handoffs.

Step 4: Reward and Recognize Ownership

Create incentive programs around reliability, timeliness, and collaboration. Celebrate accountability publicly in team huddles or platform leaderboards.

Customer Story / Use Case Example

For example, IronStone Builders, a mid-sized construction firm, used OConstruction’s task ownership tracking to assign clear deliverables to field supervisors.

Before the switch, delays in concrete pouring often stalled other crews. After implementing digital task assignments and daily log reviews:

  • Task rework dropped by 40%
  • Average project timeline reduced by 12 days
  • Team meetings became solution-focused, not reactive

Here’s how: supervisors received daily alerts for their assigned tasks, and checklists ensured no steps were skipped. PMs had real-time dashboards to course-correct instantly.

Key Takeaways & Closing Summary

Creating a culture of construction accountability is not about tightening the screws. It’s about giving teams the clarity, structure, and tools they need to take ownership confidently.

  • Clear expectations, checklists, and digital dashboards prevent miscommunication.
  • Role-based task tracking boosts individual ownership and accountability.
  • Real-time performance visibility allows faster interventions and smoother operations.
  • A shift in mindset — from “who’s to blame” to “how do we fix it”— builds long-term resilience.

By investing in the right processes and platforms like OConstruction, construction leaders can embed accountability into the DNA of every project — turning it into a competitive advantage.

Tools and Tactics for Workforce Scheduling in Construction

In construction, the difference between on-time delivery and costly overruns often boils down to one key factor: effective workforce scheduling. According to McKinsey, large construction projects typically take 20% longer to finish than scheduled and are up to 80% over budget. One of the silent culprits? Poor scheduling of labor.

With project complexity rising, site coordination becoming more fragmented, and skilled labor harder to find, workforce scheduling in construction is no longer an administrative task — it’s a strategic driver. In this blog, we’ll explore why getting workforce scheduling right is critical, common pitfalls, and modern tools and tactics (including OConstruction) that empower you to schedule smarter, faster, and more effectively.

Right Crew Right Place Right Time

Business Relevance: Why Workforce Scheduling in Construction Matters

Workforce scheduling in construction isn’t just about putting names on a calendar. It directly impacts:

  • Site productivity: Misaligned crews or delayed resources lead to idle time and wasted budgets.
  • Project profitability: Labor is one of the highest costs in construction. Better scheduling leads to higher utilization and less overtime.
  • Client satisfaction: Timely project delivery builds trust and boosts your company’s reputation.

Who Benefits the Most?

  • Project Managers: Gain clear visibility into crew allocation and avoid last-minute reshuffling.
  • Field Supervisors: Know who’s coming when and where — with real-time updates.
  • Contractors/Subcontractors: Improve labor efficiency and avoid resource clashes across projects.

Real-World Use Cases

  • Multi-site operations: Coordinating labor across 3+ sites with different timelines, climates, and contractor availability.
  • Weather delays: Reacting in real-time to reschedule crews due to unforeseen weather conditions.
  • Last-minute changes: Managing no-shows or urgent reassignments without breaking the entire workflow.

Without a streamlined digital approach, these scenarios result in delays, finger-pointing, and increased costs.

Tools, Tactics & Best Practices for Smarter Scheduling

1. Ditch the Spreadsheets

Stop using outdated Excel files and whiteboards. These lead to version control issues, manual errors, and communication gaps.

Do: Use a digital scheduling platform like OConstruction that offers real-time syncing and mobile access.

Don’t: Assume that one master sheet can handle multi-site, multi-crew complexity.

2. Use Role-Based Scheduling

Not all workers have the same skill sets. Role-based scheduling helps assign the right people to the right job.

Do: Categorize by certifications, skills, and availability.

Don’t: Assign workers based on seniority alone without assessing fit.

3. Integrate Resource Availability and Leave Management

Real-time availability prevents double booking and helps accommodate time-off requests without disrupting the timeline.

Do: Sync leave calendars with your scheduling tool.

Don’t: Assume manual updates will catch every conflict.

4. Visual Timelines & Gantt Charts

Construction timelines need visual clarity. Color-coded schedules help teams understand workload, gaps, and overlaps instantly.

Do: Create drag-and-drop crew plans using OConstruction’s Gantt chart.

Don’t: Expect field teams to interpret complicated, text-heavy schedules.

5. Enable Mobile Access

Workforce scheduling in construction is not just for the office. Your field teams need access on the go.

Do: Equip crew leads with mobile apps to view and confirm their daily tasks.

Don’t: Rely on office-to-site phone calls or printed schedules.

6. Real-Time Alerts and Notifications

Let tech do the reminding.

Do: Use auto-alerts for shift changes, location changes, and urgent reassignments.

Don’t: Depend solely on human follow-ups for critical updates.

7. Track Performance and Adjust

Use analytics to understand how your team is performing and what needs to change.

Do: Monitor metrics like workforce utilization, attendance, and task completion rates.

Don’t: Wait until the project closes to review what went wrong.

Customer Use Case

For example, SkyBuild Inc., a mid-sized commercial contractor, used OConstruction’s smart workforce scheduling module to streamline its crew allocation across six active sites. The result? A 23% boost in workforce utilization and a 15% reduction in project delays within just 60 days.

Here’s how: They switched from static spreadsheets to OConstruction’s dynamic scheduling dashboard, integrated labor availability with leave tracking, and empowered site leads with mobile apps for daily scheduling.

Key Takeaways & Summary

Workforce scheduling in construction is the engine behind timely project delivery and team productivity. From reducing idle labor to optimizing crew assignments, smart scheduling pays off across the board.

The best part? With modern platforms like OConstruction, construction leaders can move away from reactive scheduling and adopt a proactive, data-driven approach that scales.

Don’t let outdated methods slow your projects down. Modernize your workforce planning and start seeing the results on-site and on paper.

What to Include in Your Construction Daily Logs and Why They Matter?

Construction sites are bustling hubs of activity — crews moving, machines running, materials arriving. Amid this flurry, details get lost. And when disputes arise, missing data becomes expensive.

Construction daily logs are your safety net — and your strategic edge. They’re not just paperwork; they’re your timeline, proof, and project compass.

In this blog, we’ll break down exactly what to include in construction daily logs, why it’s crucial for operational success, and how digital tools like OConstruction’s project platform can make the process seamless and future-proof. If you’re in construction management, site supervision, or back-office coordination, this guide is for you.

9 Essentials for a Complete Daily Log

Why Construction Daily Logs Matter More Than Ever

The Business Case: Compliance, Clarity, and Control
In construction, the gap between what was planned and what actually happened can cost millions. That’s where construction daily logs step in. They help businesses:

  • Document everything – from crew activities to delivery delays
  • Defend against legal claims and change orders
  • Keep all stakeholders aligned in real time

According to a McKinsey & Co. report, poor communication and lack of documentation are key contributors to construction project failures, costing the industry over $1.6 trillion annually.

Who Benefits?

  • Project Managers: Track daily progress, weather delays, labor use
  • Site Supervisors: Record field issues as they happen
  • Owners/Clients: Gain transparency and confidence
  • Finance Teams: Back up change orders and cost escalations

Real-World Pain Points

  • Delayed inspections due to incomplete logs
  • Contract disputes where verbal agreements lacked documentation
  • Missed deadlines from misaligned subcontractor schedules

With a digital platform like OConstruction, daily logs become structured, searchable, and sharable — helping you get ahead of problems before they escalate.

What to Include in a Construction Daily Log (and How to Do It Right)

A complete, consistent daily log captures the pulse of your project. Here’s what it should include and best practices to follow.

Project Details

  • Include date, job number, and project name.
  • Helps with sorting and future reference.

Weather Conditions

  • Note temperature, precipitation, and conditions (e.g., muddy, windy).
  • Critical for explaining delays or safety hazards.

Crew & Labor Report

  • Who was onsite, for how long, and what tasks were completed.
  • Include subcontractors and headcounts.

Equipment Usage

  • Record machinery used, breakdowns, idle time.
  • Justifies rental costs or performance dips.

Material Deliveries

  • What materials arrived, in what quantity, and when.
  • Helps validate invoices and progress payments.

Work Performed

  • Summarize tasks completed, started, or delayed.
  • Add images or notes for extra clarity.

Inspections & Visitors

  • Document any client visits, compliance checks, or city inspector walkthroughs.
  • Shows your team is audit-ready.

Delays, Disruptions, or Incidents

  • Capture safety events, delays, or weather interruptions.
  • Include photos and staff comments.

Signature or Approval

  • Digital sign-off by the site supervisor or PM.
  • Adds accountability and trust.

Best Practices for Better Logs

Do:

  • Use mobile access to update logs from the field in real time
  • Add photos or video clips for visual proof
  • Standardize with log templates to ensure consistency
  • Time-stamp entries to avoid future disputes
  • Store logs in a central cloud repository for team access

Don’t:

  • Rely on handwritten notes that can be lost or unreadable
  • Leave out weather or crew details — they’re critical in legal claims
  • Delay logging until the end of the week (or worse, end of project)
  • Assume someone else is tracking it — assign clear ownership

Framework: The OConstruction Way

Using OConstruction, your daily log workflow becomes a repeatable, digital-first process:

  • Log Template: Auto-filled with project basics
  • Onsite Capture: Site supervisors log entries via mobile or tablet
  • Smart Suggestions: AI suggests recurring activities based on history
  • Real-Time Sync: Logs sync with the central dashboard instantly
  • Audit Trail: Version history and sign-offs ensure accuracy and compliance
  • Report Generation: One-click PDF exports for clients or inspectors

Use Case: From Paper Chaos to Digital Clarity

For example, BuildCore Solutions, a mid-size general contractor, used OConstruction’s Daily Log module to replace paper forms on 5 active sites.

Within two months, they reduced documentation errors by 65%, improved subcontractor coordination, and had digital evidence to support 3 weather-related change orders — avoiding $150K in potential losses.

“Having all our site logs in one place — searchable, timestamped, and backed by photos — gave us control we never had before,” says their Project Lead.

Cut Construction Costs with Smarter Project Management Software

In the construction industry, controlling costs is one of the biggest challenges. Material prices fluctuate, labor overruns happen, and delays on-site can quickly turn into budget disasters. But what if you could reduce these issues with a single tool?

That’s where smart project management software like OConstruction steps in—giving you the visibility, control, and real-time collaboration your construction projects need to stay on time and under budget.

Why Construction Projects Go Over Budget

Before we dive into the solution, let’s look at the most common reasons construction costs spiral out of control:

  • Poor scheduling and miscommunication
  • Inefficient use of labor and equipment
  • Lack of real-time updates on-site
  • Missed deadlines and overtime costs
  • Manual data entry and paperwork delays

All of these are avoidable—with the right tools in place.

How OConstruction Helps You Cut Costs

OConstruction is an all-in-one construction project management software designed specifically to reduce waste, improve accountability, and maximize your project ROI.

Here’s how it helps:

1. Real-Time Budget Tracking

Monitor project costs as they happen. Get instant updates on labor, materials, and subcontractor expenses so you can take immediate action before the budget slips.

2. Smarter Scheduling

Assign tasks, set dependencies, and track milestones all in one place. With automated notifications and calendar views, your team stays aligned-and your timelines stay on track.

3. Field-to-Office Communication

Whether your teams are on-site or in the office, OConstruction keeps everyone connected. Say goodbye to delayed updates or missed approvals that lead to costly errors.

4. Document & Resource Management

No more lost files or outdated spreadsheets. Store drawings, contracts, purchase orders, and daily logs in the cloud-accessible anytime from any device.

5. Subcontractor Coordination

Easily assign and monitor subcontractor tasks, track deliverables, and hold vendors accountable with shared timelines and clear scopes of work.

Real-World Benefits You Can Expect

  • Faster Project Completion
  • Lower Labor Costs
  • Fewer Cost Overruns
  •  Improved Resource Allocation
  • Less Administrative Overhead

Contractors using smart software report savings of up to 20% in overall project costs, simply by improving communication, planning, and tracking.

Start Saving Today with OConstruction.

If you’re still managing construction projects with spreadsheets, whiteboards, and endless WhatsApp groups—it’s time for an upgrade.

OConstruction gives you the tools to run your projects smarter, faster, and more profitably. From the first estimate to final handover, everything stays organized, visible, and efficient.

Start your journey to cost-effective construction today. Visit OConstruction.io

Final Thoughts

Cutting construction costs isn’t just about buying cheaper materials or hiring less labor. It’s about improving how you manage your projects—from planning to execution. With OConstruction, you’re not just saving money—you’re building smarter.

Gantt Charts in Construction: Why They’re Still Relevant

Despite the surge of advanced AI-driven scheduling tools and live dashboards, Gantt charts in construction remain a cornerstone of project management. Why? Because construction is more intricate, deadline-driven, and team-dependent than ever before.

Every team needs a visual and reliable roadmap that brings clarity to the chaos, from project managers and subcontractors to site supervisors and procurement officers. This is where Gantt charts continue to shine.

Why Gantt Charts Still Matter in Construction

Construction is not just about bricks and concrete—it’s about precision planning, coordination, and communication. A single scheduling misstep can cause ripple effects that delay inspections, exceed budgets, or stall final delivery.
Here’s how Gantt charts in construction offer critical value:

Gantt Charts in Construction

1. Track Dependencies Across Subcontractors

In a construction project, workstreams are tightly connected. Plumbing must be completed before walls are closed. Electrical systems may need to be coordinated with HVAC layouts.

Gantt charts help teams visualize and manage these dependencies—if Task A is delayed, you immediately see how Task B is affected. This preemptive visibility is vital for planning contingencies.

2. Identify Project Bottlenecks Early

As the chart progresses, you can pinpoint lagging tasks before they become full-blown roadblocks. For example, a delayed steel delivery in the foundation phase will affect structural framing and roofing. Gantt charts enable you to identify those early warning signs and make adjustments in real-time.

3. Keep All Stakeholders Aligned

When different teams—from architects to subcontractors—work off the same chart, everyone understands what’s happening and when. This unified view reduces miscommunication and avoids scope creep.

Who Benefits Most from Gantt Charts?

Project Managers

They oversee everything from timelines to team coordination. Gantt charts help them:

  • Visualize overlapping tasks
  • Track milestones
  • Adjust schedules on the fly

Site Supervisors

Working in the field, they need clear, day-to-day task breakdowns. Gantt charts:

  • Show what needs to happen today, tomorrow, or next week
  • Improve coordination between field teams

Procurement Teams

Timing material delivery is critical. Gantt charts let them:

  • Schedule deliveries aligned with task progress
  • Avoid storage or material wastage

Real-World Example: Coordinating Complex Trades

Imagine a multi-story commercial project with concurrent plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work. Gantt charts allow managers to sequence tasks precisely so that the plumbing team completes their install before HVAC ducts are installed, avoiding rework or clashes.

Without this planning, teams step on each other’s toes, leading to delays, friction, and budget overshoots.

Best Practices for Using Gantt Charts in Construction

DOs:

  • Use Dependencies Wisely: Link tasks based on logical, real-world sequences. If one activity slips, the dependent tasks should automatically adjust.
  • Break Down Phases: Don’t lump the entire project into a single line. Divide it into logical segments: design, permitting, site prep, foundation, structure, MEP, interiors, inspections, and handover.
  • Update Frequently: Treat your Gantt chart as a live document. Weekly or daily updates ensure it reflects the real-time site status, not just the plan.

DON’T:

  • Overcomplicate It: Don’t try to document every micro-task. Focus on deliverables and milestones to keep things clean and readable.
  • Use Static Formats: Avoid spreadsheets or printed charts. They become outdated quickly. Use digital, interactive platforms.
  • Work in Isolation: Don’t keep the chart limited to a few managers. Make sure it’s accessible and collaborative for the entire team.

What OConstruction’s Gantt Chart Feature Brings to the Table

OConstruction amplifies the power of Gantt charts with purpose-built features for modern construction workflows:

  • Drag-and-Drop Scheduling: Adjust tasks easily to reflect real-world changes on site.
  • Color-Coded Status: Visual cues show task health—green for done, yellow for pending, red for delays.
  • Real-Time Syncing: Updates from field engineers or subcontractors automatically update the chart.
  • Forecasting: Identify tasks at risk of delay with trend analysis and alert mechanisms.
  • Integrated Documents: Link each task with blueprints, contracts, or RFIs for quick reference.

A Simple Framework to Build Gantt Charts

Here’s how to get started:

  • List Major Phases: Design, site clearance, structural work, MEP, finishing, and handover.
  • Break Into Tasks: Under each phase, define key deliverables (e.g., concrete pour, steel delivery, plumbing inspection).
  • Assign Durations and Owners: Estimate how long each task takes and who’s responsible.
  • Map Dependencies: Connect the tasks that rely on one another.
  • Collaborate: Share with teams and adjust based on their feedback.
  • Publish and Track: Keep the chart open and updated throughout the build.

Customer Story

Build Rite Constructions, a mid-size commercial builder, implemented OConstruction’s Gantt chart feature across five simultaneous projects. The result?

  • 28% reduction in schedule overruns
  • Improved vendor coordination
  • Fewer site clashes between trades
  • Real-time timeline visibility for both on-site teams and HQ

Their secret? They used Gantt charts not just for planning, but for active coordination and adjustment.

Final Thoughts

Gantt charts in construction aren’t just old-school charts—they’re dynamic tools that drive clarity and performance. In today’s fast-moving, multi-stakeholder projects, they provide the structure teams need to stay on track.

With modern tools like OConstruction, Gantt charts become a live, interactive command center for your entire project.

Don’t manage construction chaos. Plan around it—with a Gantt chart that evolves as your project does.