A Mixed Methods Study Regarding Schedule Compression and Out-of-Sequence Construction for Electrical Contractors

10 pages•Published: June 2, 2026

Timothy Becker, Vasanti Kadu, Giovanni Garcia, Matthew Saegert and Mark Federle

Abstract

Electrical contractors are critical trade partners for construction projects, increasingly so with the electrification of transportation infrastructure, the proliferation of smart building technology, and the enormity of under-construction data centers. Profitable production by electrical contractors is challenged by schedule compression and out-of-sequence construction with 123 electrical contractors reporting that more than 60% of their projects incurred significant cost impacts due to these types of schedule change between 2020 to 2023. In the current market, electrical contractors are pushed to complete projects of increasing complexity within aggressive - commonly unrealistic - timeframes. Despite these operational demands, electrical contractors strive to maintain relationships of value and trust with their general contractor and owner clients. This research investigates and summarizes causes, implications and other topics related to third party-caused changes onto electrical contractors in their planned production. This research shares insights to support electrical contractors in identifying and mitigating the impacts of schedule change. This research uniquely provides data sourced from electrical contracting subject matter experts.

Keyphrases: electrical construction, out of sequence construction, project scheduling, schedule compression

In: Wesley Collins, Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference, vol 7, pages 891-900.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/77kz
	https://doi.org/10.29007/4dhw

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2026:Mixed_Methods_Study_Regarding,
  author    = {Timothy Becker and Vasanti Kadu and Giovanni Garcia and Matthew Saegert and Mark Federle},
  title     = {A Mixed Methods Study Regarding Schedule Compression and Out-of-Sequence Construction for Electrical Contractors},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference},
  editor    = {Wesley Collins and Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {7},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/77kz},
  doi       = {10.29007/4dhw},
  pages     = {891-900},
  year      = {2026}}

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