Most Common Delays in Renovation Projects and How to Avoid Them

Renovation delays happen. Even when you’re working with a reputable and ethical contractor, construction delays can occur for reasons outside your builder and designer’s control. Knowing the common reasons for these remodeling delays can help you anticipate potential problems, and may even help you avoid preventable delays. Some construction delays can cost money, so it’s important to be aware of these potential problems before they become an issue.

Weather and Environment

Some construction activities are affected by weather while others are not. Rain and cold temperatures can delay some outdoor activities, such as painting and some roof work. Some times of year are more susceptible to weather delays than others.

Your contractor should communicate with you about the likelihood of a weather-related delay, and what they plan to do if a delay occurs. If it doesn’t come up, ask your contractor before the work begins.

DIY Errors

Sometimes homeowners perform their own remodels – and then make mistakes that later need to be corrected. You may have done this to your own home, or a previous homeowner may have done this before you. Either way, this kind of damage could require your contractor to make repairs before starting work of their own.  

Pre-Existing Conditions

Leaks, wood rot, mold, and even foundation problems can go undetected for years until your contractor starts demolition for a home improvement project. Often, there’s no way to know what kind of pre-existing conditions could be waiting to be discovered under the floor or in the walls of your home. If this kind of problem is discovered during your home improvement project, there may be costs associated with the repair, and renovation delays are likely.

Permit Delays

Permitting takes time, and when permitting offices are overwhelmed with permit requests, permitting delays can be longer than expected. Permitting delays can occur because of current events in your area. For example, if wildfires burned homes in your area over the summer, permitting offices may be flooded with permit requests to rebuild homes several months after the event. Your architectural designer may have a sense of the kind of delays you can expect from your permitting office, so ask about it when you’re planning your project.

Inexperienced Contractors

Inexperienced contractors are more likely to make mistakes, which can slow progress and drag out construction. Sometimes inexperienced contractors also use inefficient tools and processes to perform work. It’s tempting to hire an inexperienced contractor because they charge less than long-standing, successful contractors – but often, this saves little money.

COVID-Related Supply Chain Delays

COVID-19 has affected construction in some unexpected ways. Factory shutdowns have caused disruptions in the supply chain, which can cause delays in material supplies weeks or months after the fact. In addition, increased demand for some materials has put even more stress on the supply chain.

At this time, composite decking is available in limited colors and can take longer than normal to deliver. Garage doors of some types and models can take a long time to arrive after ordering. Other materials, like cabinets and tiles, could also be impacted. 

What You Can Do to Avoid Renovation Delays

Although some remodeling delays are inevitable, there may be some things you can do to keep your home improvement project moving along.

• Plan in advance to get material supply orders placed as quickly as possible.
• Leave money in your budget for unexpected costs from pre-existing conditions as they are discovered.
• Work with an experienced contractor and designer who knows how to work efficiently.

For more information about how you can avoid renovation delays in your home improvement, remodeling, home addition or ADU project, or to get started with your upcoming home renovation, contact Drafting Cafe.