Setting Up and Tracking Project Milestones
Milestones are the backbone of project management on Bidroom. They define the key phases of your construction project, trigger payment releases from escrow, and provide a framework for measuring progress. Well-defined milestones protect both property owners and contractors by creating clear, agreed-upon checkpoints throughout the project lifecycle.
What Makes a Good Milestone
- Specific and Measurable — Define exactly what work must be completed, not vague descriptions like "some progress made."
- Verifiable — Include clear criteria for what constitutes completion, such as passing an inspection or completing a specific installation.
- Logically Sequenced — Order milestones based on actual construction dependencies (foundation before framing, rough-in before drywall).
- Appropriately Sized — Each milestone should represent 2-4 weeks of work. Too large means delayed payments; too small creates excessive administrative overhead.
Creating Milestones
- Navigate to your project and tap the "Milestones" tab.
- Tap "Add Milestone" to create a new milestone entry.
- Enter the milestone name, detailed description of deliverables, and completion criteria.
- Set the budget allocation as a percentage or fixed amount of the total project budget.
- Set the expected start and completion dates.
- Add any required documentation such as inspection reports, photos, or permits needed for approval.
- Repeat for each phase of the project until all milestones are defined.
Typical Milestone Structure
| Phase | Typical Budget % | Approval Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition & Site Prep | 5-10% | Area cleared, debris removed, site protected |
| Foundation & Structural | 15-20% | Foundation inspection passed, framing complete |
| Rough-In (MEP) | 20-25% | Mechanical, electrical, plumbing rough-in inspections passed |
| Insulation & Drywall | 10-15% | Insulation inspection passed, drywall hung and finished |
| Finishes & Fixtures | 20-25% | Flooring, paint, fixtures, and hardware installed |
| Final Completion | 10-15% | Final inspection passed, punch list completed, certificate of occupancy |
Tracking Progress
Each milestone shows its current status on the project timeline. Contractors submit milestone completion requests with photos and documentation. Property owners review submissions and either approve (triggering escrow payment release) or request modifications with specific feedback. The AI Progress Reports feature provides automated analysis of milestone completion rates and identifies potential schedule risks.