Software / Template for Construction Schedule & Cost Control

Hello everyone,

before I start the effort myself and do something with Excel – I’m certainly not the first person to plan and build a house (as an amateur!) – I’d like to ask around if anyone has a recommendation or template for a construction schedule and cost control?

I was thinking of something like the attachments. I’m grateful for any advice. How did you do it?
I would also be willing to spend money on software, but not more than €100...

Greetings and Happy New Year to everyone already!

Excel is your friend. Otherwise, expect delays. Its hademade Baby

That deserves a like because "It's Hand Made, Baby" is already a cool saying

I took over the cost compilation from the architect and then put it into Excel. Made very simply:
1. Workbook for recording incoming invoices - line by line the receipts, columns: date, who, for what, how much, due, paid amount, payment date - total view above the actual table, I don't like scrolling down and set a filter.
2. Workbook with trade offer sums - columns: who, for what, how much and assigned the sums from workbook 1 via a small query, then a delta view.
Doesn't control anything, but creates some overview.

For the construction times, I created a simple calendar, which proved better than the more complex (later abandoned) Excel with bar display and deadline warning in case of delays. MS Project would have worked too.

The actual documentation I also entered into my database (like all other receipts). I use Ninox, which I handle well and don’t need intimate database knowledge for.

Whether it works depends less on the tool than on disciplined data entry. The tool only creates views and comfort. Basically, a notebook, pen, and file folder would do as well.
Just like always.

I strongly advise against ready-made software. They can do far too much and what you really want is missing, or you don’t know how to do it with them. Instead, you waste time learning some nonsense.

I use the following system:
- Excel sheets for finances, invoices, cost overview
- Digital calendar for all appointments
- Digital address book with contacts
- Scan of all documents as PDF
- Clipboards by topic with todos and other documents needed on the construction site.

I synchronize calendar, contacts, and documents via Nextcloud on all devices, so that I always have everything ready on the go, at home, especially at work, and via the cloud on every PC. Properly inputting contacts, documents, etc. is time-consuming and takes some getting used to at first, but it’s worth it. This way, I am fully ready to work at home, on the go, on the construction site, and especially at the workplace.

([Leider lohnt das beste System nicht, wenn die Handwerker einfach nicht zurückrufen oder man x Wochen auf ein Angebot warten soll. ])

I have created an Excel spreadsheet where I list all items. This way, I always have an overview of my costs and also which items I have already paid or still need to present to the bank (I am currently still in the phase where I have to use up equity before the loan is disbursed).
I have stored this Excel file in a OneNote notebook.
The OneNote notebook then contains further notes, sketches, ideas, construction drawings, etc.

The OneNote notebook is linked to my Microsoft account, so I always have the notebook synchronized with my desktop PC.

I scan documents as PDFs and store them in my DMS system. I have been doing this for quite some time. I use bitfarm Archiv as my DMS.

Since we are building with a general contractor, I do not need project planning. Appointments etc. I manage via calendar. Sync is done via MyPhoneExplorer between Android phone and MS Outlook.