In construction and remodeling, time isn’t just money, it’s everything. It dictates project efficiency, client satisfaction, and, ultimately, profitability. Yet, one of the biggest challenges we face as small residential builders and contractors is figuring out exactly how much time each trade takes and how to use that info to our advantage.

I’ve seen it firsthand with TRG Home Concepts and in conversations with builders across the country. Tracking trade-specific time leads to better planning, less wasted effort, and a healthier bottom line. So, the real question is, how are you keeping tabs on this in your own business?

Why Tracking Trade Time Actually Matters

A huge mistake contractors make is underestimating how long certain tasks take. That leads to bad scheduling, cost overruns, and profit margins getting squeezed. Whether it’s framing, drywall, or finish work, if you’re not tracking real labor values, you’re setting yourself up for poor job cost estimates, trades stepping on each other because the schedule wasn’t realistic, bottlenecks that slow everything down, and inefficient job sites that waste time and money

Projects don’t just magically run smoothly, they’re planned to run smoothly. And that planning starts with knowing exactly how long each trade needs to get their work done, so you can build a schedule that actually works and avoid unnecessary delays.

How to Track and Quantify Time for Each Trade

1. Establishing Baselines with Historical Data

If you’ve been in business for a while, your past projects already hold the data you need. Look back and compare estimated vs. actual labor hours, see which trades regularly meet expectations, and identify any consistent slowdowns or overruns.

If you’re newer to this, start tracking real-time job site data now so you can build benchmarks for future projects. The sooner you start, the better your estimates will get.

2. Using Digital Tools to Track Time

Gut feelings only get you so far. There are plenty of tools out there that make tracking trade time easy. Some popular options include online software like Buildertrend. These let you log trade hours and compare them to your project estimates. You can also use spreadsheets, time tracking apps, or self-created systems to track time. Whatever you are using, you must remain diligent and consistent.

3. Setting Time Benchmarks for Trades

Once you’ve got enough data, start setting realistic time benchmarks for different types of work. For example:

- Framing a 2,000 sq. ft. home should take X crew members Y hours

- Drywall installation per square foot should take approximately Z time

- Trim and finish carpentry should take a predictable range based on previous jobs

Having benchmarks means you can estimate labor more accurately and set clear expectations with your trades before they even start. You must remember that money is made on the back-end management of a project, so not only do you have to set the expectation, but you must manage the work put in place to align.

Running a More Efficient Job Site

1. Reducing Downtime by Planning Better

One of the biggest time-wasters on a job site is bad sequencing. If a trade is standing around waiting for another to finish, you’re losing money.

To avoid this, make sure materials are on-site before crews arrive, stagger trades properly so they’re not working on top of each other, and use preconstruction planning to eliminate scheduling conflicts.

For example, don’t schedule electricians before framing is done. That’s a surefire way to burn time and money. Set clear milestones for when each trade can start, and you’ll avoid a lot of headaches.

2. Setting Clear Time Expectations with Trades

Subs run on their own schedules unless you make it crystal clear when they’re expected to be in and out. Some ways to do this:

- Write it down: Every trade should have a documented scope with a start and end date.

- Check in daily: Quick site visits or calls keep everyone on track.

- Hold trades accountable: If a crew consistently runs over, you either need to adjust your schedule or find a more efficient trade partner.

The more precise you are about when each trade needs to start and finish, the smoother everything will run.

Using Time Data to Boost Profitability

Once you start tracking trade hours, you can turn that data into profit.

- More accurate time estimates mean fewer surprises in your bids.

- Knowing which trades tend to run over lets you adjust schedules proactively instead of reacting to delays.

- If a crew is always slower than expected, it might be time to reevaluate pricing or find a better trade partner.

Final Thoughts

Understanding and executing time management in construction isn’t about rushing through work, it’s about working smarter. If you start tracking trade-specific time, set benchmarks, and hold trades accountable, your projects will run smoother, your estimates will be tighter, and your profits will go up.