Erection Sequence Planning: Working Backwards from Dry-In

Published March 24, 2026 by MVP Pro Timber

A builder’s guide to planning timber frame erection. Work backwards from dry-in to coordinate foundation readiness, crane access, delivery staging, and crew scheduling to avoid schedule delays.

In timber frame construction, the schedule is everything. You have a crane arriving, a delivery truck in transit, and a framing crew waiting. If your erection sequence isn't planned backwards from your dry-in date, you are not building — you are just reacting. ## The Dry-In Goal Everything in your timber frame erection plan must be tied to the date you achieve dry-in. Dry-in is when the SIPs panels are installed, the house wrap is on, and the roof is protected. Why? Because timber frames cannot sit exposed to the elements for weeks. If you miss your dry-in window, your exposed timbers will stain, warp, or crack, and your schedule will slide into a mud-season disaster. ## Backwards Planning for Crane Week Start with your dry-in target and work backwards in one-week increments: - **Target Dry-In:** The date the building is fully sealed. - **-1 Week:** SIPs installation complete (envelope phase). - **-2 Weeks:** Full timber erection complete (crane phase + structural bracing). - **-3 Weeks:** Site prep, base plates set, and foundation final survey check. - **-4 Weeks:** Timber package delivery, site access for crane, and crew staging. ## Critical Coordination Points **1. The Crane Reach Check** Before you stage your timber, verify the crane’s reach radius. If the crane cannot reach the furthest corner of the foundation from the staging area, your erection sequence will fail. Plan the timber delivery order so the frame elements needed last are on the truck first — or ensure your staging area has room for the entire package. **2. The "First In, Last Out" Problem** You need your foundation anchor bolts and base plates delivered first. You need your ridge beam and roof rafters delivered last. If your supplier’s delivery truck is loaded by weight or ease of packing rather than erection sequence, your crew will spend the first two days of crane rental reorganizing the site. Confirm the loading sequence with your supplier 14 days before delivery. **3. The Crew Staging Area** You need a clear, flat, dry staging area for the timber package. If your crew is dragging timbers through mud or snow to reach the crane, you lose time and quality. If your site is tight, your erection sequence must be aggressive — you might need to erect the frame directly from the delivery truck, which requires precise coordination between the truck driver, the crane operator, and your crew. **4. Permit Buffer for Crane Access** Street closures, crane permits, and traffic control plans take time. If your crane can't get on-site because the permit wasn't approved, your timber frame erection doesn't happen. Treat your crane access permit as a high-priority dependency, just like your foundation inspection. ## Field Verification Checklist - [ ] **Foundation check:** Verify anchor bolt placement and foundation level ±1/4 inch before timber arrives. - [ ] **Access plan:** Is the crane route from the street to the staging area clear of power lines? - [ ] **Delivery plan:** Does the delivery