How to Deal With Home Construction Delays

A home construction delay can be incredibly frustrating. You may be in between houses and anxious to get into your new home. The last thing you want is to hear that construction has unexpectedly been put on hold.

To get back on track and not lose your sanity, follow these seven tips:

1. Call your contractor 

The first thing you should do is call your contractor to find out what the hold-up is. If possible, meet them in person at the construction site so they can show you exactly what’s going on.

Try to remain calm and do your best to understand the issue at hand. Some common causes for construction delays include supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, weather-related setbacks, and permit or inspection delays.

2. Get an updated timeline

Next, get an updated construction timeline so you can reset your expectations. From there, you can figure out how the delay might impact other things, like the sale of your old home or your mortgage. Let the relevant stakeholders know about the construction delay. 

Also, be sure to pad the updated schedule with extra time. Leave some wiggle room in case of further delays. A single delay in a tight schedule can create a domino effect that impacts other moving parts of the project. So be realistic.

3. Create a check-in plan

Instead of waiting to be informed about construction delays, create a plan to regularly check in with your contractor to get progress updates. This helps you maintain an open line of communication and stay on top of schedule changes. 

4. Discuss how you’ll deal with future delays

To minimize future disruptions, discuss with your contractor how construction delays will be handled moving forward. At a minimum, you should have a contingency plan. This can give you greater sense of control when things go wrong.

Take time to define your expectations, and be realistic. Sometimes things happen, such as poor weather that’s out of the construction company’s control. But you can still make a plan to react strategically. For example, you might budget for unforeseen costs, such as temporary accommodation and storage fees, so that you have a financial buffer.

5. Check your contract

Review exactly what your contract with the construction company says about how delays will be handled and who will cover the resulting costs. Some delays are to be expected, but a good contract will protect you against major delays.

6. Speak to a lawyer

If you’re not getting anywhere with your contractor or the delays become excessive, contact a reputable construction lawyer. They can help you navigate the complex legal world of construction law. If the construction company violated their end of the agreement, a lawyer may help you sue the company to get your money back.

7. Partner with the right contractor

Ultimately, there’s no better way to minimize construction delays than to pick the right contractor in the first place. This can save you a lot of headaches and money. 

So make sure you properly vet construction companies and any contractors they hire to ensure they are adequate for the job. This means they should have good references and positive reviews and ratings online. 

After that, all you can do is be patient and trust the building process, which is made up of many moving parts. Some delays are bound to happen, but if you prepare for them appropriately, they don’t have to be as disruptive as they would otherwise be. 

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